UNIFORMS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION -- Green Mountain Rangers, 1776

UNIFORMS OF
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

The officers of the regiment of Green Mountain Rangers, authorized July 4, 1775, by the New York Provincial Congress, were elected July 27, at a meeting of the township committees of the New Hampshire Grants. One of the seven first lieutenants elected was Ira Allen. On August 15, the the New York Congress received the minutes of the meeting, and immediately forwarded to General Philip Schuyler warrants for the captains and lieutenants so chosen.

The picture opposite is a portrait of Lieutenant Ira Allen, as the face is drawn from a contemporary miniature of him painted about 1795. Ira Allen (1751-1814) was the youngest brother of Ethan Allen, and was scarcely less distinguished than his more famous brother. Subsequently he became a major-general of Vermont militia, and served his state in many civil offices of great importance.

The uniform pictured is the parade dress of the Green Mountain Rangers, showing the gilt epaulet, crimson sash, saber, and boots of an officer. All officers carried light fusils or muskets when on duty.

The original of this picture, as well as the miniature mentioned above, are owned by Dr. James B. Wilbur of Manchester, Vermont.

[REFERENCES: Journals of New York Provincial Congress, I, 65, 107; New York in the Revolution (N. Y. State Archives, I), 16, 28; Vermont Revolutionary Rolls, 814-815.]

Lt. Ira Allen's
Green Mountain Rangers, 1775

Green Mountain Rangers, 1775

[SOURCE: Uniforms of the Armies in the War of the American Revolution, 1775-1783. Lt. Charles M. Lefferts. Limited Edition of 500. New York York Historical Society. New York, NY. 1926.]

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