Remember Paoli Massacre: Lecture & Walking Tours Are Available

MALVERN, PA — It was 245 years ago Tuesday when 53 Continental soldiers were killed in what has become known as the Paoli Massacre, one of the early battles of the Revolutionary War.

To remember the massacre and educate the community, Paoli Battle Preservation Fund hosted Paoli Battle Heritage Day Saturday.

More than 250 men, women and children participated in a day filled with history lessons, reenactments, face-painting, food vendors and more. The event features displays of historical sites throughout the area.

“We had a good day of family fun,” James Christ, president of Paoli Battle Preservation Fund, said Monday.

Christ said the event has been canceled for the past two years due to the pandemic.

On Sept. 20, 1777, an estimated 1,200 British soldiers attacked a portion of the Continental Army under General Anthony Wayne in the middle of the night with bayonets. In the end, 300 people in the area were killed, wounded or missing, Christ said.

While the Americans were prepared, it was a losing battle, with lots of atrocities that happened there, Christ said.

To close the day, wreaths were placed on the graves of 52 fallen men from the battle. There was one American who died there, but does not have a grave. A firing salute, followed by taps was performed to honor the dead Americans.

• The events will continue on Tuesday with a lecture, “Germantown: A Military History of the Battle for the Control of Philadelphia, Oct. 4, 1777.” The lecture will be presented by author Michael Harris of Philadelphia is at 6 p.m. at the General Warren Restaurant. General Washington launched a surprise attack on the British at Germantown. Tickets are available here.

• A walking tour of the Paoli Battlefield is scheduled from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8. The walk will begin at the Malvern Borough building, 146 Channing Ave., Malvern. Bottled water will be available at the start and end of the tour. Books, hats and T-shirts will be available for purchase. Cost: $20. Registration is available here.