What is the rattle watch?

Answer 1

The Rattle Watch was a group of colonists during the Dutch era who patrolled from sunset until dawn.

They carried weapons, lanterns and wooden rattles. The rattles made a very loud, distinctive sound and were used to warn farmers and colonists of threatening situations.

When they heared this sound, the colonists would rally to defend themselves or form bucket-brigades to put out fires.

The Rattle Watchmen are believed to have carried lanterns that had green glass inserts. This was to help identify them while they were on patrol at night. When they returned to their Watch House from patrol, they hung their lantern on a hook by the front door to show that the Watchman was present in the Watch House. Today, green lights are still hung outside the entrances of Police Precincts as a symbol that the "Watch" is present and vigilant.

Answer 2

The Rattle Watch was a group of colonists during the Dutch era who patrolled from sunset until dawn.

They carried weapons, lanterns and wooden rattles. The rattles made a very loud, distinctive sound and were used to warn farmers and colonists of threatening situations.

When they heared this sound, the colonists would rally to defend themselves or form bucket-brigades to put out fires.

The Rattle Watchmen are believed to have carried lanterns that had green glass inserts. This was to help identify them while they were on patrol at night. When they returned to their Watch House from patrol, they hung their lantern on a hook by the front door to show that the Watchman was present in the Watch House. Today, green lights are still hung outside the entrances of Police Precincts as a symbol that the "Watch" is present and vigilant.