Greetings First Virginians,
This October, we'll head up to New York for one of the year's largest events: the Continental Line National Event at White Plains, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the historic battle!
Please complete the survey using the link below!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VV85KV2
The Battle at White Plains, New York, 250th.
Continental Line - British Brigade - BAR National Event.
www.brigade.org/whiteplains2026
Date: Friday, October 23rd - Sunday 25th.
Location: Ward Pound Reservation, Westchester County, New York.
O.D. Mike Gotard
Arrival: Participant registration will begin on site at 8:00 AM on Friday, October 23, and remain open until 11:00 PM. The event site will be open to the public from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday.
Depart: 5:00 PM, Sunday, October 25th.
Uniform: Regimental Coat or Hunting Shirt. Appropriate Civilian Attire for camp members.
On-Site Registration: All participants MUST register at the BAR Registration & Check-in station at the Guard House/Comfort Station near the main entrance, located on Reservation Road, near the intersection of Stone Hill Road. Participants will receive necessary event information and directions to their camps.
Parking: Participants will park on-site, while spectators will be transported from designated off-site locations. On-site parking is limited, so priority parking will be given to participants camping.
Participants sleeping OFF-SITE and driving in each day can access the site between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM to drop their gear, then drive to off-site parking at the John Jay Homestead, where a reenactor-only shuttle will bring them back to Ward Pound Ridge. Unit members staying at area hotels should plan to carpool to the site each day as much as practical.
Logistics: Plan to arrive early and have your uniform/clothing and gear in good order, ready to go into the camp or on the field.
Ward Pound Ridge is a large site, and participants should expect considerable walking throughout the weekend. Camping is a great option for this event, and the Regiment will be setting up a full camp, with meals provided from Saturday through Sunday lunch.
Those camping should prepare for cooler weather and bring a sleeping bag, wool blanket, etc. Direct any camping questions to your section leader.
Civilian Programming: Civilians interested in presenting a demonstration, or participating in one, should complete the Civilian Program Form: https://forms.gle/My3284Yn9D88dp9V7
Site coordinator Neil DeMarino will follow up with applicants and their proposed program.
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History of the Battle of White Plains:
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The First and Third Virginia Regiments joined Washington’s Continental Army outside Manhattan by September 15, 1776, and fought the following day in the Battle of Harlem Heights. Several weeks later, men from the Virginia regiments joined Haslet’s Delaware Regiment in defeating a Loyalist force commanded by Robert Rogers. This was a tremendous morale boost for the Continentals.
When British General Howe arrived before White Plains on Oct. 27, the First Virginia was entrenched with Washington’s main army. For more on the battle:
https://revolutionarywarjournal.com/battle-of-white-plains/
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SAVE THE DATE!
250th Battle of Princeton, Dec. 27, 2026
The Board has approved the Regiment's participation in the 250th anniversary reenactment of the Battle of Princeton, which will be held on Sunday, December 27th, at the site in Princeton, New Jersey. Organized as part of the “Ten Crucial Days” commemoration, additional information may be found here:
https://tencrucialdays250.org/
This is a one-day (Sunday) event, although there are activities, including a battle in downtown Trenton the day before. Members may choose to drive up the day before and stay over (see hotel info below), or drive up early Sunday morning. More information will be forthcoming.
A local hotel, The Nassau Inn, is offering rooms to participants at $76.00 per night for the weekend event. This is a deeply discounted rate and will likely sell out. Book here:
https://bookings.travelclick.com/13522?groupID=4774954#/guestsandrooms
This was a pivotal battle of the War, and an intense fight for the First Virginia, and two First Virginia officers were killed, among others. For more on the battle, see our website History page: https://www.1varegiment.com/history