Join us at the Ball-Sellers House as we rediscover how, 250 years ago, the Fairfax militia prepared to fight the British.
- 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, what they were called to do, 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.
- Meet the muster clerk and sign up for duty protecting Alexandria and the county against the British crown.
- Camp followers, the wives, mothers, and sisters, who followed the militia will show you the tools they used and the conditions they worked under to help feed, clothe, and take care of the men.
When the Assembly of Virginia met in July 1775, after being disbanded in 1774 by Governor Lord Dunmore, the first law Virginians passed was “An Ordinance for Raising and Embodying a Sufficient Force for the Defense and Protection of the Colony.” It authorized forming Continental regiments, minute men battalions, and the county militia. The 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 officers, a Colonel, a Lieutenant Colonel, and a Major to lead the men. Once formed, the commissioned officers would name a Captain, a Lieutenant, and an Ensign. Government officials, clergymen, and professors were exempt from militia duty. The Fairfax militia included men from what is now Arlington and protected all of Northern Virginia.
