On April 23, 1863, Union cavalry led by Col. Benjamin F. Grierson approached Philadelphia from the north en route to Newton Station. Seeing armed citizens ahead blocking the road across this block, Grierson ordered his men to encircle the town. After a brief skirmish, the Federals entered and required a group of citizens to keep silent for a time about the column's location. Grierson then continued south toward Newton. The following day, another skirmish took place with the 7th Illinois Cavalry.