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The famous Centre Guards were formed in Bellefonte in May 1824
Captain William Patton is believed to be one of the earliest commanders of the Guards if not the first captain. In 1832 when they went into camp at Lewistown, John Armor was the captain at that time. Governor Andrew Curtin succeeded him in 1840. In 1848, Andrew Gregg became the captain.
The uniform of the Centre Guards was blue throughout in the winter and blue coats with white pants in the summer. They wore bell crowned leather helmets, which were reported to be awkward and uncomfortable. The top of the helmets were adorned with a bright hued plume.
During the excitement of the Civil War, The Centre Guards turned in their plumes for the blue uniforms of the Federal Army. At the call for troops, from Governor Curtin, in the spring of 1861, the Centre Guards re-organized on May 13th and prepared to enlisted in the 'three years service.". They left Bellefonte, for Harrisburg (and Camp Curtin) on June 6th where they were mustered into service as Company E, of the Thirty-Fourth Regiment, Pennsylvania Res., on June 21st.
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