History of Banastre Tarleton in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 27, 2025

Banastre Tarleton was a British military officer and politician prominent during the American War of Independence. As lieutenant colonel leading the British Legion, he was notorious for his aggressive tactics, inspiring fear and animosity among American Patriots. Despite the negative reputation he garnered in America, Tarleton continued his military career, serving in Portugal and holding commands in both Ireland and England, demonstrating a sustained and active role within the British military establishment.

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Full Timeline

1911: Tarleton Biography in the 11th Edition of Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1911, an article about Sir Banastre Tarleton was published in the 11th edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica, Volume 26, page 428.

1957: Publication of 'The Green Dragoon'

In 1957, Robert Duncan Bass's biography of Tarleton, "The Green Dragoon", was published, popularizing the phrase "Bloody Tarleton" in American heritage.

1978: Publication of 'The Campaign That Won America: The Story of Yorktown'

In 1978, Burke Davis's book, "The Campaign That Won America: The Story of Yorktown", mentioned that all the ranking British and German officers were invited for negotiations for surrender. It supports the conclusion that the incident with Colonel Tarleton not being invited to dinner with American officers could be apocryphal.

1985: The term 'Bloody Ban' coined

In 1985, John Pancake varied the disparaging label for Banastre Tarleton to "Bloody Ban" in his writings.

June 2006: Auction of Patriot Regimental Colours

In June 2006, specifically on Flag Day (June 14), four Patriot regimental colours captured by Tarleton in 1779 and 1780 were auctioned by Sotheby's in New York City for US$17.3 million.