Butler's Brigade Monument

The monument's plaque lists regiments in Butler's Brigade.

NPS Photo / B. Dhunjisha

Quick Facts

Location:

On the right-hand side of South Outer Line Drive, past Wayne's Woods picnic area, just before Wayne's statue.

Significance:

Marks the encampment location of the second Brigade of Pennsylvania troops.

Designation:

Brigade Monument

Amenities

3 listed

Cellular Signal, Information, Pets Allowed

Monument Description

This monument, donated by the Valley Forge Park Commission under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1908, marks the location of the encampment of the second Brigade of the Pennsylvania Line. Anthony Wayne commanded the first and second brigades which constituted a division, an unusual responsibility for a brigadier general. Pennsylvania's senior officer, Arthur D. St. Clair, had been removed from this command at this time, and was awaiting court martial throughout the winter of 1777-1778. It is uncertain whether or not Lieutenant Colonel William Butler was in command of the second brigade.

Source: Dodd, C., Dodd, J. (1981) List of Classified Structures Reports. Volume VI: Monuments. Valley Forge National Historical Park.

Inscription

CONTINENTAL ARMY
VALLEY FORGE DECEMBER 19 1777 JUNE 18 1778
PENNSYLVANIA DIVISION
BRIGADIER GENERAL ANTHONY WAYNE
SECOND BRIGADE
LIEUTENANT COLONEL WILLIAM BUTLER
COMMANDING

4th. Regiment Infantry | Lieutenant Colonel William Butler
Raised January 11 1777 | Mustered out November 3 1783

5th. Regiment Infantry | Colonel Francis Johnston
Raised January 1 1777 | Mustered out January 1 1783

8th. Regiment Infantry | Colonel Daniel Brodhead
Raised July 20 1776 | Mustered out January 17 1781

11th. Regiment Infantry | Colonel Richard Hampton
Raised October 25 1776 | Consolidated with 10th Regiment Infantry June 24 1778