Colors of the Second Continental Light Dragoons
The regimental colors of the Second Continental Light Dragoons have survived the ravages of war and time. Our original colors are on display at the Connecticut State Library in Hartford Connecticut. The Second Dragoons were modeled on the French cavalry units of the 1760's. As a result there was a series of colors used.
There was in addition to the regimental colors a series of 3 squadron colors. A squadron was the made up of 2 troops of horse and the regiment was made up of 6 troops of horse and the command staff. Up until the early 1900's two of the squadron colors were known to be at the Smithsonian Museum of the American Revolution in Washington D.C. The squadron colors were Red, Green and White following similar organization in the French Light Dragoons.

Hierarchy of colors used by the unit

The difference between the regimental colors and the squadron standards is the upper scroll on the field with the name "2nd Regt Lt Dragoons". This only appears on the regimental colors and there was only one issued to the regiment by order of Congress.

Current regiment colors

The regiment was among the first to have a national American flag in 1777. In June 1777 the regiment left Litchfield, Connecticut with the new national colors at the head of the column. These colors were taken by Banastre Tarleton at the Battle of Pound Ridge, New York in July 1779. In June 2006 the flag was returned and auctioned at Sotheby's in New York City, New York.

Original regiment national flag Reproduced regiment national flag

Today these regimental colors are recognized and by special permit used by Sheldon's Horse the Second Continental Light Dragoons at its own programs as well as federal, state, local, and military events.

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The names Second Continental Light Dragoons and Sheldon's Horse are copyright protected and the regimental device (emblem, 2nd Regt Light Dragoons) is trademark protected.
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