The Battle of Paoli, also called the Paoli Massacre, occurred at midnight on September 20-21, 1777. After their defeat at Brandywine on September 11, Washington’s forces retreated toward Philadelphia, regrouped, and returned to Chester County. On September 16, they confronted Howe’s British army in nearby Goshen, but a rainstorm prevented another battle. Washington then withdrew from the Battle of the Clouds to northern Chester County to resupply, while Howe moved into Tredyffrin Township and prepared to cross the Schuylkill River to capture Philadelphia. Late on September 18, Washington sent General Anthony Wayne with 2200 men, mostly Pennsylvanians, to move behind Howe’s army of 15,000 and strike British supply wagons as they crossed the river. Wayne reached the Paoli Tavern early on September 19, only two miles behind the British camp, but soon withdrew to a secluded spot above the Warren Tavern screened by woods. Although Wayne believed his presence was unknown, intercepted messages revealed his plans to the British. His troops spent the night of September 19 and all of September 20 encamped there awaiting reinforcements until British forces attacked that night with bayonets and sabers with such ferocity that “Remember Paoli!” became a rallying cry for Pennsylvania’s soldiers.
