Varnum's Brigade Monument

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

NPS Photo/G. Purifoy

Quick Facts

Location:

North side of Route 23 near the Star Redoubt, east of Varnum's Quarters and the Varnum Picnic Area.

Significance:

Marks the encampment location of Varnum's Brigade.

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 Varnum's Brigade. This brigade of Rhode Island and Connecticut Infantry units included the First Rhode Island Regiment, well-known for its large contingent of free Black soldiers. The Brigade Commander, General Varnum, was one of the more colorful and outspoken general officers serving at Valley Forge.

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
---- DIVISION
----
VARNUM'S BRIGADE
BRIG. GENERAL JAMES M. VARNUM
COMMANDING

1st. Regiment Rhode Island Infantry | Col. Christopher Greene

2nd. Regiment Rhode Island Infantry | Col. Israel Angell

4th. Regiment Connecticut Infantry | Col. John Durnee

8th. Regiment Connecticut Infantry | Col. John Chandler