It was made up of men from eastern and northern Virginia for service with the Continental Army.

The Revolutionary Virginia Convention held in May 1776 resulted in delegates voting for a resolution to direct Virginia's delegates in Philadelphia to seek independence from the British and form a confederation of the colonies.

Virginia Governor Patrick Henry authorized Major-Commandant Theodorick Bland to raise a volunteer battalion.

Six months later, when General George Washington needed cavalry to counter that of the British, the Continental Congress on November 25, 1776 requested that Virginia transfer Major Bland's Light Horse to the Continental Army.

The reorganized regimental headquarters consisted of a colonel, a lieutenant colonel and a major, who were supported in turn by a staff consisting of a chaplain, a quartermaster, a surgeon and mate, a paymaster, a riding master, a saddler, a trumpet major, an adjutant and 4 supernumeraries—cadets undergoing training who were used as the colonel's messengers.

[1][2] The 2nd Continental Light Dragoons hailed from Connecticut and was led by Elisha Sheldon.

It fought with distinction, whether mounted or unmounted, and at war's end had 225 men.

The 3rd was the victim of a heinous act of war when they were attacked in their billet and refused quarter in 1778.

The 4th and final regiment drew its membership from Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and New Jersey.

The English also had limited cavalry, fielding their 16th Queen's Lancers and 17th Regiment of Dragoons.

[3] Light Horse Harry Lee gained national fame from his service with the 1st Continental Regiment at the Battle of Paulus Hook and in the Southern Campaign.

On 31 March 1777 in General Orders, George Washington named promoted officers of the 1st Light Dragoons.Theodorick Bland Esqr., Major, Comdt.

The regiment was officially reorganized on 1 January 1781, consisting of four mounted and two dismounted troops.

[6][7] On 2 November 1782, reflecting an amalgamation that had occurred in the spring of 1780, the unit was consolidated with the 3rd Legionary Corps, maintaining five troops.