The Horse Soldiers Live
By Quartermaster Sergeant Larry Graham • 1st U.S. Regiment of Cavalry

The 1st U.S. Regiment of Cavalry traces its history back to 1833 with the creation of the “U.S. Regiment of Dragoons”. The men of the Dragoons were mounted infantrymen, meaning they rode to battle, dismounted, and fought as infantry. The Dragoons, by then numbering 4 regiments, served with distinction in New Mexico, California and Mexico during the Mexican War in 1847. After the end of the Mexican War, most of the 1st Dragoons were transferred to Oregon and Washington Territory during the Indian troubles of the 1850’s. Companies were stationed at Fort Spokane, Fort Walla Walla and, for a brief period, at Fort Simcoe outside Yakima.

When the Civil War broke out in 1861, the 1st U.S. Regiment of Dragoons was ordered east and were re-designated the 1st U.S. Regiment of Cavalry. Assigned to the Army of the Potomac in the eastern theater of the war, the 1st saw service in virtually every major battle from 1862 until Confederate surrender in 1865.

Today, the purpose of the 1st is to preserve the history of the mounted soldier by participating in battle reenactments and living history presentations across the Northwest. All summer long, the unit travels Washington and Oregon to take part in battle reenactments sponsored by the Washington Civil War Association and the Northwest Civil War Council. In addition, the 1st also participates in patriotic exercises, school and community programs and living history exhibits. We are historic educators and we are dedicated to preserving American History in general, as well as the military history of ours and other historic units.

Like all historic re-enactors, we dress in our periodic uniforms. Our tents are correct for the period and our weapons are accurate reproductions of those carried during the 1840’s, 50’s and 60’s. We ride McClellan Saddles and our horses are equipped with appropriate tack. We train by the U.S. Army manuals of the day. Even our meals are prepared in a commissary that is correct for the period.

One thing that is different from some reenacting groups is that we are a family-friendly organization. We encourage all family members to participate. We ask only two things: that you dress appropriately for the period and that you create a persona that is appropriate to the period. More than half our members do not ride. They serve as support people: farriers, civilian workers, cooks, laundresses, and journalists.

We are actively recruiting new members for the upcoming season. If you are interested in expanding your riding experience, or your knowledge of history and would like further information, please contact our recruiter, 509-698-3921 or email scottishtrooper@juno.com. We also drill and practice the last Saturday of the month. If you would like to attend one of our drills and see what goes on, you can use the same contact information for dates, times, and locations.