Last updated: October 6, 2023
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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
Sunday, September 11, 2022
6 PM to 7 PM
Brandywine State Battlefield Park will hold a Remembrance Day commemoration, a dual honoring of the fallen in both 1777 and 2001. Free admission.
Sandy Hollow Heritage Park
Saturday & Sunday, September 24 & 25, 2022
10 AM to 4 PM each day
Sandy Hollow Heritage Park in Birmingham Township will hold a large battle reenactment. Free, donations welcome.
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
Saturday, September 17, 2022
11 AM to 4 PM
Paoli Battlefield Historical Park will celebrate its Heritage Day. Programs include: reenactors wearing uniforms and equipment of soldiers throughout American history, an exhibit on the USO, food and beer trucks, wreath-laying and firing salute.
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
Saturday, September 10, 2022
11 AM to Noon
Independence National Historical Park will have a 1-hour ranger-guided walk focusing on the impact of the British Occupation. Tour begins at the Benjamin Franklin Museum.
The Museum of the American Revolution
Saturday & Sunday, November 5 & 6, 2022
10 AM to 5 PM each day
The Museum of the American Revolution will hold walking tours and programs related to the occupation, including a recreated British encampment in the museum’s outdoor plaza.
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)
Saturday, October 1, 2022
10 AM to 4 PM
Cliveden Historic Site (Chew House), which was in the center of some of the hardest fighting during the Battle of Germantown, is the focus of the Revolutionary Germantown Festival, which will include reenactors representing both sides of the conflict.
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
Sunday, October 23, 2022
10 AM to 4 PM
Red Bank Battlefield Park, a Gloucester County park in National Park, New Jersey will host its 18th Century Field Day, including living history demos, artillery drills, tours of the Whitall House, and the Jonas Cattell 5K run (starts at 8AM).
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
Saturday, November 5, 2022
10 AM to 4 PM
Historic Hope Lodge in Fort Washington will hold its 41st reenactment of the Whitemarsh encampment, which will include tours of Hope Lodge (Washington’s Headquarters), colonial craft demonstrations, skirmish reenactments, children’s musket drills, live music, and more.
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
Saturday & Sunday, November 12 & 13, 2022
10 AM to 4 PM
Fort Mifflin on the Delaware holds its Siege Weekend, with cannon and musket demos, living history activities, and guided tours at 12 PM and 2 PM.
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.