This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Archeologists Dig Up History at Revolutionary Battlefield

The 234-year-old items being unearthed at the battlefield shed light on how the fighting unfolded.

Last year, a team of archeologists and historians began an excavation process at the Paoli Battlefield in search of buried artifacts from the Revolutionary War battle.

The digging, led by the Paoli Battlefield Preservation Fund [PBPF], will resume this spring, but 18th-century ammunition, coins and other items have already been recovered.

The artifacts are currently being studied at Temple University, but are owned by Malvern Borough, which will display them in its History Center after the studies are completed.

Find out what's happening in West Chesterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to Dr. William Watson, chair of the history department at Immaculata University and a PBPF board member, “The artifacts are things that historians will find of great interest because this is an effort to trace who was where during the battle. It will also help preserve the importance of the battle in the memory of future generations.”

Among the items discovered so far are:

Find out what's happening in West Chesterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Remains of temporary shelters that Gen. Anthony Wayne had the Pennsylvania Regiment build in order to protect their black powder from the rain.
  • British coins found in a straight line from the 18th Century, which were considered rare and would not have been misplaced outside the havoc of battle.
  • Intact and melted musket balls, likely left in a burning wigwam after the massacre.
  • A cannonball and a hatchet have also been found, which may date from the battle.

Students and interns have joined an array of professionals in the effort.

“Professional archeological companies such as John Milner Associates and volunteer groups such as Battlefield Restoration and Archeological Volunteer Organization (BRAVO) have provided extensive services,” says PBPF president Bruce Knapp.

“We also have experts on geophysical and metal detector testing who have recovered artifacts which date from the battle and provide clues to the conduct of the engagement.”

Each artifact is tagged and its location is recorded on an advanced GPS system that is accurate to a quarter-inch. The artifacts are then taken to BRAVO’s laboratory for cleaning, preservation, initial identification and classification.

The county’s Parks and Recreations Department and GIS Unit recently secured a large grant from the National Park Service’s American Battlefield Protection Program.

“The grant will be used to conduct GPS and Cultural Resource Surveys to determine the full scope and boundaries of the Battle of Paoli,” Knapp said.

The combination of the archeological findings, historical significance and the Cultural Resource Surveys will be used to apply for National Historic Landmark designation.

“The Paoli Battlefield Preservation Fund is leading efforts to preserve and educate the public on the importance of the Philadelphia Campaign and this region to the founding of our nation. [PBPF] is a founder of the Philadelphia Campaign Consortium and works closely with the American Revolution Center and other sites in the area,” Knapp said.

Knapp is also president of the Chester County Historical Preservation Network and a member of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania Advisory Council for its History Affiliates program.

The Malvern Borough and PBPF plans to display the artifacts, expand the displays and trails, and establish public archeological programs like Valley Forge National Historical Park, Knapp said.

The Battle of Paoli, also known as the Paoli Massacre, is part of The Philadelphia Campaign that took place from August 1777 to May 1788. After suffering a defeat at the Battle of the Brandywine on Sept. 11 against Gen. Howe and the British, Washington moved his troops back into Chester County. He tried to engage the British along the hills of East Goshen and Malvern, the current location of Immaculata University. This battle is known as Battle of the Clouds due to the torrential downpour that led to both sides retreating.

After the Battle of the Clouds, Washington sent Gen. Wayne and the Pennsylvania regiment to observe the British movement. Gen. Wayne realized that the Americans surrounded the British on all sides, and could force them to surrender. He sent couriers to Gen. Washington, but the British intercepted them.

Howe ordered one of his ruthless generals, Charles Grey, and the 42nd Highland Regiment (Black Watch), to attack Wayne’s troops at night. The British used bayonets, swords and knives to attack. About fifty-two American men died and were buried on the battlefield, 150 others were wounded, and 71 captured by the British.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?