The Baylor Massacre was the September 27, 1778 attack on the 3rd Regiment of Continental Light Dragoons under the command of Colonel George Baylor[1] during the American Revolutionary War. It occured in the present-day town of River Vale, New Jersey. September 27 is the 270th day of the year (271st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 95 days remaining. ... 1778 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... The 3rd Continental Light Dragoons also known as Baylors Horse or Lady Washingtons Horse was raised on January 1, 1777 at Morristown, New Jersey for service with the Continental Army. ... Combatants American Revolutionaries, France,Netherlands, allies British Empire, allies Commanders George Washington Comte de Rochambeau Nathanael Greene William Howe Henry Clinton Charles Cornwallis Strength {{{strength1}}} {{{strength2}}} Casualties {{{casualties1}}} {{{casualties2}}} The American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), also known as the American War for Independence, was the military side of the American... River Vale Township is a township located in Bergen County, New Jersey. ... Official language(s) None defined, English de facto Capital Trenton Largest city Newark Area  - Total  - Width  - Length  - % water  - Latitude  - Longitude Ranked 47th 22,608 km² 110 km 240 km 14. ...

Baylor secured quarters for his men (numbering about 100) in the barns of several farms on Overkill Road (now Rivervale Road). While they slept, a deployment of British troops were made aware of their presence through local loyalists. The British used their bayonets to maintain the element of surprise as they went from house to house. At least 67 of the dragoons were killed, injured or taken prisoner. Eleven were killed outright, four were left and died of their wounds. Loyalists (often capitalized L) were British North American colonists who remained loyal subjects of the British crown during the American Revolution. ... The US Marine Corps OKC-3S bayonet A bayonet is a knife- or dagger-shaped weapon designed to fit on or over the muzzle of a rifle or similar weapon. ...

Discovery of remains

In 1967, it was discovered that the bodies of six of the dead were buried in three abandoned tanning vats. The vats were from Haring's Tannery, which used to be on the site. The remains were identified by artifacts such as buttons and clothing remnants. This became widely known due to a February 1968 report to the Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders, "1778 - The Massacre of Baylor's Dragoons". Facing suburban development, the burial site was made into a county park in 1972 with a dedication on October 15. The remains were reinterred within the park at that time. 1967 (MCMLXVII) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Tanning is the process of making leather from skin. ... 1968 (MCMLXVIII) was a leap year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1968 calendar). ... Bergen County is a county located in the state of New Jersey. ... The Board of Chosen Freeholders is the legislative body for each of the 21 counties in New Jersey. ... 1972 (MCMLXXII) was a leap year that started on a Tuesday. ... October 15 is the 288th day of the year (289th in Leap years). ...

The plaque at the site reads:

In memory of American soldiers killed during the Revolutionary War in the 'Baylor Massacre' on September 28, 1778. Lt. Col. George Baylor's 3rd Regiment of Continental Dragoons took quarters for the night on several nearby farms. Tories betrayed their presence to a British force who surrounded the Dragoons during the night. A number of Americans were killed or wounded after they surrendered.

External links

• Bergen County Historical Society on the Baylor Massacre
• River Vale web site on Baylor Massacre History
• Primary documents relaying the story of the massacre
• Bergen County Parks Department site info and photos
• RoherSprague.com-Baylor Massacre Burial Site panels

• Maps and aerial photos
  • Street map from MapQuest or Google Local
  • Topographic map from TopoZone
  • Aerial image from TerraServer-USA
  • Satellite image from Google Local or Microsoft Virtual Earth