Most Americans are familiar with the role which the militia played in our Revolution. Less well known is the role played by a group of soldiers referred to as levies. Individuals were selected from the ranks of the militia for additional training. These troops were then used to fill in the ranks of regular troops or as independent units.

Colonel Albert Pawling raised a corps of levies in New York and his troops served the American cause throughout the war. Pawlings Levies manned forts along the frontiers of Ulster and Orange Counties from 1779 to 1781. On the frontier the chief task of the levies was to stop raids carried out by the Indian forces & Loyalists often led by a British officer.

The members of Pawlings Levies portray the life and times of families of Colonel Albert Pawlings Independent Corps of Levies. Pawlings Levies portray the role played by all of the members of a family during the War for Independence. Ages range from infant to adult.

The clothing, weapons, tents and personal items are the same as they would have been over 200 years ago. Some are original pieces and some are modern reproductions, but all are authentic in material and design.

Men are either musicians, men-at-arms or craftsmen. Musicians are drummers or fifers. A drummer may carry a sword. Men-at-Arms carry any of several weapons (chiefly the British .75 caliber Brown Bess” musket or the French .69 caliber Charleville musket. Men-at-arms must be at least 16 years old to fire a musket. Musicians can be as young as 11 (fifer) or 12 (drummer). These ages reflect the age at which young men were allowed to join the Continental forces during the years of the war.

Some things never change. Recruits are still needed and welcome. Unit officers and members will be glad to assist new members in assembling their wardrobe and equipment. If you would like more information, feel free to contact our unit adjutant. He can be reached at:

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