Malvern in Chester County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Site of the Paoli Massacre
20 September 1777
In a move to capture Philadelphia, Lt. General Sir William Howe sailed from New York in July 1777 and landed his British Army at the mouth of the Elk River on the Chesapeake Bay, August 25, 1777. General George Washington attempted to stop the British at the Battle of Brandywine, September 11, 1777, but was defeated. Following the September 15th skirmish known locally as the “Battle of the Clouds,” washed out by a heavy rainstorm, the British camped several days in Tredyffrin, a few miles north of here. Brig. General Anthony Wayne, whose home was nearby, was ordered to place his Pennsylvania Line behind the enemy in order to harass Howe’s troops when they should attempt to cross the ford of the Schuylkill River. Wayne hid out here, 2 miles southwest of the “Paoli Tavern” and 1 mile south of the “Admiral Warren,” both on the Philadelphia to Lancaster road.
On the night of September 20, Howe dispatched Maj. General Charles Grey to dispose of Wayne’s forces so that he might proceed to cross the river without danger of rearguard action.
The well planned and skillfully executed attack upon the encampment thoroughly routed and dispersed Wayne’s command. Because of vicious lies and rumors that soon circulated, Wayne demanded and received a courtmartial to determine his guilt. A general order dated Nov. 1, 1777 unanimously acquitted him of all charges and further stated that Wayne acted as a brave and vigilant officer.
The so-called Paoli Massacre was a low point in the history of our war for independence, but “Remember Paoli” became a rallying slogan during the remainder of the war.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Notable Events • Notable Places • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Battlefield Trails - Revolutionary War series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1777.
Location. 40° 1.894′ N, 75° 31.229′ W. Marker is in Malvern, Pennsylvania, in Chester County. Marker is on Monument Avenue, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Malvern PA 19355, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Paoli Memorial Association (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Revolutionary War Patriots (about 600 feet away); Massacre Farm / 19th Century House (about 600 feet away); Malvern Area World War I Memorial (about 700 feet away); Malvern Memorial Parade (about 700 feet away); “Remember Paoli!” (approx. 0.2 miles away); Paoli Veterans Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); Dedicated to the American Veteran (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Malvern.
More about this marker. The right of the marker contains a map of the site of the Paoli Massacre. Indicated on the map are the troop locations of the American and British Armies and contemporary landmarks. Also marked on the map are the locations of the winter encampment at Valley Forge and the September 15, 1777 Battle of the Clouds.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. This series of markers follow the walking trail of the Paoli Battlefield.
Also see . . .
1. The Battle of Paoli (Massacre) September 21, 1777 at Malvern, Pennsylvania. The American Revolutionary War website. (Submitted on November 11, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
2. The Battle of Paoli also known as the Paoli Massacre. A British perspective of the battle from BritishBattles.com (Submitted on November 11, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 11, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 3,310 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 11, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 12, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on November 11, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.