Category «Continental»

Quartermaster General: Washington’s Staff During the American Revolution

Just two days after the birth of the Continental Army, Congress approved the position of Quartermaster General and Assistant Quartermaster General on June 16, 1775. The major duties of the Quartermaster General in Washington’s Army were in transportation, forage, camps and the movement of troops. Additional duties encompassed distributing rations, clothing, ammunition within the regiments, …

Gunpowder and its Supply in the American Revolution

The supply of gunpowder haunted George Washington and the Continental Congress throughout the entire Revolutionary War.  The vast quantity of powder came from sources overseas , around 90% from French Colonies in the West Indies. The other 10% was produced domestically. With dwindling powder supplies and only three powder mills in operation in all of …

The Battle of Long Island: The Stone House at Gowanus Creek

Gowanus Creek. General Stirling and Marylanders held off British under General Cornwallis, allowing many rebel soldiers to escape.

Maryland Regiment at the Battle of Long Island Tuesday, August 27, 1776. Since dawn, four hundred young men from Maryland exchanged volley for volley with some of England’s finest troops. Colonists from influential families, the former Baltimore Independent Cadets were experiencing their baptism of fire. In company with soldiers from Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut, they …

Minuteman Myth & Citizen Soldiers of the American Revolution

            “…any dependence on Militia is assuredly resting on a broken staff” George Washington Ask most Americans what comes to mind when the word, “minuteman” is mentioned. They will no doubt answer something to the affect that they were eighteenth century citizen patriot militias who, within a minute’s notice, grabbed their muskets and fought for …

Life in the Continental Army Camp During the American Revolution

Contrary to general belief, the term ‘rebel’ was not used solely when referring to Confederate soldiers during the American Civil War. It was first commonly applied to Americans who fought for independence from Great Britain during the American Revolutionary War. The British often referred to the rebellious rabble that formed a new government and army …