1775 Beeline March and Daniel Morgan Commemorated in Winchester

On June 14, 1775 the Continental Congress authorized formation of six rifle companies composed of expert riflemen. Two companies from Pennsylvania, two from Maryland and two from Virginia were initially authorized. Remembering that West Virginia was part of Virginia, the Virginia Companies were formed by Captain Daniel Morgan in Winchester and Captain Hugh Stephenson in what is now Shepherdstown, WV.

On July 15, 1775 Captain Daniel Morgan's company of 96 riflemen left Winchester enroute to Cambridge, Massachusetts where they reported to newly commissioned General George Washington, commander of the United States Continental Army. Morgan's Company arrived in Cambridge on August 6, 1775, covering the 484 miles in 22 days. The remarkable march became know to history as the Beeline March.

The recreation of the Beeline march started with recreated recruitment of riflemen at the Old Stone Church in Winchester. SAR Compatriot Phil Hunter recreated a recruiting clerk complete with tent, quill pen, and recreated ledgers listing soldiers as they enlisted. Over 50 SAR members participated, most in hunting shirts similar to shirts worn by riflemen during the Beeline March. Captain Morgan (Paul Parish) then mustered the militia, conducted safety checks for flintlock weapons then marched the new recruits to Mt. Hebron cemetery.

At Mt. Hebron, a commemoration of Daniel Morgan was held at his grave site. Morgan is know to be a skilled tactician with many historians saying he was the best tactician of any officer during the Revolution. A plaque on the base of his statue near the Old Stone Church says: "Fought Everywhere, was Beaten Nowhere". He is attributed as largely responsible for American Victories at Saratoga, and the Battle of Cowpens. He was promoted to Brigadier General in 1780.

The event was sponsored by the Colonel James Wood II Chapter and attended by Virginia SAR President Dr. Michael Weyler, and National SAR President General Michael Elston, Esq.

The Loudoun County based Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter, Virginia SAR was represented by: President Barry Schwoerer, Warner Workman, Steve Van Deusen, and Ken Bonner. Mr Bonner portrayed General George Washington.