The Connecticut Line |
| 1993 |
| 2008 |
Living History - Color Guard Unit The Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, Inc. For more information on the Connecticut Society SAR please visit www.ConnecticutSAR.org |
Regiments of the “Connecticut Line”. – The experiences of the first two years of the war, especially the failure in
Canada and the defeats in the campaign around New York in ’76, had demonstrated that the contest could not be
successfully carried on with troops enlisted for short terms. The need of a permanent, disciplined army to cope with the
British “regulars” was recognized as urgent. Congress, accordingly, by resolutions of Sept. 16th, 20th, and Oct. 8th, 1776,
provided for such a body. The “establishment” of the current year would disband on Dec. 31, leaving the country practically
at the mercy of the enemy should they be disposed to push a vigorous winter campaign. To take the place of this out-going
force it was enacted that eighty-eight infantry regiments be raised for continuous service to the end of the war unless
otherwise ordered. They were proportioned among the States according to their population. Thus, Massachusetts and
Virginia were to furnish each fifteen regiments, Pennsylvania twelve, New York four, Maryland and Connecticut each eight,
and the rest in like ratio. As a body they were to form a grand “Continental Line,” and would, so far, resemble the
“Regiments of the Line” in the British establishment. They differed from the latter, however, in this respect, that instead of
being numbered consecutively in the main line the regiments of each State formed a sub-division by themselves and were
numbered from the “First” to the “Fifth”, or the “Eighth” or the “Fifteenth,” and so on, as the case might be. Each State
quota thus became a “Line” in itself, which was designated by it’s State name. Hence, the “Massachusetts Line,” the “South
Carolina Line,” the “Connecticut Line,” etc., - each being a distinct body, commanded by officers from its own State, and
cared for by its own State, as well as by Congress. Inspired by a common cause, and welded in homogeneous form under
the leadership of Washington, it was these State “Lines,” facing the enemy as a single “Continental Line,” that were to bear
the burden of the war for the next six years and bring it to a successful close.
- Connecticut Men in the War of the Revolution, Adj. Gen., Hartford, 1889
Today, the “Connecticut Line”, wears the blue regimental coat with white facings as ordered in 1779 for New England
troops. Prior to this regulation, the only Connecticut Continental Line unit to wear a blue coat faced white was the 6th
Regiment. The other regiments wore as follows:
1st Regiment, Red Coat faced white;
2nd Regiment, dark brown faced white;
3rd Regiment, light brown faced red;
4th Regiment, brown faced red;
5th Regiment, blue turned up with scarlet;
6th Regiment, blue faced white
7th Regiment, scarlet faced white;
8th Regiment, blue faced scarlet and scarlet and white.
9th Regiment (Webb's Additional Regiment), Scarlet faced yellow.
Uniformity in regiments was more of an exception then a rule particularly in the early years of the war, and it was common to
see hunting shirts and civilian clothing in the ranks. This diversity of clothing is evident in the re-created "Connecticut Line"
today. For more information see Detachments.
The Connecticut Line CTSSAR was Raised in 1993.
Canada and the defeats in the campaign around New York in ’76, had demonstrated that the contest could not be
successfully carried on with troops enlisted for short terms. The need of a permanent, disciplined army to cope with the
British “regulars” was recognized as urgent. Congress, accordingly, by resolutions of Sept. 16th, 20th, and Oct. 8th, 1776,
provided for such a body. The “establishment” of the current year would disband on Dec. 31, leaving the country practically
at the mercy of the enemy should they be disposed to push a vigorous winter campaign. To take the place of this out-going
force it was enacted that eighty-eight infantry regiments be raised for continuous service to the end of the war unless
otherwise ordered. They were proportioned among the States according to their population. Thus, Massachusetts and
Virginia were to furnish each fifteen regiments, Pennsylvania twelve, New York four, Maryland and Connecticut each eight,
and the rest in like ratio. As a body they were to form a grand “Continental Line,” and would, so far, resemble the
“Regiments of the Line” in the British establishment. They differed from the latter, however, in this respect, that instead of
being numbered consecutively in the main line the regiments of each State formed a sub-division by themselves and were
numbered from the “First” to the “Fifth”, or the “Eighth” or the “Fifteenth,” and so on, as the case might be. Each State
quota thus became a “Line” in itself, which was designated by it’s State name. Hence, the “Massachusetts Line,” the “South
Carolina Line,” the “Connecticut Line,” etc., - each being a distinct body, commanded by officers from its own State, and
cared for by its own State, as well as by Congress. Inspired by a common cause, and welded in homogeneous form under
the leadership of Washington, it was these State “Lines,” facing the enemy as a single “Continental Line,” that were to bear
the burden of the war for the next six years and bring it to a successful close.
- Connecticut Men in the War of the Revolution, Adj. Gen., Hartford, 1889
Today, the “Connecticut Line”, wears the blue regimental coat with white facings as ordered in 1779 for New England
troops. Prior to this regulation, the only Connecticut Continental Line unit to wear a blue coat faced white was the 6th
Regiment. The other regiments wore as follows:
1st Regiment, Red Coat faced white;
2nd Regiment, dark brown faced white;
3rd Regiment, light brown faced red;
4th Regiment, brown faced red;
5th Regiment, blue turned up with scarlet;
6th Regiment, blue faced white
7th Regiment, scarlet faced white;
8th Regiment, blue faced scarlet and scarlet and white.
9th Regiment (Webb's Additional Regiment), Scarlet faced yellow.
Uniformity in regiments was more of an exception then a rule particularly in the early years of the war, and it was common to
see hunting shirts and civilian clothing in the ranks. This diversity of clothing is evident in the re-created "Connecticut Line"
today. For more information see Detachments.
The Connecticut Line CTSSAR was Raised in 1993.
| Detachments of the Connecticut Line CTSSAR |
| CTSSAR Ceremonies commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Birth of Captain Nathan Hale, State Capital, Hartford, Connecticut. Pictured are members of the Connecticut Line in front of the Lt. Col. Thomas Knowlton statue. 2005. |
| CTSSAR ceremonies dedicating the Societies new Nathan Hale monument in Norwalk, Connecticut. This site marks where Captain Nathan Hale departed for his fatal mission in New York City. 2005. |
| The Battle of New Haven. Black Rock Fort. 225th Anniversary of the British Invasion of New Haven, CT July 5, 1779. 2004. |
| 225th Anniversary of the Battle of Groton Heights at Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park, Groton, Connecticut. 2006. |
| Seven years of Educational Programs at Putnam Memorial State Park, Redding, Connecticut. Site of a Continental Army Winter Encampment 1778-1779. |
| Ceremonies honoring Governor Samuel Huntington. Historic Norwichtown Days, Norwich, Connecticut. |
| The Connecticut Line and members of the Connecticut Colony Military Association pose for a group photo after marching the 2-day, 23 mile recreation of Connecticut's Lexington Alarm in celebration of the 225th Anniversary. April 2000. Brooklyn-Thompson, CT. |
| The Line serves as Color Guard at the Dedication of the new patriot monument, Redding, Connecticut. 2000. |
| Members on the military road between Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point. A 17 mile march recreating Arnold's capture of Fort Crown Point.May 2001. New York. |
| Connecticut Line members along with members of the Connecticut National Guard set up for school programs at Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park in Groton, CT. |
| Revolutionary War School Presentations throughout Connecticut. |
| The Connecticut Line on the Battle Field. Stark's Muster at the Fort at No. 4, Charlestown, New Hampshire, October 2008. |
| The Line served as Color Guard at the Dedication of the new pavillion/Visitor's Center at Putnam Memorial State Park, Redding, Connecticut. 2005. Pictured are members with Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell and Commissioner James T. Fleming. |
| 250th Anniversary of the Birth of the Marquis de Lafayette, September 6, 2007, Hartford, CT. Members of the Connecticut Line with the CT Society of the Cincinnati and CTSSAR. |
| Members march in the Veterans Day Parade in Hartford, CT. - Sunday, November 4, 2007. |
The 11th Conn. Regt. and Sheldon's Horse, the 2nd
Continental Light Dragoons at the Flag Pole Dedication
Ceremonies, Fort Stamford, Stamford, CT. 2001.
Continental Light Dragoons at the Flag Pole Dedication
Ceremonies, Fort Stamford, Stamford, CT. 2001.
The Connecticut Line prepares for a musket salute.
"LAUNCHING LIBERTY", May 2006
The Connecticut River Museum, Essex, CT.
"LAUNCHING LIBERTY", May 2006
The Connecticut River Museum, Essex, CT.
The Connecticut Line commemorates the 230th
Anniversary of Connecticut Independence Day, June 18,
2006 at The War Office in Lebanon, CT.
Anniversary of Connecticut Independence Day, June 18,
2006 at The War Office in Lebanon, CT.
The Connecticut Line serves as Color Guard for the 2006
Annual Massing of the Colors in Glastonbury, Connecticut.
Annual Massing of the Colors in Glastonbury, Connecticut.
The Connecticut Line march in the 2006 Connecticut Day
Parade at the BIG E (Eastern States Exposition) in September.
Parade at the BIG E (Eastern States Exposition) in September.
"Tavern Day", The Connecticut Line sets up camp at the
200th Anniversary of the Town of Burlington, Connecticut.
September 2006.
200th Anniversary of the Town of Burlington, Connecticut.
September 2006.
FIRE!!! Burlington 200th Anniversary Event
Burlington, Connecticut. September 2006.
Burlington, Connecticut. September 2006.
The Connecticut Line marches in the 2007 St. Patrick's Day
Parade in New Haven, Connecticut. March 11, 2007
Parade in New Haven, Connecticut. March 11, 2007
The Connecticut Line and Green Mountain Regiment serve
as the official Color Guard for the Grand Re-opening
ceremonies at the Bunker Hill Monument and NEW Bunker
Hill Museum. June 14, 2007
as the official Color Guard for the Grand Re-opening
ceremonies at the Bunker Hill Monument and NEW Bunker
Hill Museum. June 14, 2007
The Connecticut Line marches in the 2007 Independence
Day Parade in Columbia, CT. Wednesday, July 4, 2007.
Day Parade in Columbia, CT. Wednesday, July 4, 2007.
The Connecticut Line prepares to fire a musket salute at the
2007 232nd Anniversary Bunker Hill Day Ceremonies.
2007 232nd Anniversary Bunker Hill Day Ceremonies.
| The Connecticut Line CTSSAR serves as Color Guard for the 225th Anniversary Ceremonies at Compo Beach in Westport, Connecticut. 2000. |
| The Connecticut Line CTSSAR pose for a group photo inside Black Rock Fort in New Haven Harbor. 225th Anniversary of the British Invasion of New Haven, July 5, 1779. - Event held June 26, 2004. |
The Connecticut Line at the 2008 - 227th Anniversary of
the Battle of Groton Heights at Fort Griswold State Park.
the Battle of Groton Heights at Fort Griswold State Park.
| HISTORY * PATRIOTISM * EDUCATION |
| The Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution www.ConnecticutSAR.org Connecticut's #1 Source on the American Revolution |
| Sons of the American Revolution Instituted 1876 Organized 1889 |
| "Eternal Vigilance is the Price of Liberty" |
| Website updated July 14, 2008 |
| At the forefront of SAR Living History |
| "Deeds, Not Words" - George Washington |
| FORT GRISWOLD 225th Anniversary September 1 - 3, 2006 |
| Connecticut Line - Annual Meeting - February 2008 |
Second Annual Grand Encampment
of the Connecticut Line.
Governor Jonathan Trumbull, Sr.
House/Wadsworth Stable, Lebanon,
Connecticut.
July 12 - 13, 2008
Musket Firing Demonstrations at the Nathan Hale
Schoolhouse, New London, CT. July 4, 2008.
Schoolhouse, New London, CT. July 4, 2008.
"Let us disappoint the men who are raising themselves upon the ruin of this Country." - Samuel Adams, 1776 |
"Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" - Patrick Henry, 1775 |