George Washington and the Continental Army - Fort Washington, Pennsylvania

 History 

George Washington as both Commander of the Continental forces and as America's First President in the original colonial Capitol Philadelphia spent years in the what is now Montgomery County, PA. The battle of Germantown, The battle of Whitemarsh, and of course wintering the Army for six months in frigid Valley Forge. This entire area is 20 miles and Germantown and Whitemarsh are very close to Philadelphia only a few miles from city center.  And while the Colonials fought many valiant battles they most likely lost more men at Valley Forge with the brutal frigid weather,  lack of supplies, and harsh living conditions than all the battles combined. Valley Forge is now a National Park and hallowed ground.

Following its defeat at the Battle of Germantown, the Continental Army camped at several different sites before choosing a more permanent, strategic location in Whitemarsh Township. 

More than 12,000 soldiers arrived to set up camp on November 11, 1777. The high ground where George Washington made his camp was easily defendable against British attacks. A handful of skirmished occurred in early December, but the American's superior position dissuaded the British from a large-scale attack. 

After a month in Whitemarsh, Washington abandoned the camp and moved toward Valley Forge, a similarly defendable position where the troops could build more suitable quarters and better defend the precious iron forges along the Schuylkill River. 

Very little remains from the encampment in what is now Fort Washington State Park. Fort Hill was at the western end of the positions and the site of the namesake fort, though all traces are lost. Militia Hill was the position of the Pennsylvania militia during the encampment. The Clifton House, a former tavern located within the park boundary, now houses a museum and library. 

Hope Lodge, a historic home adjacent to the park, is open for tours on select days throughout the year. 

May Freedom and Liberty continue to ring loudly throughout the world.  God Bless America!

With Love,

Coach K