A BGES Revolutionary War Field University Program: American Fabius: George Washington and the 1777 Philadelphia Campaign

Home , Battle of Brandywine, Battle of the Clouds, George Washington, Philadelphia campaign

Philadelphia was the capital of the newly confederated American country. Here the leaders of the rebellion had debated endlessly the ramifications and the proper responses to the perceived affronts of George III and his ministers and generals. After George Washington had compelled the British to abandon Boston the British Army and Royal Navy attacked and occupied New York City. Here operations were contemplated and coordinated until 1777 when a new British army under the command of General Burgoyne moved into the Hudson Valley. While Burgoyne expected support from Lord Howe, the North American Commander elected to move towards Philadelphia. With a direct threat to the capital, General George Washington moved to counter Howe’s aggression. This is the story of that campaign and what we learned about this man— George Washington.

Sunday, August 27, 2017

6:30 PM Check in at headquarters hotel for meet, greet and to pick up your reading books. An opening lecture will introduce us to the competing armies, their leaders and objectives in the late summer of 1777. Dinner is on your own.

Monday, August 28, 2017

Our 8:00 start will move to Head of Elk in Maryland where we will receive Howe’s grand armada as it docks at its destination point for an overland march eastward to Philadelphia. See how Washington organizes to resist them while visiting his headquarters at Iron Bridge and then see where blood is first shed at Cooch’s Bridge. Following lunch we will set up Washington’s army at Brandywine and look over the defensive terrain he held and the river crossings that would be key. We will see another of Washington’s HQ before finishing the day at the Brandywine Museum. Lunch included.

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Wile 9/11 means something much different today, in 1777 it was the day of battle at Brandywine. We will open the battle west of the creek in meaningful stops at Welsh’s Tavern and Kennett’s Meeting House. Here the casualties mount in severe fighting. Our last morning stop is with Washington’s artillery at Proctor’s Hill. The afternoon looks at the British strategy that turns Washington’s positions. This will be obvious as we follow Cornwallis to Trimble’s and Jeffrie’s Fords. The battle is decided at Osborne, Birmingham and Battle Hills and Dillworth Tavern. Washington is beaten and Howe prepares to enter Philadelphia where the Continental Congress has fled to York, Pennsylvania. We will return to the hotel. Lunch included.

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Today we pick up Washington’s army just four days after the battle of Brandywine as he heads westward on the Lancaster Road running through the Great Valley, determined to resist General Howe’s advance to the Swede’s Ford raod and an easy passage into Philadelphia. We will stop and identify the still Standing White Horse Tavern and the Warren Tavern, among the old road beds moving along what today is Route 30. In addition to following the movements of the armies, we will investigate and discuss the “Battle of the Clouds.” A momentous “What If?” engagement that highlights the pressures and desperation that Washington faced—sacrifice the army or the government? After lunch we will head to Paoli site of an often overlooked “massacre.” The event is significant and intensely interesting. We will end the day at the banks of the Schuylkill River and view the scene where Howe stole a march on Washington and takes Philadelphia. Lunch and dinner included.

Thursday August 31, 2017

Today we open with the occupation of Philadelphia and visit Howe’s HQ at Stenton, a home that was once Washington’s HQ. We then travel to Cliveden—central spot of the British encampment at Germantown. Washington’s unexpected attack is reminiscent of the Trenton attack during Christmas past. Cliveden proves a formidable fortress and with ammunition running low—Washington withdraws in the face of Cornwallis’ pressing counter attack. Our next stop will be at the Emlen House where we will discuss a major threat to Washington’s authority—the Conway Cabal was an effort to replace Washington. We will end the day interpreting the battle at Whitemarsh. Lunch included.

Friday September 1, 2017

Our final day takes us to the Delaware River where we will discuss the operations against two stalwart fortifications set to resist moves against the capital via the river or Chesapeake Bay. Forts Mifflin and Mercer had interlocking fields of fire and the British attacks against both fortifications are interesting and fascinating elements of the Philadelphia campaign. This afternoon we will wind down a little as we go to downtown Philly and the historic area. Here you will get 3 hours to visit the iconic sites that interest you. We are hopeful the new Revolutionary War Museum will be open. You can also visit the Constitution Museum. The time will fly. On our way out you will get to see a modern piece of art—The “Rocky” statue. Erected as a prop for the famous movie series it remains a worthy photo op. We will then return to the hotel by 5 PM where the program will dismiss. We may do an airport drop but it will be dependent upon our overseas contingent’s needs. This is perhaps the most important location of the revolution and you will have had a robust opportunity to see it and the area.

About the Faculty:

Gary Ecelbarger and Scott Patchan have not only been good friends in Northern Virginia since they were both in their twenties, they have been touring partners for over 20 years and have conducted Revolutionary War tours in this region for the past dozen years. Together they have authored or co-authored nearly 20 books and dozens of articles on 19th century topics; both are culling research for future works relating to this 18th century campaign. Scott is considering a book on Daniel Morgan, the famous rifleman who fought in this campaign at Edge Hill and Gary wishes to write a history of Washington and his army between July 4, 1777 and July 4, 1778.

Hotel Information:

Hampton Inn and Suites, Valley Forge/Oaks 100 Cresson Blvd Phoenixville, PA 19460 PH: 610-676-0900

Rooms are $119.00 per night plus tax. Free breakfast included. The room price for our group is good until July 27, 2017, after which the rooms will return to their regular summer rate.

Transportation:

The servicing airport is Philadelphia [PHL]. Traffic is bad around Philadelphia. I strongly recommend that you time your travel to arrive between 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Traffic becomes a problem around 3 PM and remains so until after 7 PM. Morning traffic doesn’t abate until about 9 AM. If you need a rental car, perhaps you can find a cheap rental car on www.priceline.com.