"The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government." -- Thomas Jefferson
1st NY Dragoons at Ft Shenandoah, Virginia
>> Click here for a movie clip of skirmish action ! <<
2002 Officers
Commander: Mark Killeen |
Deputy Commander: Bob Wharmby |
Paymaster: Paul Keller |
Adjutant: R Stuart Smith |
Shooting Sergeant: Tom Magno |
Quartermaster: Fred Alderman |
Historian: Harold Wolf
The 1st NY Dragoons, headquartered in Palmyra, NY, shoot in live-fire "skirmishes", or competitions with authentic and reproduction Civil War Muskets, Carbines, Revolvers and Breechloading Repeaters (Spencer/Henry) as part of the North-South Skirmish Association (N-SSA). Individuals shoot NRA style paper targets, and units field teams of 3 to 8 individuals, or "skirmish lines", to compete in company events against hanging "breakable" targets such as clay pigeons, ceramic tiles and small clay flower pots at distances up to 100 yards. Ammunition used is as was used during the historic conflict, and is restricted to authentic black powder only. The team that breaks all the targets in the shortest cumulative amount of time wins. Twice each year, the unit travels to Fort Shenandoah, near Winchester, Virigina, to participate in the National Match, against more than 300 N-SSA teams!
The N-SSA requires all of its members to belong to units that represented actual units that existed during the Civil War, either Union or Confederate. Veteran soldiers of the 1st NY Dragoons distinguished themselves proudly in most major battles of the Civil War in and around the Shenandoah Valley, including the Wilderness and Yellow Tavern. Some of our members have ancestors that fought in the original Dragoons during the Civil War.
For more of the original unit's history, click on 1st NY Dragoons.
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment II, United States Constitution
2002 Northeast Region Skirmish Schedule
| March 23 | Regional Meeting | 149th NY |
| May 4-5 | § Dansville, NY | 108th NYVI |
| May 15-19 | § 105th National | Winchester, VA |
| May31-Jun2 | Palmyra, NY, VFW | 44th NYVI |
| June 14-16 | Palmyra, NY, VFW | 8th Heavy Artillery |
| July 6-7 | Palmyra, NY, VFW | Pig Roast/Shoot |
| July 13-14 | § Dansville, NY | 19th NY |
| July 26-28 | § Franklinville, NY | 1st US Artillery |
| Aug 9-11 | § Fulton, NY | 149th NY |
| Aug 23-25 | § Dansville, NY | 9th NY Cavalry |
| Sep 13-15 | TBD | TBD |
| Oct 2-6 | § 106th National | Winchester, VA |
| Oct 2-6 | Regional Meeting | 9th NY Cavalry |
§ Cannon & Mortar Competition
For more information about the 1st NY Dragoons or the N-SSA, send e-mail to: Tom Magno