History

In 1904, a group of men from Syracuse formed a cavalry troop, and were designated Troop D, 1st New York Cavalry, by the National Guard. In 1907, the State of New York constructed the Jefferson St. Armory in Syracuse as quarters for the Troop. However, the Armory’s size bacame insufficient for the needs of a horse cavalry. In response, the members of Troop D pooled their assets and purchased the Devendorf Farm in the Town of Manlius. The members constructed stables, training areas, small arm ranges, and a clubhouse. In 1916, President Wilson called on the Army and the National Guard to respond to New Mexico to help protect the United States from invasion by Pancho Villa and his notorious Durado Cavalry. Commanded by Chester W. King, Troop D crossed the Rio Grande river in search of the elusive Pancho Villa.

In 1917, the Troop was again called into federal service. It became Company D of the 104th Machine Gun Battalion, a unit of the 27th Division, NY National Guard. Its first task was to guard the aqueduct providing New York City’s water supply. In 1918, the Troop sailed for Europe and served valiantly in France and Belgium, including successful offenses against the Hindenberg Line.

In the 1930s the Troop eventually became known as Troop K, 121st Cavalry. Their dedication, training, and skill led them to be known far and wide as the “Troop K Rough Riders”. Troop K went on to win many trophies for expert markmanship, trick riding, and the legendary pyramid ride and jump.

In 1940, Troop K joined the 101st Antitank Battalion as Company C. After training in Georgia, the Carolinas, and Louisiana, the Troop was designated Company C, 801st Tank Destroyer Battalion of the US Army. Members valiantly served in France, Germany, Italy, China, Burma, India, New Guinea, Okinawa and with the 8th Air Force in the United Kingdom.

In 1944, the 801st Tank Destroyer Battalion sailed to Liverpool, England and eventually joined American and Allied Forces in the liberation of Montebourg, Valognes and Cherbourg.

In 1946, New York State relieved Troop K of its military duties, and the Troop formed Cavalry Veterans of Syracuse, Inc. and opened its membership to others in the community for the purposes of patriotsm, social and recreational activities, and the spirit of camradery and respect. In 1948, the wives of the veterans formed the Ladies Auxiliary of Cavalry Veterans of Syracuse, Inc. and began developing social events and remodeling projects to benefit the membership.

In 1965, an Olympic swimming pool and a children’s wading pool were constructed next to the clubhouse. In 1965, the Cavalry Golf Club was officially opened, including a new club house and a showcase golf course nestled along Limestone Creek.

Cavalry Club Historical Downloads:
Cavalry Club 100 Year Anniversary Book 1904-2004 (PDF Format)
A Brief History of the Cavalry Club (PDF Format)
Leader Board Magazine February 1974 featuring The Cavalry Club (PDF Format)