Carlisle in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Fighting Butlers
The Butlers eventually had five sons, all whom were distinguished officers in the American Revolution, known as “The Fighting Butlers.” The four oldest sons wintered with Washington at Valley Forge in 1777-1778. Thomas Sr. also enlisted, with Eleanor decrying “Let him go; I can get along without him, and have something to feed the army in the bargain; and the country wants every man who can shoulder a musket.” After the War’s final victory at Yorktown, Gen. Washington gave a toast to his assembled officers acknowledging “The Butlers and their five sons.” Gen. Lafayette wrote; “When I wished a thing well done, I ordered a Butler to do it.”
After the Revolutionary war the Carlisle Butler sons continued to serve; three fought with Andrew Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans. Pierce became the first Adjutant General of Kentucky. Oldest son Gen. Richard Butler and brothers Thomas and Edward fought bravely in the 1791 frontier Indian battle known as St. Clair’s Defeat. Thomas and Edward survived, but Richard did not. The fifth brother, William, died in 1789 at Pittsburgh, his health having never recovered from the war. Sons of the brothers Butler served in the War of 1812, the Mexican War, and on both sides of the Civil War.
(image captions):
Colonel (later Major General) Richard Butler
Pennsylvania Longrifle
Erected by Historic Carlisle, Inc.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary.
Location. 40° 12.108′ N, 77° 11.519′ W. Marker is in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in Cumberland County. Marker is at the intersection of West High Street (U.S. 11) and Pitt Street, on the right when traveling west on West High Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Carlisle PA 17013, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Thomas Butler (a few steps from this marker); The High Street Train Stations (within shouting distance of this marker); James Wilson (within shouting distance of this marker); Cumberland County Historical Society & Hamilton Library Association (within shouting distance of this marker); Hot-Chee Dogs (within shouting distance of this marker); Centenary Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Vale-Himes Park Landmark Lines (within shouting distance of this marker); Health Through History (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Carlisle.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 15, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 13, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,199 times since then and 311 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 14, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.