Join us at the Ball-Sellers House as we reenact the Fairfax muster.
When the Assembly of Virginia met in July 1775, after being disbanded in 1774 by Lord Dunmore, the first law passed was “An Ordinance for Raising and Embodying a Sufficient Force for the Defense and Protection of the Colony.” It authorized the formation of Continental regiments, minute men battalions, and the county militia. This law made militia duty mandatory for all free men, hired servants, and apprentices between the ages of 16 and 50. In each county the Committee of Safety was to commission a County Lieutenant, Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel and Major. The county militia was to be organized into companies of from 32 to 68 rank and file who would be commanded by a Captain, one Lieutenant and one Ensign. Government officials, clergymen, and professors were exempt from militia duty.
- History Spotlight at 2:00. Local historian Kevin Vincent will give a brief talk about the muster, who from what is now Arlington would have served in it, and what its historical significance is to the founding of our country.
- Reenactors will show you how the militia would have dressed, lived, and prepared to protect Virginia against British attack.
- See what mustering documents would have looked like and get signed up by the muster administrator.
- Learn about the women family members who followed the militia to help feed, clothe, and take care of the men.
