Militiamen, Rangers, and
Redcoats

The Military in Georgia, 1754—1776

2nd Edition

James M. Johnson

This book examines the role of the military in Georgia during the crucial period from 1754 to 1776, with particular attention devoted to the militia. Through in-depth research and analysis, the author finds that, despite the occasional presence of small bodies of both regulars and provincial rangers, the militia of Georgia served as the final defensive bulwark during the colonial era. After 1767, the militia companies were the only viable military units in the colony.

ISBN 978-1-959631-25-5  (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-959631-10-1 (ebook)

What People Are Saying

  • "Militiamen, Rangers, and Redcoats is highly accessible to a broad number of readers. Its short length and strong writing make this an easy read for any educated reader. Anyone interested in colonial history, the history of Georgia, or the military history of early America will need to consult this book, both for its information and for its style."

    John G. McCurdy, PhD

    Professor of History

    Eastern Michigan University

  • "This book provides an overview of the various military forces (militia, rangers, independents, regulars) in Georgia during the years after the Trustees had surrendered their proprietary control over the colony to the outbreak of the War for Independence. Because there were so many different military forces, the author explains each one, its purpose, and its history and goes into their diverse uses during this time period. Political and diplomatic issues required military intervention of varied types, hence the need for and deployment of these many forces. Ultimately, the militia would become the predominant force in Georgia, and the author shows how that came to be..This manuscript is definitely an original contribution to the literature because no one has undertaken such a study before or in such depth."

    Julie Anne Sweet, PhD

    Director, Military Studies

    Professor of History

    Baylor University

Meet the Author

James M. Johnson, PhD

Colonel (Ret.) James M. Johnson, PhD, is a Professor Emeritus of History at Marist College. A graduate of both West Point and Duke University, he taught for fifteen years at the US Military Academy in the Department of History and eighteen years at Marist. His awards include the French Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Palmes Academiques and the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Medal of Honor and History Award.

Suggested Books