Every good sized town in the Northeast has old "Armories" that now sit rotting or have been turned into condos or the senior center.
In their day Im sure they were stocked with equipment and they had members that met and drilled, probably a mess, but it provided some form of familiarity with the military. They used to promote marksmanship and it was a place to socialize and discuss events of the day in person. They were also probably The Bear Pit in person.
These "local militia" were the units that filled the ranks of the early Federal Army in the Civil war. Most were "private companies" either lead by the town rich guy or otherwise politically connected.
Imagine if that came back?
We have a huge majority absolutely clueless and not caring about military matters or arms since the reduction of local militia/guard/reserve and the end of the two year draft. It allows 99% to live in Unicorn Land while 1% voluntarily bear the burden.
The result is another area where citizens have no skin in the game.
A little off topic and I fear mentioning it would fool people into giving the word "militia" a collective right interpretation rather than an individual right as all the initial rights in the BOR are. I cant understand anyone making the argument all Amendments 1-9 except the Second were individual rights, that makes no sense.
Every time this comes up I recommend this book...
Its a great source for the historical genesis and theory the Founders used when developing the Second. It eliminates the "They never intended..." weapons of war crap.
Remember....when the issue arm of the day was a smooth bore musket, many in the colonies were armed with much more capable rifled barrels. Cannon were private purchase items bought by the "town rich guy".
If the owner of this house....
Didnt have cannon buried in his farm field.....
This....
and this.....
Would not matter........