The Continental Army

The Continental Army is a private army that was led and funded by the Union Pacific Railroad in Diamond Valley. They are know for their wide brim hats and red jackets. They were active from 1899-1914.

## General Information

The Continental Army is the amalgamation of the Union Central Railroad Territorial Militia and Territorial Police. Both of which were originally created to protect Union Central Railroad property and interests. The amalgamation simply organized it under a single leadership rather than two different organisations with double the cost. The first operations in the old organisation were guarding UCR trains and defending the Great Plains from Native American riders.

The UCRTM and UCRTP amalgamated on December 31, 1899 into the West Elizabeth Territorial Army. The WETA would be short lived as the aspirations of UCR chairman Samuel Winchester were far greater than simply protecting West Elizabeth. As a former confederate officer he believed the power of the railroads could be used to restart the civil war and finally take down West Elizabeth and New Hanover.

Finally in January 3, 1900 WETA was again reorganised into the Continental Army, 1st Blackwater Mounted Regiment. They have taken part in patrols in West Elizabeth and New Hanover. They also took part in a brief occupation of Fort Mercer in New Austin before being ordered to leave by US Marshal Pierre Monroe. They served a six month contract with West Elizabeth Governor Joseph Morgan from January 2 to June 3, 1900. During their contract with West Elizabeth they took part in the Battle of Calumet Ravine a.k.a. The Calumet Massacre.

## Equipment

#### Transport

The 1st Blackwater Mounted Regiment was issued Black Chestnut Thoroughbred horses for combat and patrol duties. A hearty horse with a dark coat. Although not the priciest horse it was capable of the job.

Army Supply Wagons were often used for supply transport and for moving larger numbers of troops. They also were used to moved artillery and machine guns.

The Continental Army made full use of their funders rail network to transport men and weapons by rail to various locations around the nation.

#### Infantry Equipment

Soldiers were known for their knee high boots with red hue, black pants with leather inseam for riding, brownish-red vest, red shirts and red jackets. Officers wore a gilded red jacket with fancier sewn inlays.

The standard issue rifle of the Continental Army was the Bolt-Action Rifle and the Winchester Repeater. Soldiers had to supply their own sidearms. Some common sidearms of the time include Cattleman and LeMat Revolvers as well as the Navy Revolver.

#### Heavy Equipment

The Continental Army had 12lb Howitzers made by the Rocky Mountain Oil Company as well as imported Maxim Machine Guns. They used the Maxim Machine Guns on wagons as a fast transport.

## Battles and Conflicts

#### Battle of Calumet Ravine

Also known as the Calumet Massacre, was a battle that took place between The Continental Army under contract with West Elizabeth against the Wapiti Indians of Ambarino. The battle began in the early morning hours of January 10, 1900 and took place over several hours of that day. The Indians of the Wapiti were blamed for attacks against hunters on the Great Plains of West Elizabeth.