The Queen's American Rangers

In 1775—250 years ago—American colonists loyal to the British Crown formed about 50 irregular military units to battle against the upstart revolutionaries of the Continental Army. By mid-1776, these loyalist groups coalesced into a single unit—named the Queen’s American Rangers (in honor of King George’s wife Charlotte). 

These loyalist troops came mainly from New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. They totaled about 1,000 strong, plus additional cavalry regiments. While suffering early defeats, the Rangers turned the tide at the Battle of Brandywine—successfully attacking entrenched American positions. After that, they became some of the most effective British troops of the War.

Later in the War, more formalized loyalist units were formed, most notably the American Legion. The commanding officer of those troops was a former revolutionary and then British Brigadier General you may have heard of—Benedict Arnold. But early on, it was these irregular units that quickly formed—who felt just as strongly against revolution as the vaunted Minutemen felt strongly for it.