The Oldest Branch of the Military
Before the Continental Army, there were the Quartermasters. The Quartermaster Corps traces its origins from 16 June 1775. On that day, following General Washington's address accepting command of the Army, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution providing for one Quartermaster General of the Grand Army and a deputy, under him, for the Army. Major General Thomas Mifflin, the first Quartermaster General, had virtually no money and authority and was dependent upon the several colonies for supplies.
Though the Quartermaster supply function is as old…
