First Colonel of the United States Army
William Thompson was a veteran of the French and Indian War and a Continental Army officer whose reputation reflected both the intensity and brutality of frontier warfare. Born in Ireland in 1736, Thompson emigrated to Carlisle in 1755. Between wars, Thompson served as a Justice of the Peace for Cumberland County and was elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly. In 1775, he accepted a commission to serve as the first Colonel in the Army of the United Colonies, later the Continental Army, and led Pennsylvania’s first troop–known as Thompson’s Rifle Battalion–in the Revolutionary War. On March 1, 1776, Congress appointed him Brigadier General.
Thompson’s Carlisle residence connects the town to military campaigns along Pennsylvania’s western frontier during the Revolution. Thompson’s career highlights the complexities of Revolutionary leadership, reminding visitors that the war involved difficult choices and morally challenging strategies as the new nation struggled to survive.
Address: 461 Dyarman Road, Carlisle, PA 17015
Access Notes: The former house of Brigadier General William Thompson is a private home and is not open to the public. You may view it from the street only.
Visitor Tips: Please respect the private property of the current homeowners and view from the road only.
Patriot’s Story: Brigadier General William Thompson
1736-1781
William Thompson was born in Ireland and emigrated in 1755 to Carlisle, PA. He served as an officer in the French and Indian War, after which he became a business and civic leader in Cumberland County. On June 25, 1775, Thompson accepted a commission from Congress as the first Colonel of the Army of the United Colonies. His unit, originally known as Thompson’s Rifle Battalion, quickly distinguished themselves during the Siege of Boston in 1775–1776. Their sharpshooting skills were critical in harassing British troops and maintained pressure on British positions, eventually forcing the British to evacuate Boston. Recognized for his leadership and effectiveness, Thompson was promoted to Brigadier General in March 1776 and took command of a relief expedition against Canada. On June 8, 1776, the British captured him while leading Continental forces at the Battle of Three-Rivers near Quebec. He was not officially exchanged until October 25, 1780, and he died in ill health on September 3, 1781. He is buried in the Old Carlisle Cemetery on East South Street.
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Content in this section was curated by volunteers from the Army Heritage Center Foundation.