The Bayonets of the Revolution
For a small state, Delaware's soldiers played a large role in the Revolution. Answering Congress' call, Delaware raised a regiment of 500-600 men by the summer of 1776. They first saw action at the battle of Long Island, fighting with distinction, and then received the post of honor covering the Continental Army's withdrawal across New Jersey. In January 1777, the regiment reorganized, with many veterans rejoining. For the next two years, the Delawares were part of the Main Army, fighting in the battles of the Philadelphia Campaign and at Monmouth. The regiment also joined in the assault at Staten Island, and selected men participated in the night attack at Stony Point.
In 1780, the Delaware Regiment, along with the entire Maryland Line, was ordered south to help defend Charleston, South Carolina. Though the city fell to the British before they arrived, the Delawares and Marylanders went on to fight in the Southern Campaign for the next three years. Surviving the disastrous battle of Camden, and in hard-fought battles throughout North and South Carolina,
these Continentals prevailed against some of the best soldiers of the British Army. Virginia's Colonel Henry Lee wrote admiringly, "The State of Delaware furnished one regiment only; and certainly no regiment in the army surpassed it in soldiership." After eight years of service, the regiment returned to Delaware in January of 1783 and was mustered out later that year.Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1777.
Location. 39° 9.448′ N, 75° 31.133′ W. Marker is in Dover, Delaware, in Kent County. Marker is on Liberty Street. Located in front of Legislative Hall, facing Court Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dover DE 19901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Battles and Engagements of the Delaware Regiment (here, next to this marker); The Delaware Continentals (here, next to this marker); The Delaware Regiment (here, next to this marker); Delaware's Medal of Honor Recipients (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Delaware's Medal of Honor Recipients (within shouting distance of this marker); The Congressional Medal of Honor (within shouting distance of this marker); Dover Light Infantry
Credits. This page was last revised on May 30, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 15, 2011, by Nathan Davidson of Salisbury, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,504 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 20, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 2. submitted on January 15, 2011, by Nathan Davidson of Salisbury, Maryland. 3. submitted on May 30, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.