Battlefields

Any tour of Montgomery County's Revolutionary War sites has to begin at Valley Forge National Historical Park. During its six-month encampment, the Continental Army was transformed from rag-tag militiamen into a well-trained military.

To truly understand the American Revolution, you need to understand Valley Forge. Though no battles took place at Valley Forge, George Washington and the Continental Army fought against hunger, disease, and a brutal winter.

Located adjacent to Fort Washington State Park, Hope Lodge also played an important role during the Whitemarsh Encampment, serving as the headquarters for Surgeon General Dr. John Cochran. Hope Lodge is open for tours on select dates throughout the year, including the annual Whitemarsh Encampment reenactment each November.

Although no battles were fought at Graeme Park, the grounds played a key role in the revolution. The manor home was owned by Henry Hugh Fergussen, a British loyalist who used his wife, Elizabeth Graeme to pass messages to the Continental Army, including to George Washington asking for his surrender. Graeme Park was soon taken over by the Americans.

The site of the Whitemarsh Encampment of 1777, Fort Washington State Park is home to Fort Hill and Militia Hill, where the Pennsylvania Militia was stationed. Although there are no remaining traces, the park features 3.5 miles of trails to explore and the Clifton House, a museum and library run by the Fort Washington Historical Society.

In September, 1777, Paoli Tavern was the site of a bloody battle between the British and American sides. The British struck during the middle of the night, tearing through Anthony Wayne's men with bayonets and swords. The more than 50 Americans who died here are memorialized in what is now a public park.