Looking Back

Ann O’Hara
Posted 8/21/12

General “Mad Anthony” Wayne inspired the names of at least 15 counties, 13 cities and 28 towns and villages, as well as schools, rivers, streets and parks across the nation. Like most of the …

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Looking Back

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General “Mad Anthony” Wayne inspired the names of at least 15 counties, 13 cities and 28 towns and villages, as well as schools, rivers, streets and parks across the nation. Like most of the others, Wayne County, Pennsylvania was never visited by the general, although he was a Pennsylvania native. Born in 1745 in Chester County, he was a surveyor and also worked in his wealthy father’s tannery. At the beginning of the Revolution, Wayne became colonel of the 4th Pennsylvania Regiment. He participated in the unsuccessful invasion of Canada and was promoted to brigadier general in 1777. Wayne commanded the Pennsylvania Line at Brandywine and Germantown and led the American attack at the battles of Monmouth and Stony Point, where he gained his nickname for his boldness in battle. After the war, Anthony Wayne served in the Pennsylvania state legislature, moved to Georgia, served a year in Congress, returned to the military to fight in the Northwest Indian War and died 1796 at Fort Presque Isle (now Erie), PA.

From the collection of the Wayne County Historical Society, 810 Main St., Honesdale, open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. For more information see WayneHistoryPA.org or call 570/253-3240.

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