 In 1854 there were 58 companies in the Volunteer Maine Militia, and the request of the companies in and near Portland to be named the 1st Regiment was granted by orders of the Maine state government approved June 21, 1854.General Smith of the 5th Division was ordered to carry out the plan.In 1856, 47 of the 56 volunteer companies of the state were disbanded, having lost interest in military affairs.