Thompson's Rifle Battalion: Capt. James Chambers' Company
Chambersburg, Franklin County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Recruited in this part of Cumberland (now Franklin) County, Chambers' Company was a unit of the first battalion in the colonies authorized by Congress, in June 1775. From here this company marched about 450 miles to join the siege of Boston. The battalion became the 1st Pennsylvania Regiment, with Chambers as Colonel, 1777-81; he was later a Brigadier General of militia.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
In June 1775, as war with Britain flared, Congress authorized the colonies' first battalion, and Capt. James Chambers raised a company here in what was then Cumberland County. These frontier riflemen marched roughly 450 miles to help besiege the British in Boston, among the earliest Pennsylvanians to answer the call to arms. The battalion evolved into the 1st Pennsylvania Regiment, with Chambers commanding as colonel from 1777 to 1781.
Why it matters
This company was part of the very first Continental force authorized by Congress, tying a Pennsylvania frontier town directly to the opening campaign of the American Revolution.
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Related people
- · James Chambers
Related events
- · Siege of Boston
Themes & tags
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