The Battle of Paoli (also known as the Battle of Paoli Tavern or the Paoli Massacre) is a battle in the Philadelphia campaign of the American Revolutionary War fought on September 20, 1777, in the area surrounding present-day Malvern, Pennsylvania.
Following the American retreats at the Battle of Brandywine and the Battle of the Clouds, George Washington leaves a force under Brigadier General Anthony Wayne behind to monitor and harass the British as they prepare to move on the revolutionary capital of Philadelphia.
On the evening of September 20, British forces under Major General Charles Grey lead a surprise attack on Wayne's encampment near the Paoli Tavern.
Although there are relatively few American casualties, claims are made that the British had taken no prisoners and granted no quarter, and the engagement becomes known as the "Paoli Massacre."
