Abington Township will receive a new historical marker from the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission to commemorate the Battle of Edge Hill during the Revolutionary War.

The battle was British commander Sir General Howe’s attempt to march north to encircle George Washington’s forces, which were prepared for the attack.

After three days of fighting, the British and Hessian forces disengaged from Washington’s troops, who were entrenched atop the Heights of Edge Hill, and retreated back to Philadelphia.

Abington residents suffered during the December 1777 engagement, having their farms plundered for food and tending to the wounded. Edge Hill was the last Revolutionary War engagement in the prior to the encampment at Valley Forge.

Abington was involved in other Revolutionary War skirmishes as well, as American troops utilized the Abington Presbyterian Church cemetery wall for cover against British troops.

With the tide of the Revolutionary War turned, Washington would recapture Philadelphia in 1778.

The historical marker will reside on Jenkintown Road in Glenside, outside of VFW Post 676. Unmarked graves of fallen soldiers from the Battle of Edge Hill are on the grounds of VFW 676. A commemoration service will be held in December.