Lorton in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Revolutionary Army Life on the Road

In The War for American Independence

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 22, 2022

1. Revolutionary Army Life on the Road Marker

Inscription. It was no picnic A bivouac for the allied armies was not simply a bed to rest for the night, but a place with a daily set of demanding chores. Hundreds of oxen and horses needed to be unhitched, fed, watered, and secured for the night, especially during the overland baggage train march. Tons of hay had to be procured. Often, when fresh meat for several hundred marchers was available, it was on the hoof and needed to be slaughtered and dressed before cooking.

Wagons and artillery required constant maintenance, which could only occur before the next day's march. Gunpowder and weapons had to be protected from wet weather. Outdoor camping life with the Virginia mosquitoes requires no explanation.

The scenes of modern reenactors shown here illustrate the various uniform and camping conditions of the allied armies. French soldiers of Lauzun's Legion, for example, were paid and supplied as an expeditionary force (lower left) by the treasury of France. The American soldiers, although lacking the fineries of European military uniforms, were a respected fighting force in the allied military campaigns against the British army.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • War, US Revolutionary

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. In addition, it is included in the The Washington-Rochambeau Route series list.

Location. 38° 40.5′ N, 77° 13.562′ W. Marker is in Lorton, Virginia, in Fairfax County. Marker is on Old Colchester Road (Virginia Route 611) north of Greene Drive, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10413 Old Colchester Rd, Lorton VA 22079, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Welcome to Colchester on the Occoquan (here, next to this marker); In the Footsteps of History (here, next to this marker); The Trail to Victory at Yorktown (here, next to this marker); Colchester (approx. 0.7 miles away); Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge / Explore a Trail Network (approx. 1.1 miles away); Gunston Hall / Pohick Bay Regional Park and Golf Course (approx. 1.1 miles away); A Near Tragedy (approx. 1.1 miles away); Welcome to Mason Neck! (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lorton.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 22, 2022

2. Revolutionary Army Life on the Road Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 22, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 123 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 22, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.