carlisle

1781Who is recognized as the first Colonel of the U.S. Army and was taken prisoner in Canada during the American Revolution?

Brigadier General William Thompson, born in County Meath, Ireland and later a resident of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, holds the distinction of being the first Colonel commissioned by the Continental Congress for the "army of the United Colonies"—the forerunner of the U.S. Army. Thompson’s military service during the American Revolution was marked by both valor and misfortune; after leading troops at the Battle of Trois-Rivières in Québec on June 8, 1776, he was captured and spent four years as a prisoner of war. His legacy endures through memorials in Carlisle, New York City, and Trois-Rivières, and a striking Celtic cross and commemorative granite slab at his gravesite honor his unique history as both a celebrated officer and a long-imprisoned war hero. On September 3, 2025, his life and legacy will be remembered on the 244th anniversary of his death—more than 250 years after his groundbreaking commission.

1744Who is known as "The Heroine of Monmouth" during the American Revolution?

Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley, better known as "Molly Pitcher," is commemorated at her gravesite in Carlisle, Pennsylvania as the legendary Heroine of Monmouth. During the fierce Battle of Monmouth on June 28, 1778, she famously carried water to thirsty soldiers and took over operating a cannon when her husband collapsed, earning recognition from General George Washington himself. Although she never officially trained as a soldier, her bravery led to a lifelong local legacy—including a six-foot bronze statue unveiled in 1916, whose face was modeled after five of her great-granddaughters. Her story, rooted in fact and embellished by legend, continues to inspire visitors and descendants nearly 250 years after the battle.