Old Guard (New York)

The Old Guard of the City of New York is a patriotic organization of U.S. veterans established as a ceremonial unit in New York City. It was consolidated in 1868 when state legislation merged the predecessor organizations the New York Light Guard (1826, founded by Col. William W. Tompkins) and the New York City Guard (1833, founded by Capt. William M. McArdle). Its longtime headquarters was at 307 W 91st St from 1920-2016, a historic building dating from 1896 by the architect Clarence True. The unit was known for its elaborate uniforms with bearskin caps, its participation at civic events, and its annual ball. The Old Guard Headquarters are now located at 485 West 246th Street, Bronx, NY 10471.