Philadelphia played an important role in the founding of America. Most visitors to Philadelphia are aware of Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Declaration of Independence. A few others may also be aware that the Constitution was also signed in Philadelphia. The contributions aren't limited to just the pen and paper. There were also numerous battles fought in the city's surrounding areas including arguably two of the most famous events in American history - Washington crossing the Delaware and the Continental Army camping the winter at Valley Forge. The action wasn't limited to these two iconic events. There were additional battles and other stops in the area for Washington and the Continental Army. Today most Philadelphians and visitors don't realize how intertwined their daily lives are with the former battlefields. Below is a complete listing of all the Philadelphia Campaign battlefields including photos and descriptions of the present day environment.
WINTER AT VALLEY FORGE - December 1777 - June 1778
"These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country..." Thomas Paine wrote these words a year before the Continental Army spent the winter at Valley Forge, however, his thoughts and words captured the spirit of the soldiers struggling with limited supplies and raw winter conditions. Less than twenty miles away the British enjoyed a comfortable winter in Philadelphia. Rather than wallowing in dismay the American army used their time to prepare for the battles ahead. Baron von Steuben joined the Continental Army in February 1778 and immediately started drills to improve the soldiers technique. When the army broke camp in June they were better prepared and organized to fight the British.
"These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country..." Thomas Paine wrote these words a year before the Continental Army spent the winter at Valley Forge, however, his thoughts and words captured the spirit of the soldiers struggling with limited supplies and raw winter conditions. Less than twenty miles away the British enjoyed a comfortable winter in Philadelphia. Rather than wallowing in dismay the American army used their time to prepare for the battles ahead. Baron von Steuben joined the Continental Army in February 1778 and immediately started drills to improve the soldiers technique. When the army broke camp in June they were better prepared and organized to fight the British.
Valley Forge National Historic Park is a well managed site that provides a glimpse of what life was like for the American solider during the winter of 1777/1778. The Park is easily reachable from anywhere in the Philadelphia area - it's less than a mile from the King of Prussia Mall at the confluence of I-76, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Route 422 and Route 202. When entering directions, head to the Park's visitor center, otherwise you may be routed to a different entrance. The park's visitor center has a few displays explaining life at the encampment. A video that starts every 30 minutes provides an overview of the Revolutionary War battles leading up to the winter at Valley Forge. Be sure to pick up a map in the visitor center. The rest of the experience is via a self-drive through the park with several stops along the way.
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The first stop on the loop through the park is the Muhlenberg Brigade a small cluster of recreating soldier log cabins. One of the more informative lessons from the visitor center was learning that at the time of the encampment, the Continental Army did not have a quartermaster or a means to have a steady stream of supplies. The Colonies issued their own currency but less than two years into the war many locals were not accepting the currency. Those that did often charged exorbitant prices. Soldiers relied on their states and social status for equipment, supplies, and in many cases purchased their own uniforms. Residents of Connecticut were well supported, however, their compatriots from North Carolina struggled to find boots and socks.
Further along the loop is the home George Washington used as his headquarters. Remarkably the original building and the majority of the interior remains. When you grab the handrail to head up the stairs to the second floor you are touching the same handrail George Washington did. Washington met with his generals, members of the U.S. Continental Congress, including Alexander Hamilton, and several foreign emissaries at his Valley Forge Headquarters.
Further along the loop is the home George Washington used as his headquarters. Remarkably the original building and the majority of the interior remains. When you grab the handrail to head up the stairs to the second floor you are touching the same handrail George Washington did. Washington met with his generals, members of the U.S. Continental Congress, including Alexander Hamilton, and several foreign emissaries at his Valley Forge Headquarters.
Valley Forge National Historic Park is as much a recreation zone for locals as it is a tourist attraction. Depending upon several factors there may be as many joggers and cyclists going through the park as visitors. It's a wonderful feature of the Philadelphia area that so many historical sites also serve as present day recreational sites. The park's open expanse creates vistas at every turn. When not overlooking the horizon there are statues dedicated to General Anthony Wayne and Baron von Steuben along the route. There are also ceremonial plaques and markers indicating where state regiments camped. It takes a minimum of two hours to see the Park, including time spent at the visitor center. For additional information see the parks official website and map to plan your route.
The remainder of the battles are listed chronologically. The first two are technically not part of the Philadelphia Campaign.
BATTLE OF TRENTON - December 26, 1776 - a.k.a. Washington crossing the Delaware
As a kid, opening your presents on Christmas morning, then being told you need to go with your parents to watch Washington cross the Delaware, creates a unfavorable view of historical events. Never mind the fact that if the crossing reenactment were to be historically accurate it would occur on Christmas night not in the afternoon giving more time to play with new toys. I was as surprised and grumpy as the Hessian troops. The Hessians, who were German mercenaries fighting on behalf of the British, partied hard over Christmas. Washington's sneak attack and victory helped raise morale and lead to a boost in enlistments. Will I ever drag my kids to a reenactment? Probably not. If you are not in town for the reenactment there is a permanent exhibit and reconstructed town to view. The surrounding townships of Yardley, Newtown, and New Hope are also worth a visit on their own. Yardley is the smallest of the three towns - Vault Brewing has a good selection of beer and did a good job keeping features of the original bank in the remodeled brewery. The Brewery has a fancier menu than you'll find in most other brew pubs. Newtown and New Hope have a wider selection of restaurants.
As a kid, opening your presents on Christmas morning, then being told you need to go with your parents to watch Washington cross the Delaware, creates a unfavorable view of historical events. Never mind the fact that if the crossing reenactment were to be historically accurate it would occur on Christmas night not in the afternoon giving more time to play with new toys. I was as surprised and grumpy as the Hessian troops. The Hessians, who were German mercenaries fighting on behalf of the British, partied hard over Christmas. Washington's sneak attack and victory helped raise morale and lead to a boost in enlistments. Will I ever drag my kids to a reenactment? Probably not. If you are not in town for the reenactment there is a permanent exhibit and reconstructed town to view. The surrounding townships of Yardley, Newtown, and New Hope are also worth a visit on their own. Yardley is the smallest of the three towns - Vault Brewing has a good selection of beer and did a good job keeping features of the original bank in the remodeled brewery. The Brewery has a fancier menu than you'll find in most other brew pubs. Newtown and New Hope have a wider selection of restaurants.
BATTLE OF PRINCETON - January 3, 1777
Following Washington's victory at Trenton, General Cornwallis tried to cut-off Washington's return to Pennsylvania by guarding the Delaware. Washington responded by once again sneaking out of camp and heading north where they engaged in a battle with the British rear guard. The Continental Army well outnumbered the British and easily won a second consecutive victory in Princeton. The Princeton Battlefield is located about two miles south of town on Mercer Road. Closer to town, on Route 206 / Stockton Road is a decent monument commemorating the battle. If you continue up Mercer Road and cut across Edgehill Road you will pass Albert Einstein's home at 112 Mercer Road - the house is now a private residence.
Princeton's defining feature is its namesake University. It's a beautiful Gothic style campus with the only warning being that parking in the area can be a bit tricky. I always enjoy visiting the Yankee Doodle Tap Room - there's a Norman Rockwell mural depicting Yankee Doodle going to town on the back wall behind the bar. The Tap Room also has photos of famous Princeton Alumni. Small World Coffee and House of Cupcakes are two other standard stops when I'm in the area. The one thing missing from Princeton is a great restaurant - there's good restaurants - but there's no dining spot that's on par with the University and town.
Following Washington's victory at Trenton, General Cornwallis tried to cut-off Washington's return to Pennsylvania by guarding the Delaware. Washington responded by once again sneaking out of camp and heading north where they engaged in a battle with the British rear guard. The Continental Army well outnumbered the British and easily won a second consecutive victory in Princeton. The Princeton Battlefield is located about two miles south of town on Mercer Road. Closer to town, on Route 206 / Stockton Road is a decent monument commemorating the battle. If you continue up Mercer Road and cut across Edgehill Road you will pass Albert Einstein's home at 112 Mercer Road - the house is now a private residence.
Princeton's defining feature is its namesake University. It's a beautiful Gothic style campus with the only warning being that parking in the area can be a bit tricky. I always enjoy visiting the Yankee Doodle Tap Room - there's a Norman Rockwell mural depicting Yankee Doodle going to town on the back wall behind the bar. The Tap Room also has photos of famous Princeton Alumni. Small World Coffee and House of Cupcakes are two other standard stops when I'm in the area. The one thing missing from Princeton is a great restaurant - there's good restaurants - but there's no dining spot that's on par with the University and town.
START OF THE PHILADELPHIA CAMPAIGN
General Howe attempts to capture Philadelphia...and he succeeds.
Throughout 1777 and 1778 the British maintained two armies in the Colonies. General John Burgoyne led one of the armies in Quebec and General William Howe led the other army out of New York City. The British plan was to divide the Continental Army that similarly was operating in two contingents as well - one in upstate New York and the other in Philadelphia, led by Washington. Burgoyne marched south and was ultimately defeated at Saratoga. Howe had much greater success, albeit with an unusual plan. Even odder, despite whipping the Continental Army throughout the Philadelphia area, Howe never went for the final kill shot despite numerous opportunities. Despite winning nearly every battle in the Philadelphia Campaign, Howe continued to allow Washington and his troops to retreat and regroup.
Howe's unusual path to Philadelphia did not involve marching south from New York City. Instead Howe took a sea route and headed south to the Chesapeake Bay. The rationale was that if the British controlled the southern waterway it would be much easier to supply and restock the army once Philadelphia was captured. The British forces landed in the area around present day Elkton, Maryland and began to march north. It didn't take long for Howe to capture Philadelphia - less than two months after landing in Elkton he was sitting comfortable in Philadelphia and Ben Franklin and the rest of the Continental Congress were scurrying off to York, PA.
Howe's inability to crush Washington ultimately led to his replacement by second in command Henry Clinton. Burgoyne's defeat at Saratoga forced Clinton to abandon Philadelphia and return to New York to fortify that city's defenses. After a year of fighting and a winter at Valley Forge the Continental and British Armies wound up in the same places they started, Philadelphia and New York.
Here's a map of the Philadelphia Campaign and an animated battle by battle troop movement.
General Howe attempts to capture Philadelphia...and he succeeds.
Throughout 1777 and 1778 the British maintained two armies in the Colonies. General John Burgoyne led one of the armies in Quebec and General William Howe led the other army out of New York City. The British plan was to divide the Continental Army that similarly was operating in two contingents as well - one in upstate New York and the other in Philadelphia, led by Washington. Burgoyne marched south and was ultimately defeated at Saratoga. Howe had much greater success, albeit with an unusual plan. Even odder, despite whipping the Continental Army throughout the Philadelphia area, Howe never went for the final kill shot despite numerous opportunities. Despite winning nearly every battle in the Philadelphia Campaign, Howe continued to allow Washington and his troops to retreat and regroup.
Howe's unusual path to Philadelphia did not involve marching south from New York City. Instead Howe took a sea route and headed south to the Chesapeake Bay. The rationale was that if the British controlled the southern waterway it would be much easier to supply and restock the army once Philadelphia was captured. The British forces landed in the area around present day Elkton, Maryland and began to march north. It didn't take long for Howe to capture Philadelphia - less than two months after landing in Elkton he was sitting comfortable in Philadelphia and Ben Franklin and the rest of the Continental Congress were scurrying off to York, PA.
Howe's inability to crush Washington ultimately led to his replacement by second in command Henry Clinton. Burgoyne's defeat at Saratoga forced Clinton to abandon Philadelphia and return to New York to fortify that city's defenses. After a year of fighting and a winter at Valley Forge the Continental and British Armies wound up in the same places they started, Philadelphia and New York.
Here's a map of the Philadelphia Campaign and an animated battle by battle troop movement.
BATTLE OF BRANDYWINE - September 11, 1777
The Brandywine Battlefield is in present day Chadds Ford, about thirty miles southwest from Center City Philadelphia and arguably one of the metropolitan area's nicest suburban communities. With General Howe approaching, Washington led the Continental Army south to defend Philadelphia. The Brandywine Valley is a series of hills and forests and an ideal place to engage in unconventional warfare. Unfortunately for Washington and Philadelphia, General Howe used the hills to outflank the Continental Army. Washington was defeated and Howe marched on to Philadelphia.
George Washington's Brandywine Headquarters and a Visitor Center are located on Route 1 about a half mile north of Chadds Ford - this part of the site has limited hours so be sure to check if it will be open at the time you plan to arrive. The bulk of the fighting took place a couple of miles away on Meetinghouse Road. The Battlefield can be found via a search in Google Maps, however, there's no marker at the destination. Further up on Meetinghouse Road is a meeting house and a cemetery that also served as a Brandywine battle area. I remember visiting Brandywine as a kid and being impressed with the visitor center. I'm not sure if I was easier to be impressed as a youth or something changed but the visitor center was a little disappointing.
What's not disappointing and lived up to my memory was breakfast at Hank's Place. Hank's has been at the intersection of Route 1 and Creek Road for as long as I can remember and was one of my Grandfather's favorite places to stop when driving to Baltimore. Further west/south on US Route 1 is Longwood Gardens and Kennett Square. Further north on US Route 202 is West Chester. Kennett Square and West Chester are both great small towns with a variety of restaurants along their main commercial thoroughfares.
The Brandywine Battlefield is in present day Chadds Ford, about thirty miles southwest from Center City Philadelphia and arguably one of the metropolitan area's nicest suburban communities. With General Howe approaching, Washington led the Continental Army south to defend Philadelphia. The Brandywine Valley is a series of hills and forests and an ideal place to engage in unconventional warfare. Unfortunately for Washington and Philadelphia, General Howe used the hills to outflank the Continental Army. Washington was defeated and Howe marched on to Philadelphia.
George Washington's Brandywine Headquarters and a Visitor Center are located on Route 1 about a half mile north of Chadds Ford - this part of the site has limited hours so be sure to check if it will be open at the time you plan to arrive. The bulk of the fighting took place a couple of miles away on Meetinghouse Road. The Battlefield can be found via a search in Google Maps, however, there's no marker at the destination. Further up on Meetinghouse Road is a meeting house and a cemetery that also served as a Brandywine battle area. I remember visiting Brandywine as a kid and being impressed with the visitor center. I'm not sure if I was easier to be impressed as a youth or something changed but the visitor center was a little disappointing.
What's not disappointing and lived up to my memory was breakfast at Hank's Place. Hank's has been at the intersection of Route 1 and Creek Road for as long as I can remember and was one of my Grandfather's favorite places to stop when driving to Baltimore. Further west/south on US Route 1 is Longwood Gardens and Kennett Square. Further north on US Route 202 is West Chester. Kennett Square and West Chester are both great small towns with a variety of restaurants along their main commercial thoroughfares.
BATTLE OF THE CLOUDS - September 16, 1777
After the defeat at Brandywine, Washington and the Continental Army headed a few miles north to Paoli. The British followed in an attempt for another victory. As the two armies were about to engage a downpour started. The Continental Army's supplies were ruined...but Howe, being the gentleman general, let them retreat without applying any additional pressure. Today the battlefield is a park with a couple of soccer and baseball fields and also a bike trail.
After the defeat at Brandywine, Washington and the Continental Army headed a few miles north to Paoli. The British followed in an attempt for another victory. As the two armies were about to engage a downpour started. The Continental Army's supplies were ruined...but Howe, being the gentleman general, let them retreat without applying any additional pressure. Today the battlefield is a park with a couple of soccer and baseball fields and also a bike trail.
BATTLE OF PAOLI - September 20, 1777
The Battle of Paoli is a hidden gem fifteen minutes southwest of Valley Forge and also another site of a Continental Army defeat - that's the common theme of this military campaign - this one so bad the battle is also known as the Paoli Massacre because supposedly the British took no prisoners. Washington and most of the Continental Army retreated across the Schuylkill River leaving General Wayne behind to track the British. The British found Wayne before he found them. Wayne lost 200+ troops, the British lost 4.
Today the battlefield is a combination of a park, monument, and historical preservation site. There's a few sports fields and a playground at the entrance of the park. A loop road leads to a monument dedicated to the soldiers killed in battle. A few additional monuments have been added for area residents killed in subsequent wars. The real surprise here is that the battlefield has been preserved AND there are placards throughout the site that provide additional historical background. It's an impressive site that I'll need to explore further when there's not snow on the ground.
Although it's the Battle of Paoli the site is in present day Malvern. There's a couple of restaurants and bars (Julie Anne's Place, The Flying Pig Saloon, etc.) along King Street that are worth checking out.
The Battle of Paoli is a hidden gem fifteen minutes southwest of Valley Forge and also another site of a Continental Army defeat - that's the common theme of this military campaign - this one so bad the battle is also known as the Paoli Massacre because supposedly the British took no prisoners. Washington and most of the Continental Army retreated across the Schuylkill River leaving General Wayne behind to track the British. The British found Wayne before he found them. Wayne lost 200+ troops, the British lost 4.
Today the battlefield is a combination of a park, monument, and historical preservation site. There's a few sports fields and a playground at the entrance of the park. A loop road leads to a monument dedicated to the soldiers killed in battle. A few additional monuments have been added for area residents killed in subsequent wars. The real surprise here is that the battlefield has been preserved AND there are placards throughout the site that provide additional historical background. It's an impressive site that I'll need to explore further when there's not snow on the ground.
Although it's the Battle of Paoli the site is in present day Malvern. There's a couple of restaurants and bars (Julie Anne's Place, The Flying Pig Saloon, etc.) along King Street that are worth checking out.
SEIGE OF FORT MIFFLIN - September 26, 1777 to November 11, 1777
To prevent the British ships from making their way up the Delaware the Continental Army constructed forts south of Philadelphia. Despite Philadelphia's economic prominence, it was the largest port in North America at the time of the Revolutionary War, the city had no military defenses because of the City's Quaker leanings. Once the bullets started flying in Massachusetts, Philadelphians began constructing the fort. It was a bit of a wasted effort. After defeating Washington at Brandywine the British could take their time in overtaking Fort Mifflin.
The Fort is on an island directly next to the Philadelphia International Airport. I mean directly next to the airport. The defining feature of the fort is the planes that fly overhead every five minutes. The Fort has been well maintained largely because the military continued to use the facility up to and through World War II. Admission to the Fort is $8 and once inside you can walk all over the fort including on the mud walls. There's not much else down this way, however, if you are ever fly in or out of Philadelphia it's worth checking this fort out sometime before or after your flight - for a sneak peak look out the left side of the plane on your arrival.
To prevent the British ships from making their way up the Delaware the Continental Army constructed forts south of Philadelphia. Despite Philadelphia's economic prominence, it was the largest port in North America at the time of the Revolutionary War, the city had no military defenses because of the City's Quaker leanings. Once the bullets started flying in Massachusetts, Philadelphians began constructing the fort. It was a bit of a wasted effort. After defeating Washington at Brandywine the British could take their time in overtaking Fort Mifflin.
The Fort is on an island directly next to the Philadelphia International Airport. I mean directly next to the airport. The defining feature of the fort is the planes that fly overhead every five minutes. The Fort has been well maintained largely because the military continued to use the facility up to and through World War II. Admission to the Fort is $8 and once inside you can walk all over the fort including on the mud walls. There's not much else down this way, however, if you are ever fly in or out of Philadelphia it's worth checking this fort out sometime before or after your flight - for a sneak peak look out the left side of the plane on your arrival.
BATTLE OF RED BANK - October 20, 1777
Across the Delaware from Fort Mifflin is the site of the Battle of Red Bank (not to be confused with Red Bank, New Jersey). The British hired Hessian troops to capture the fort on the New Jersey side of the River and fortunately for the Continental troops stationed at the fort, a local farmer overheard the Hessians' plans and raced to the fort. The undersized Continental Army won the battle on October 20, 1777 but ultimately succumbed several weeks later. The fort no longer remains - in it's place is a park with a monument and a small promenade with benches along the river. There's some great, albeit long distance shots, of the Philadelphia skyline. There's also Whitall House that served as a hospital for troops injured in the battle.
Across the Delaware from Fort Mifflin is the site of the Battle of Red Bank (not to be confused with Red Bank, New Jersey). The British hired Hessian troops to capture the fort on the New Jersey side of the River and fortunately for the Continental troops stationed at the fort, a local farmer overheard the Hessians' plans and raced to the fort. The undersized Continental Army won the battle on October 20, 1777 but ultimately succumbed several weeks later. The fort no longer remains - in it's place is a park with a monument and a small promenade with benches along the river. There's some great, albeit long distance shots, of the Philadelphia skyline. There's also Whitall House that served as a hospital for troops injured in the battle.
BATTLE OF GERMANTOWN - October 4, 1777
For all the times I've driven along Germantown Avenue I've never thought that I was driving along the same path the Continental Army marched on their way to battle the British. The Continental Army had been struggling since General Howe began his campaign north from Baltimore and at this point were residing comfortably in Philadelphia. Washington tried, unsuccessfully, to recapture Philadelphia starting with a battle at Germantown.
The Germantown battle site isn't much more than a home, the Benjamin Chew house, set less than one hundred yards off Germantown Avenue. It's hard to believe but the battle took place in this house, a similar house across the street, and the surrounding yards. Today the Benjamin Chew house is formerly known as Cliveden. The house is operated by a trust and a reenactment of the battle is performed every October. For additional information on Cliveden see the trust's website. Call in advance to confirm tours will be held.
If you are looking for a great neighborhood bar, McMenamin's Tavern, a mile north on Germantown Avenue is spectacular. The place is always busy with locals. Further up on Germantown Avenue is Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia's nicest neighborhood.
For all the times I've driven along Germantown Avenue I've never thought that I was driving along the same path the Continental Army marched on their way to battle the British. The Continental Army had been struggling since General Howe began his campaign north from Baltimore and at this point were residing comfortably in Philadelphia. Washington tried, unsuccessfully, to recapture Philadelphia starting with a battle at Germantown.
The Germantown battle site isn't much more than a home, the Benjamin Chew house, set less than one hundred yards off Germantown Avenue. It's hard to believe but the battle took place in this house, a similar house across the street, and the surrounding yards. Today the Benjamin Chew house is formerly known as Cliveden. The house is operated by a trust and a reenactment of the battle is performed every October. For additional information on Cliveden see the trust's website. Call in advance to confirm tours will be held.
If you are looking for a great neighborhood bar, McMenamin's Tavern, a mile north on Germantown Avenue is spectacular. The place is always busy with locals. Further up on Germantown Avenue is Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia's nicest neighborhood.
BATTLE OF WHITEMARSH - December 5-8, 1777
Following the defeat at the Battle of Germantown the Continental Army spent the next two months camping and regrouping throughout the Wissahickon Valley area. The Battle of White Marsh, also known as the Battle of Edge Hill included a series of skirmishes in the present day areas of Whitemarsh and Ardsley. While there's no official battlefield "site" there are a few markers and buildings that document the history in the area. The Wissahickon Creek still winds its way through the area, down along the Forbidden Drive, and into the Schuylkill. Hope Lodge, located on Bethlehem Pike served as a hospital while the Continental Army camped in the area. A re-enactment is held once a year and like a few other sites it's not safe to assume it's open during the winter even when the hours suggest otherwise. Further down on Bethlehem Pike is Fort Hill which is now a public park.
Following the defeat at the Battle of Germantown the Continental Army spent the next two months camping and regrouping throughout the Wissahickon Valley area. The Battle of White Marsh, also known as the Battle of Edge Hill included a series of skirmishes in the present day areas of Whitemarsh and Ardsley. While there's no official battlefield "site" there are a few markers and buildings that document the history in the area. The Wissahickon Creek still winds its way through the area, down along the Forbidden Drive, and into the Schuylkill. Hope Lodge, located on Bethlehem Pike served as a hospital while the Continental Army camped in the area. A re-enactment is held once a year and like a few other sites it's not safe to assume it's open during the winter even when the hours suggest otherwise. Further down on Bethlehem Pike is Fort Hill which is now a public park.
Heading towards Ardsley is Emlen House, which served as George Washington's headquarters. The home is in process of being renovated and part of a broader new single family community. There's a marker on Pennsylvania Avenue just south of Camp Hill Road marking the entrance to the new development. I've driven Jenkintown Road from Limekiln Pike into Ardsley numerous times and never noticed the Battle of Edge Hill banners hanging from the light posts.
BATTLE OF MATSON'S FORD - December 11, 1777
The "battle" of Matson's Ford involved minor skirmishes between various foraging parties from the British and Continental Armies. The battles were fought in what is now the West Conshohocken area (Rebel Hill Road and Matsonford Road). The present day Matson's Ford is the Fayette Street Bridge that leads into Conshohocken. After the battle the Continental Army retreated to Valley Forge for the winter. Fayette Street has several restaurants, however, if I'm in the area, it's usually on a bike, and I'm stopping at Conshohocken Brewing.
The "battle" of Matson's Ford involved minor skirmishes between various foraging parties from the British and Continental Armies. The battles were fought in what is now the West Conshohocken area (Rebel Hill Road and Matsonford Road). The present day Matson's Ford is the Fayette Street Bridge that leads into Conshohocken. After the battle the Continental Army retreated to Valley Forge for the winter. Fayette Street has several restaurants, however, if I'm in the area, it's usually on a bike, and I'm stopping at Conshohocken Brewing.
BATTLE OF CROOKED BILLET - May 1, 1778
The Battle of Crooked Billet was a minor skirmish involving two scouting parties, each trying to cut-off supplies and reinforcements. There's a monument at Crooked Billet Elementary school in Hatboro - I would have attended this elementary school but our family moved the summer before I started kindergarten. Hatboro has gone through a bit of a small town renaissance and has a microbrewery to prove it - Crooked Eye Brewing. Supposedly, if family history is to be believed, I had relatives fight in the Battle of Crooked Billet.
The Battle of Crooked Billet was a minor skirmish involving two scouting parties, each trying to cut-off supplies and reinforcements. There's a monument at Crooked Billet Elementary school in Hatboro - I would have attended this elementary school but our family moved the summer before I started kindergarten. Hatboro has gone through a bit of a small town renaissance and has a microbrewery to prove it - Crooked Eye Brewing. Supposedly, if family history is to be believed, I had relatives fight in the Battle of Crooked Billet.
BATTLE OF BARREN HILL - May 20, 1778
I drive through the Battle of Barren Hill every morning. It wasn't much of a battle - the Marquis de Lafayette went on a reconaisasance mission, was almost caught, and then escaped to rejoin Washington and the rest of Continental Army. Today the Barren Hill area is commonly referred to as Lafayette Hill, however, the local fire department still bears the Barren Hill name. Across the street from the fire station is an on again / off again microbrewery where supposedly Lafayette spent the night.
I drive through the Battle of Barren Hill every morning. It wasn't much of a battle - the Marquis de Lafayette went on a reconaisasance mission, was almost caught, and then escaped to rejoin Washington and the rest of Continental Army. Today the Barren Hill area is commonly referred to as Lafayette Hill, however, the local fire department still bears the Barren Hill name. Across the street from the fire station is an on again / off again microbrewery where supposedly Lafayette spent the night.
HANCOCK'S BRIDGE MASSACRE - March 21, 1778
Add the Hancock's Bridge Massacre to the list of Revolutionary War events I was not aware of a year ago. Hancock's Bridge is a small, New Jersey town about an hour south of Philadelphia along New Jersey's Bay Coast Bi-Way. The Hancock House was the scene of a brutal massacre. The local militia was undecided on whether or not to engage the nearby British. That indecision ultimately cost thirty of them their lives when the British showed up at five one morning and put bayonets into anything that was sleeping.
Massacre aside, the Hancock House is a beautiful building. The family's initials and the year the building was constructed, 1734, are built into the house's facade. This was a common Quaker feature, however, this is the first home I've seen with this in-laid decision. The town seems remote by today's standards, however, it's less than a few miles from the Delaware River.
Add the Hancock's Bridge Massacre to the list of Revolutionary War events I was not aware of a year ago. Hancock's Bridge is a small, New Jersey town about an hour south of Philadelphia along New Jersey's Bay Coast Bi-Way. The Hancock House was the scene of a brutal massacre. The local militia was undecided on whether or not to engage the nearby British. That indecision ultimately cost thirty of them their lives when the British showed up at five one morning and put bayonets into anything that was sleeping.
Massacre aside, the Hancock House is a beautiful building. The family's initials and the year the building was constructed, 1734, are built into the house's facade. This was a common Quaker feature, however, this is the first home I've seen with this in-laid decision. The town seems remote by today's standards, however, it's less than a few miles from the Delaware River.
If you were keeping tabs - the score wound up British: 11 - Colonists: 0. Plus a nasty winter at Valley Forge. And three microbrewery references. Fortunately for the Continental Army they were persistent and after receiving training at Valley Forge they were slowly able to gain some momentum. Howe had eight opportunities to end the war and he didn't act on any of them. Just one and the Colonies wouldn't have gained independence and the US would have gone the way of Canada.
I cut-off the Philadelphia Campaign in May 1778 but by June 1778 Washington was chasing Clinton through New Jersey and gained a decisive victory at Monmouth in North New Jersey. There wasn't a ton of action after 1778. The French started to provide support to the Colonists and also engaged a now stretched British Army in areas beyond the Colonies. The Spanish started attacking the British in areas like Gibraltar and even considered an invasion of Great Britain. Henry Clinton remained bogged down in New York City for the rest of the war. General Cornwalis headed south by boat and began marching north where he was ultimately stopped at Yorktown. His surrender changed the course of the world.
I cut-off the Philadelphia Campaign in May 1778 but by June 1778 Washington was chasing Clinton through New Jersey and gained a decisive victory at Monmouth in North New Jersey. There wasn't a ton of action after 1778. The French started to provide support to the Colonists and also engaged a now stretched British Army in areas beyond the Colonies. The Spanish started attacking the British in areas like Gibraltar and even considered an invasion of Great Britain. Henry Clinton remained bogged down in New York City for the rest of the war. General Cornwalis headed south by boat and began marching north where he was ultimately stopped at Yorktown. His surrender changed the course of the world.