BVMA Member Units . . .

Burning of the Valleys Military Association

Butler's Rangers, Captain Frey's Company

On September 15, 1777, Major John Butler was issued orders to raise eight companies of Rangers. These Rangers were to be "composed of men who understood Native American Indians, be accomplished woodsmen and have considerable endurance." They were uniformed in green coats, Ranger caps and dark-colored acoutrements for concealment in the woods. Many Rangers added articles of Indian dress, such as moccasins and leggings. Their principal duties were to work with loyal Indian allies in raids on the grainfields and frontier outposts of New York and Pennsylvania. Some companies ranged as far south as Kentucky and as far west as Michigan. They were considered one of the most active and successful Provincial Corps of the Revolutionary War.

Butler's Rangers were disbanded after the war in 1784. Many of the men and their families moved to and settled in Canada, where their descendants are living today. The Lincoln and Welland Regiment (Canadian Army) is the military descendant of Butler's Rangers.

The portrayal of this corps by our reenactment organization is that of the men and their families who served in the original Butler's Rangers. Emphasis is placed on gaining knowledge and understanding of the way they lived, fought and worked during the tumultuous times of the American Revolution.

Butler's Rangers was recreated in 1968 and became a proud member and supporter of the Brigade of the American Revolution. A few of our members have held various positions on the Brigade Board. We are also proud members of the Burning of the Valleys Military Association (BVMA) and the British Brigade. A keen interest and geographic distances have created several companies of Rangers in the United States and Canada. We still try annually to come together at one specific event.

Additional information on Butler's Rangers can be viewed at http://www.iaw.on.ca/~awoolley/brang/brang.html.
Membership is open to any individual or family interested in joining. Our requirements are simply safety, authenticity, and having a good time.
Contact:
David Solek
580 Wheeler Road
Monroe, CT 06468-3246
(203) 268-7940
Email:
Several Companies of Butler's Rangers
Members of Frey Coy, McDonnell's, Walter Butler's, gather at Pound Ridge.

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