Last updated: May 16, 2025
Article
The Philadelphia Campaign of 1777
Events Leading to the British Occupation of Philadelphia and the Encampment of the Continental Army at Valley Forge
On September 3, 1777, British and Revolutionary forces clashed at Cooch’s Bridge in Delaware, the opening battle of what would be known as the Philadelphia Campaign. During this campaign of the American Revolutionary War, months of long marches and fierce fighting ended with Philadelphia occupied by the British and Washington’s army encamped at Valley Forge.
Each year on the anniversary of the campaign, many local parks and historic sites host commemorative events. The following list details some of the major engagements that occurred during the Philadelphia Campaign and the places you can visit to pay homage to this era in history.
Please note: some events require an admission fee. Check links for details.
Battle of Brandywine - September 11, 1777
In a wide flanking maneuver, the British Army forced the Continental Army to retreat from their defensive position along Brandywine Creek. While the American army gave a strong defense and prevented a disaster, it was a stinging loss for Washington’s forces.
Brandywine State Battlefield Park
Sandy Hollow Heritage Park
Battle of Paoli - September 20, 1777
A British force under General Charles Grey launched a dawn raid on General Wayne’s Continentals encamped in the woods outside the town of Paoli. The assault, done with bayonets under cover of darkness, completely surprised the Americans, forcing Wayne’s troops to retreat with heavy losses.
Paoli Battlefield Historical Park
Occupation of Philadelphia - September 26, 1777
General Howe maneuvered his army west, forcing Washington to make a choice: move his army west to protect the resources of the country or continue to block the passages into Philadelphia. He moved west, clearing a path for the British army to capture and occupy the city.
Independence National Historical Park
The Museum of the American Revolution
Battle of Germantown - October 4, 1777
Having lost Philadelphia to the British, Washington launched a surprise attack against their main outpost at Germantown. Despite initial success, dense fog, miscommunication, and stiff resistance at the Chew House, allowed the British to regroup and counterattack, forcing Washington’s army to retreat.
Cliveden Historic Site (Chew House)
Battle of Red Bank - October 22, 1777
The British send Hessian soldiers into New Jersey to capture Fort Mercer. The Americans offered strong resistance, and the Hessians were repulsed with heavy losses.
Red Bank Battlefield Park
Red Bank Battlefield | Gloucester County, NJ (gloucestercountynj.gov)
Whitemarsh Encampment - November 2 to December 18, 1777
Encamped at Whitemarsh, the Continental Army sent out skirmishing parties to harass British foraging operations. On December 5 General Howe led a large force out of Philadelphia to attack the American encampment. After three days of fighting, the Americans held firm, and Howe moved back into Philadelphia.
Historic Hope Lodge in Fort Washington
Bombardment of Fort Mifflin - November 10 to 15, 1777
November 10 to 15, 1777
After suffering heavy losses assaulting Fort Mercer, the British planned to bomb Fort Mifflin into submission. Using land and naval artillery, the British bombarded the island fort for 5 days. With the fort’s defenses severely damaged and after heavy loss of life, the American defenders were forced to abandon the fort, rowing to New Jersey under cover of night.
Fort Mifflin on the Delaware
Valley Forge Encampment - December 19, 1777 to June 19, 1778
Washington and his campaign-weary army marched into camp on December 19, 1777. Contrary to popular myth, the Continental soldiers marching in to Valley Forge, were not downtrodden — just exhausted and ill-supplied. They exuded the confidence of people who knew that they had come close to beating the British in battle. They were cautiously optimistic about the future, and resigned themselves to the task of establishing their winter camp.