Illinois National Guard

The first known presence of the Illinois National Guard in Urbana occurred in 1914 when Troop B 1st Calvary moved to the city. During World War I, the antiquation of horse cavalry cased the unit's redesignation to Battery B 124rh Field Artillery. The current armory was built in 1938 and renovated in 1947 to remove the horse stables, cover the dirt floor with hardwood, and placed classrooms in the basement.

Champaign's first contribution of militia soldiers occured during the Civil War with Company E 125th Illinois Volunteer Infantry.Units following Company E took part in multiple state emergencies, the Pacific Theater, and the Korean War.