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Philadelphia Light Horse
First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry

by Randy Young, 11 February 2001

Source: "Flags to Color from the American Revolution."

This flag belongs to the First Troop, Philadelphia Light Horse. The colors are listed as: "Bright yellow field, silver fringe. Union Jack as in the Continental Colors; bay horse with a white star on the forehead on the crest; gold knot and radiating ribbons on a blue shield, silver ribbons below and on the border around the shield; silver letters L.H. (Light Horse). Supporters: a rosy-cheeked Indian, his kilt with gold and red feathers, red headdress, gold quiver with blue strap, buff moccasins; an angel with bluish wing, purple robe and golden trumpet."

The narrative:

"Captain Abraham Markoe gave this flag to the troop in 1775. For many years it was believed to be the earliest flag of stripes in the United States, but close examination of the original proves that the stripes were added over the existing Union Jack canton. The 'Continental masquerading as an Indian' holding a staff with a liberty cap and the trumpeting angel symbolized liberty and fame."

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The Standard displays one of the earliest examples of thirteen stripes in its design. The original standard, presented in 1775, is on display at the First City Troop's Armory. Other Troop records contain letters of thanks and releases from General High Mercer, mortally wounded at the Battle of Princeton, whose personal sword leads the procession at the annual dinner.

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The First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry (FTPCC), founded in 1774 as the Light Horse of the City of Philadelphia, is the oldest continuously serving unit of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. The original Troop Flag, which was carried when the Troop was General George Washington's bodyguard, and also in the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, and Germantown, is in the Troop Museum at 23rd & Ranstead, Philadelphia, PA 19103. You can obtain more information at www.ftpcc.org.
Sergeant Gordon Martin II, 8 August 1999

The Troop's original 28 members saw the need for "gentlemen of fortune" to dedicate their wealth and energies to the defense of the City and the Commonwealth. Over the centuries, the Troop or its members serving with other units have participated in every major conflict to which the nation has committed its soldiers. The Troop continues with equestrian traditions and voluntary military service that extends from those who rode with General George Washington. The Cavalry, along with the Valley Forge Military Academy Color Guard and the Philadelphia Fife and Drum Corps, will escort the arriving dignitaries.