The 8th Virginia Regiment or German Regiment was an infantry unit that served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Authorized in January 1776, the regiment was raised from men of several northwestern counties in the strength of 10 companies. Its first commander was Colonel Peter Muhlenberg, a clergyman and militia leader. The unit marched to defend Charleston, South Carolina in 1776, but saw no fighting. At the start of 1777, the 8th Virginia moved to join George Washington's main army. When Muhlenberg was promoted to general officer, Colonel Abraham Bowman took command of the unit.
Peter Muhlenberg
John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg was an American clergyman and military officer who served during the American Revolutionary War. A member of Pennsylvania's prominent Muhlenberg family political dynasty, he became a respected figure in the newly independent United States as a Lutheran minister and member of the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate.
Peter Muhlenberg
Peter Muhlenberg statue by Blanche Nevin at the United States Capitol building.
Peter Muhlenberg Memorial in Washington, D.C., on Connecticut Avenue. The inscription reads "John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg 1746 – 1807 Serving His Church, His Country, His State".
Peter Muhlenberg statue in front of the Shenandoah County Courthouse in Woodstock, Virginia
