SEPTEMBER 17, 1777

YELLOW SPRINGS…On this day in early morning, General George Washington, Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, marched into the village of Yellow Springs with his wet, muddied, and exhausted army. They had lost much of their baggage including tents for shelter and their ammunition was wet and lost for use due to the torrential downpours of rain they had endured crossing the Great Valley during the night.

This story begins on September 16, 1777, with what is known as the Battle of the Clouds. General Washington was attempting to stop General Howe and the British approach to Philadelphia. This was his second attempt having suffered defeat at the Battle of Brandywine on September 11. The Battle of the Clouds was one of the largest Revolutionary War battles in terms of troops on the ground. Both armies had a troop strength near 15,000 men and it is one of the few battles where George Washington was the commanding general.

As the two armies braced for attack, what is considered a September hurricane brought down the rains. Both armies were so bogged down by the rain, that Washington retreated to Yellow Springs and the British camped in the Tredyffrin area. This act of Nature won the day!

At Yellow Springs, the troops camped out in the surrounding fields and woods and local farm families attempted to feed and shelter them. General Washington set up temporary headquarters at the tavern. He sent several pieces of correspondence to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia dated September 17, 1777, and headlined “Yellow Springs”.

The troops were organized and marched out later that day to reach Warwick Furnace.

We suffered much from severe weather yesterday and last night, being unavoidably
separated from our tents and luggage, which not only endangers the health of the men but
has been very injurious to our arms and ammunition. These, when we arrive at Warwick, we
shall endeavor as soon as possible to put again into proper condition, to do which and to refresh the men are two principal motives for going there.

While this was transpiring, Washington sent General Anthony Wayne to keep an eye on the British resulting in the Paoli Massacre. This, including Brandywine and the Battle of the Clouds is considered the Philadelphia Campaign in Chester County. The British did occupy Philadelphia and General Washington marched into Valley Forge on December 19 to establish his winter encampment 1777-1778 there.

At that time, he was to petition the Continental Congress to build a hospital to care for the men suffering from diseases and threatening his army. This was built at Yellow Springs and Washington was to visit here several times before marching out of Valley Forge in June 1778.

Historic Yellow Springs is part of the AM250 project with Chester County focusing on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The Philadelphia Campaign is one of four topics being explored and we will be part of sharing that long and interesting story. So, look forward to learning more about this era of American history and the full details we, Historic Yellow Springs, had in it. And when you visit, we trust you will revere walking in the steps of General George Washington.