#8346 AWI American Cavalry

When the Continental Army was first created in 1775, it contained no regular cavalry. Mounted troops were initially supplied by state militias and independent companies, but their value for reconnaissance, patrolling, carrying messages and protecting the army's movements soon became clear. In December 1776, Congress authorized the formation of regular Continental light dragoon regiments, creating a mounted arm that would serve throughout the remainder of the war. Cavalry remained difficult and expensive to maintain, however, because every trooper required not only weapons, clothing and food, but also a suitable horse, saddle, forage and veterinary care.

Box front

American light dragoons were used principally for scouting, screening, escort duty, raids and the pursuit of retreating troops. They rarely appeared in the large massed formations familiar from European battlefields, and regiments were often dispersed in smaller detachments. Nevertheless, mounted troops could have an important battlefield effect, particularly during the Southern Campaign. At Cowpens in 1781, American cavalry under Lieutenant Colonel William Washington helped drive back British and Loyalist mounted troops and contributed to one of the Revolution's most celebrated victories.

Box back showing scans of the poses

This set provides mounted light dragoons together with two dismounted firing poses. The figures wear the crested leather helmets, coats and riding boots associated with the regulation appearance of Continental cavalry, although shortages meant that actual units often displayed considerable variation in uniforms, equipment and weapons. Some figures wear hunting shirts, a practical American garment that could be worn either in place of a uniform coat or over it while campaigning.

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The mounted figures carry swords, pistols and carbines, while the dismounted dragoons show the ability of these troops to fight on foot when required. The set includes horses walking, trotting and galloping, making it suitable for patrols, escorts, marching columns and battlefield scenes. Together, the mounted and dismounted poses reflect the varied duties of American cavalry more accurately than a set devoted only to charging horsemen.

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