~~~ ABOUT OUR UNIT ~~~

What is a Light Dragoon?

A Dragoon is a light infantry soldier who used a horse for transportation. Because a horse has the ability to travel faster that a man on foot, dragoons were extremely valuable for reconnaissance, spying, guarding prisoners, foraging, raiding enemy camps, relaying messages, guard duty, defense against enemy dragoon attacks and numerous other duties. Washington realized from the very beginning of the war the importance of having dragoons and although the four continental regiments that were formed never came close to ever reaching their full strength, they still performed their service admirably and were instrumental in this country's freedom.

Troop History

The 1st Regiment of Light Dragoons, 5th Troop, (also known as the Virginia Light Horse) was raised Virginia in 1776 by Theodorick Bland (shown on the right) and was Captained by "Light Horse Harry" Lee (shown left).The troop contained 30 men and joined Washington in New Jersey in December of 1776. This troop under the command of Henry Lee was very succesfull in the early years of the war and was highly praised by both George Washington and local press for their meritous service. As proof of their tenacity, Lee's troop served as Washington's body guard in the Battle of Germantown.

Our group portrays the troop in the early summer of 1777 as they patrolled and harassed the British and Germans along the New Jersey State line.

Does This Unit Ride Horses at NWTA Events?

At this time the bylaws of the NWTA do not allow horses or mounted soldiers at sponsored events. We are however, uniformed and equiped as if we were mounted.