In 1777, the Revolutionary War was brought home to Pennsylvania when nearly 18,000 British troops, under the leadership of Sir William Howe, invaded and occupied much of Philadelphia. One month later, one of the biggest battles of the war would take place in Germantown.
Although George Washington and his patriots would fight despite being tired, outnumbered and in some instances bare foot, nearly 1,073 officers and men would be killed, wounded, and missing. More importantly, they would fail in their objective to free the area.
But the battle of Germantown wasn't without merit, as the defeat showed Americans that the Continental Army could put up a good fight and, help convert the thinking of Europeans who questioned the validity of America's independence.
And more than 200 years later, thousands of American Revolution enthusiasts continue to storm the area to witness one of the greatest stories of American history.
Now in its twenty-third year, the Battle of Germantown reenactment, the celebration of America's fight for independence and themed this year as "Patriots, Traitors, Soldiers, and Spies," will take place on October 4. As usual it will commence on the grounds of Cliveden of the National Trust on the 6400 block of Germantown Avenue (the site of some of the fiercest fighting back in 1777), as well as spilling over to much of Germantown, Mt. Airy, and Chestnut Hill.
The 350 costumed British and Patriot reenacters and their regalia will definitely be the highlight of the day as they march down Germantown Avenue and moving to Cliveden for the assault on the Chew house. But the day, which begins at 10 a.m. with the first reenactment and conclude at 4 p.m. with another, promises plenty of things to do in between battles, as Cliveden will also feature ongoing demonstrations including cavalry and artillery and 18th century medical practices, or the music from the MacGregor Pipe Band who will march down Germantown Avenue.
In addition, visitors can speak with camp followers who will talk about camp life as well as travel through a "sutler's village" and view iron-workers and other tradesmen who will make and sell authentic 18th century artillery, books, uniforms and dresses.
"The whole entire area surrounding both Cliveden and Upsala will be completely blocked off. And activities for the whole family have been planned not only at both museum but also at Stenton, Wyck, Deshler-Morris, Johnson House, Germantown Historical Society and Grumberthorpe. There will also be gift shops that will carry items from the reenactment available at each of the museums. It's going to be great fun," says Cliveden spokesperson Anne Roller.
The itinerary for the event is extensive, with plenty of fun for both adults and children, said Roller. In between the reenactments, history buffs, war enthusiasts and the generally curious can visit and learn the history behind some of the area's most popular house museums or learn about some of the untold stories of the Revolutionary War.
The LaSalle American Studies Student Association will play host to children at Upsala, 6430 Germantown Avenue, with a series of interactive children's games as well as a lesson in colonial dancing. Also at Upsala, children can learn about the African American experiences during the Revolutionary War with either a hands-on program directed by ranger Joseph Becton or by speaking with "Noah Lewis," an African American teamster at both the battles of Germantown and Brandywine.
At Wyck, 6026 Germantown Avenue, they will meet Quaker activist "Warren Mifflin" who will talk about how some pacifist Quakers were persecuted during the war, while other "Free Quakers'" took up arms in the patriot cause. At Deshler-Morris, 5442 Germantown Avenue, they'll meet opposing Generals Howe and Washington, who clashed in Germantown. And at the Germantown Historical Society, 5501 Germantown Avenue, bring the family to browse through the "Germans, Generals and Gentlemen" exhibition.
"The Germantown Historical Society will also have a database set up and will also sponsor an American Revolutionary War roundtable discussion," says Roller.
A Wister family servant named "Justinia" will tell the story of British General Agnew who was wounded during the battle and died on the grounds of Grumblethorpe, 5267 Germantown Avenue. Another British infantrymen who fought at the Battle of Germantown will discuss his role under General Howe at Stenton, 18th Street and Windrim Avenue, while "Dinah," an African slave of the Logan family will discuss her role in saving the property there from the British.
Finally, at the Johnson House, 6306 Germantown Avenue, visitors can learn about the abolitionist family, the Johnsons, who helped escaping slaves find freedom on the Underground Railroad. (For more on Johnson House activities, see story this page.)
Last year's event saw around 2000 visitors to the area. This time around, says Roller, the Battle of Germantown Day could see upwards of 2500 people. That's why parking around the area, in particular in an eight-block radius around Cliveden and Upsala, will be stressed, she says.
"There will be major parking lots available behind the Sedgwick Cultural Center, 7200 Chew Avenue and at the Chestnut Hill West train station at Germantown and Evergreen Street. And we will be sponsoring a free shuttle bus which will run every hour from Chestnut Hill to Cliveden all day long," she says.
Additionally, the Patriot Shuttle will make stops at the eight historic sites in the area. For more information about Battle of Germantown Day visit www.cliveden.org or call 215-848-1777.