The 250th Anniversary of Hugh Stephenson’s "Bee Line March" to Cambridge

N.B. The Independent Company is not the host unit for this event. This Facebook event is merely to add it to our calendar.

On June 14, 1775, the Continental Congress called for raising ten riflemen companies - six from Pennsylvania and two each from Virginia and Maryland. Their orders were “That each company, as soon as completed, shall march and join the army near Boston, to be employed as light infantry, under the command of the chief Officer in that army.” This marked a watershed moment in American history, as what had until then been a New England army was now truly Continental.

The two Maryland companies were to be raised in Frederick County (then the entire western portion of Maryland) under the command of Michael Cresap and Thomas Price. One Virginia company was raised in Winchester under the command of Daniel Morgan, while the other was raised in Mecklenburg (now Shepherdstown, West Virginia) under the command of Hugh Stephenson. This event seeks to recreate the mustering of Stephenson’s company in the summer of 1775 and their departure from Virginia on the famous “Bee Line March” to Cambridge.

This event aims to recreate the period when Stephenson’s company was encamped at Morgan’s Grove, preparing for their march. We will be portraying the men of the company and the women and men of Mecklenburg who came out to visit the encampment, equip and feed them, and see them off. The Bee Line March is a foundational moment in the history of Shepherdstown, and the town is deeply invested in this commemoration. This means that public interpretation will be an essential part of the event.

A large part of the event will occur at Morgan’s Grove itself. It is currently a public park, so unfortunately, it has been altered greatly since 1775. However, there is plenty of room for us to encamp near the stream, and there is access to water and bathrooms. Details are still being worked on, but the event will likely include a march of approximately 2 miles into town along the original road (now on private property). Once in town, we will occupy a prominent position in the historic district to interact with the public and discuss the events of 1775. We will also have the opportunity to visit several 18th-century town sites associated with the march.

Also check out other Nonprofit events in Shepherdstown.