Revolutionary War Era

The Revolutionary War (1775-1783) saw the creation of numerous Ranger companies. The most famous American Ranger leaders were Colonels Daniel Morgan and Francis Marion. Their tactics were modeled after earlier colonial Ranger units.

The Continental Congress ordered the creation of 10 companies of Rangers on June 14th, 1775. These units were founded in Pennsylvania (6), Maryland (2) and Virginia (2). Each state formed companies of expert riflemen and Indian fighters. Morgan's Rangers fought famous engagements against the British at Freeman Farm in 1777 and Cowpen in 1781. The primary mission of these Rangers was scouting and harassing enemy troops.

Colonel Marion created his own unique company of Rangers which operated independently of the conventional American army. Their primary mission was the interruption of British lines of communications in the swamps of Carolina. In addition, Colonel Francis "Swamp Fox" Marion suppressed colonists who sided with the British Empire. Robert Rogers fought alongside the British army.