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The boy scouts are celebrating their 100th anniversay next year. Rightfully so – this organization has produced many great Americans. But the history of the organization's early years is VERY sketchy. How do we explain a picture dated 1908 of a Boy Scout Troop in downtown Monterey California. Boy scouts may have started earlier and the true American founder lost to history. I have found records that indicate the possibility, after meeting Lord Baden-Powell while stationed in England, that an American officer, Robert Lee Bullard Birth: Jan. 5, 1861 Death: Sep. 11, 1947 United States Army General. A 1885 graduate of the United States Military Acdemy, he fought as a volunteer in the Spanish-American War, the Philippine Insurrection, and on the Mexican Border. After the United States entered World War I, he was given command of the 1st Infantry Division, known as the “Big Red One”. He led the division in the capture of Cantigny, which was the first independent American action of the war. Performed outstanding service in the rest of the war, rose to Lieutenant General, and was given command of the American Second Army.It is very likely after leaving the Philippines and being assigned to the Presidio of Monterey this man started Boy Scout Troop 1 – the troop in the 1908 photograph. Aside from his legacy as a significant military figure in our history, his legacy may be much larger if anybody could find his connection to Boy Scout Troop 1 in Monterey.
1910 is generally seen as the birth of the Boys Scouts of America. Not to say that there weren't troops formed prior to then, but that's the recognized founding of the national organization. The National Jamboree scheduled for late July 2010 at Fort AP Hill promises to be quite an event. My local troop (Troop 1910, by the way) has big plans to attend. Of course, anything that BSA National touches, it'll be expensive. Anyone else going to be there?
I will be taking our Troop to Philmont. There are a couple of boys going to the Nat'l jamboree as council contingents. I'm probably missing some fun, but I also love Philmont.Our troop, Troop 90 in Pacific Grove CA can trace its roots to Troop 1, supposedly started in 1908 by then Colonel Bullard. A letter to national in the 1960s from our council office was trying to make the link based on General Bullard's widow's statement. No paperwork other than the voice of a widow. We may never know for sure, but if you believe what the widow supposedly said, Troop 1 moved across town and became Troop 90. Have fun at the Nat'l Jamboree.
