Musket Demonstration: French Troops

In the Spring of 1777, Virginia authorized several French gentlemen "to raise a Corps of french troops, and to form, discipline, and dress them in the manner of French troops, and whereas it appears that such forming a Corps wou'd be the most likely method of introducing good discipline, neatness in the dress and laudable spirit of emulation amongst our troops and wou'd most probably greatly interest the French in general as well as a great number of Gentlemen of that gallant Nation in our behalf, whose assistance we the more stand in need off from the great Backwardness of our men to engage in the service of the state or in that of the United States."

Witness members of Captain Delaporte's newly formed French Corps train to become soldiers in the shadow of the Public Magazine, the building that sparked revolution in Virginia. Experience the sounds and smells of Virginia’s march towards revolution as the men demonstrate the discipline of French troops. Look out for the flames of Revolution in the muzzle’s flash.