The Rainbow Division-- Part 2: Its Creation

Secretary of War Newton D. Baker approved the creation of the new division and later recalled Douglas MacArthur saying it would "stretch over the whole country like a rainbow."  Hence the name.

This new division was created from units from 26 states and Washington, D.C. including the Roanoke, Virginia, Coastal Artillery unit.  This new "Rainbow Division" came into being and MacArthur was promoted to the rank of colonel and became the chief of staff.

They were activated for World War I in August 1917 and went overseas in November 1917, one of the first AEF divisions to go.

--Cooter