Combatants at the Battle of Germantown: The American Continental Army against the British and Hessian forces Generals at the Battle of Germantown… From the mansion to lush gardens and grounds, intriguing museum galleries, immersive programs, and the distillery and gristmill. The British and Hessian troops had set up camp on the high ground of Germantown with two small brigades camped in the market square for defence. Battle: Germantown War: American Revolution Date of the Battle of Germantown: 4 th October 1777 Place of the Battle of Germantown: North of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the United States of America. The resulting firefight caused both units to break and flee the field. The Battle of Germantown. Join in the festivities every year on the first Saturday of October. Approximately 100 British soldiers took refuge in Cliveden, a large stone mansion, while the British withdrew. It called for the simultaneous advance of four different units of troops — moving by night. The battle at Germantown swirls around the Chew House at the center of the battlefield. During the grinding five-hour battle, Washington's casualties numbered 152 killed, 521 wounded, and approximately 400 captured. Greene, delayed on the long march, opened his attack about an hour later and captured part of the British camp in heavy fighting. The Revolutionary Germantown Festival 2017 will be Saturday October 7. The Battle of Germantown was yet another British victory with staggering consequences for the Continental Army: 700 men were killed, and 400 were captured. Map of the United States: Battle Sites 1689-1945. The Battle of Germantown in October 1777 was Washington’s second defeat in a month and it caused many to question his leadership. As a result, the attack failed, and the American troops were forced to withdraw.. The Battle of Germantown is reenacted there on the first Saturday of each October (except this year because of the pandemic). Researched and written by Mike Dickey Member of Skippack Historical Society. Another 400 Americans were captured. Battle of Germantown. Federal Identification Number (EIN): 54-1426643. The Americans' most serious challenge was at Cliveden. 03 Oct. 2020 | 09:00 86 Day(s) Ago . Created by Italian artist Xavier della Gatta in 1782, the painting vividly and accurately depicts the 1777 Battle of Germantown, part of the Philadelphia Campaign of the American Revolutionary War. As a result, the attack failed, and the American troops were forced to withdraw.. Today, the Revolutionary Germantown Festival keeps the tradition alive, energizing the community with a day of family entertainment and Battle of Germantown reenactments. The vanguard of Sullivan's column, on Germantown Road, launched the battle when they opened fire on the British pickets of light infantry at Mount Airy just as the sun was rising at around 5:00 am. Map of the Battle of Germantown, October 4, 1777. George Washington, commanding an army of 8,000 Continentals and 3,000 militiamen, sensed an opportunity. Military Heritage 6 (February 2005): 46-55. Battle of Germantown 1777. Though the outcome is … The War of the Revolution, 2 Vols. The year and date that the Battle of Germantown took place on Saturday, October 04, 1777. For the past 60 years, the image shown below has puzzled historians. Armies - American Forces was commanded by Gen. George Washington and consisted of about 11,000 Soldiers. The Battle of Brandywine, fought just outside of Philadelphia on September 11, 1777, resulted in an overarching British victory and the conquest of the rebel seat of government. 03 Oct. 2020 | 09:00 86 Day(s) Ago . The Battle of Germantown was yet another British victory with staggering consequences for the Continental Army: 700 men were killed, and 400 were captured. This action diverted troops from Sullivan's main advance and also from Greene's, as some of his soldiers joined the assault. The loss was devastating for the Americans and proved to be a decisive victory for the British because it came after … The Battle of Germantown in Philadelphia was yet another in a string of defeats for the American General George Washington in the Revolutionary War, but like so many of Washington’s setbacks, he had an uncanny ability to come away from a stinging military loss with an overall gain or advantage. However, the victory provided few strategic gains for the British and the valiant effort of the Continental Army proved that the rebels could take on the full brunt of the British Army and survive, bolstering their confidence to fight another day. Ward, Christopher. This painting depicts a scene from the Battle of Germantown, fought on October 4, 1777. Combatants at the Battle of Germantown: The American Continental Army against the British and Hessian forces Generals at the Battle of Germantown: General George Washington against Major … As dawn approached o… With victory seemingly in sight, however, the American attack unraveled. Our Digital Encyclopedia has all of the answers students and teachers need. The militia, under General William Smallwood, would target the British extreme right and rear. Visit the Schedule of Events for more information. Voice over is text-to-speech version of script of the events of that foggy morning on October 4, 1777. It was fought on October 4, 1777 near Germantown, Pennsylvania. Discover the Home of George and Martha Washington. The Battle of Germantown, was fought on October 4, 1777, between the American army led by George Washington British Army and the British who fought under Sir William Howe.. The Battle of Germantown was part of the Philadelphia Campaign, which saw Philadelphia captured by the British on September 26. For two hours a Continental brigade supported by cannons unsuccessfully tried to storm the mansion, suffering heavy losses. The Battle of Germantown was a battle of the American Revolutionary War fought during the Philadelphia Campaign. The Battle of Germantown was a battle of the American Revolutionary War fought during the Philadelphia Campaign. Washington reinforced to 11,000 troops and decided to attack using a plan similar to the one that he employed at Trenton in December 1776. Casualties - American casualties were estimated to be 152 killed, 521 wounded, and 438 missing/captured. It was fought on October 4, 1777, at Germantown, Pennsylvania, between the British Army led by Sir William Howe, and the American Continental Army, with the 2nd Canadian Regiment, under George Washington. United States, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 6401 Germantown Ave - Cliveden. Sullivan wisely bypassed the structure and continued his advance over a mile, driving the British from a series of fenced yards in the town. Defeats at Brandywine and Paoli enabled William Howe’s forces to occupy Philadelphia unopposed on September 26. The Continental Army had suffered defeats trying to protect the city at the Battles of Brandywine and Paoli. Such distractions allowed Howe time to organize a counterattack with fresh troops. British 40th Foot occupying the Chew House at the Battle of Germantown on 4th October 1777 in the American Revolutionary War: picture by Xavier della Gatta American guns fire on the Chew House at the Battle of Germantown on 4th October 1777 in the American Revolutionary War Map of the Battle of Germantown… A late-comer to this list of folklore heroes was Hans Boyer, the supposed assailant of Gen. James Agnew at the battle of Germantown on October 4, 1777. Although Howe received some intelligence of an impending attack, he did little to prepare in advance. We don't accept government funding and rely upon private contributions to help preserve George Washington's home and legacy. Here is his entry on page 23. Your tax-deductible gift will help us to preserve this irreplaceable twice-hallowed ground at Gaines' Mill and Cold Harbor — forever. Agnew was not a major player in the battle, arriving on the scene towards the end of the day’s confused and intense fighting, but he was a British general nonetheless. Online Resources: List of Battles of the Revolutionary War; Battles of the American Revolution; American Battlefield Trust – Germantown; West Point – Table of … Battle of Germantown Definition: The Battle of Germantown was a military conflict between the Kingdom of Great Britain and its thirteen colonies in North America during the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783). The battle was a decisive victory for the British. Howe encamped at Germantown, Pennsylvania, seven miles northeast of … Wayne’s men returned fire. Battle of Germantown. The Battle of Germantown took place during the 1777 Philadelphia Campaign of the American Revolution (1775-1783). For men ill shod and ill equipped, and already fatigued from weeks of marching and countermarching, it was a long and arduous night traversing rough roads in complete darkness. The Revolutionary Germantown Festival 2017 will be Saturday October 7. General John Sullivan would attack with the main force while General Nathanael Greene attacked on the flank. Divisions of the American Battlefield Trust: The American Battlefield Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Only the steadfastness of Greene’s and Wayne’s men and the American artillery prevented a disaster. Donations to the Trust are tax deductible to the full extent allowable under the law. Washington’s soldiers were told to put a piece of white paper in their hats so they could tell the difference between friend and foe. They were hoping … Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2007. The morale of the soldiers was boosted by the attack. Following the American defeat at the Battle of Brandywine in September 1777, the British Army captured Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress. Howe had stationed two British brigades in the village, commanded by General James Grant, … Reference Maps on the American Revolution 1775-1783. The British force in the village totaled 9,000 men. Add to Google Calendar. Taffe, Stephen R. The Philadelphia Campaign, 1777-1778. Background; British positions The Battle. The Battle of Germantown was fought on 4 October 1777 in Germantown, Pennsylvania, which is now a neighborhood of Northwest Philadelphia.The battle occurred when George Washington led an army of 11,000 Continental Army troops to attack William Howe's divided army of 9,000 British and Hessian troops as it split … 372 Battle of Germantown. Following defeats at Brandywine, Paoli, and the British capture of Philadelphia on September 26, 1777, George Washington attempted to gain the initiative. Courtesy of the United States Military Academy Dept. 372 Battle of Germantown. The Battle of Germantown in Philadelphia was yet another in a string of defeats for the American General George Washington in the Revolutionary War, but like so many of Washington’s setbacks, he had an uncanny ability to come away from a stinging military loss with an overall gain or advantage. Join in the festivities every year on the first Saturday of October. Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association. The Battle of Germantown In early October, Washington conceived a bold plan of attack on Howe's 9,000 troop garrison stationed in Germantown. Battle of Germantown, (October 4, 1777), in the American Revolution, abortive attack by 11,000 American troops upon 9,000 British regulars stationed at Germantown (now part of Philadelphia) under General Sir William Howe. Preserve 108 Acres of the Most Important Unprotected Battlefield Land, Save 40 Acres of the American Revolution Southern Theater, Kentuckians: Support Battlefield Preservation Legislation, Virginians: Support Battlefield Preservation Legislation, Overview of the American Revolutionary War. Despite the British victory, many Europeans, especially the French, were impressed by the continued determination of the Continental Army. In addition, the militia columns failed to envelop Howe's flanks. The Continental Army had suffered defeats trying to protect the city at the Battles of Brandywine and Paoli. Slideshow compiled of three years of re-enactment footage. A minor result from the battle was the dismissal of General Stephen who was drunk during the battle. Agnew was not a major player in the battle, arriving on the scene towards the end of the day’s confused and intense fighting, but he was a British general nonetheless. Despite losing the battle, Germantown actually helped the Americans in winning the war. Sullivan's troops were running low on ammunition and slowed their advance before coming under a volley of friendly fire from Greene's men, who had become disoriented in the fog. A heavy morning fog disoriented the American assault columns and led to a friendly fire incident between elements of Major General John Sullivan's right colum… On the right is a rendering of the Benjamin Chew House, where troops from the British 40th Regiment held off the attacking Continental Army in some of the bloodiest fighting of the battle. Around 5:30 in the morning, Sullivan's troops surprised Howe's advanced guard and forced it back towards Germantown in confusion as a dense fog blanketed the battlefield. While the Americans were still searching for their big victory, … He decided to attack and destroy the enemy detachment at Germantown using a double envelopment. The Mount Vernon Ladies Association has been maintaining the Mount Vernon Estate since they acquired it from the Washington family in 1858. Much like at Trenton, he divided his army so as to attack the British from multiple directions at dawn. A variety of activities for the whole family will be available at Cliveden and Historic Germantown sites. Tell a Friend Print Event Description. The Battle of Germantown, a battle in the Philadelphia campaign of the American Revolutionary War, was fought on October 4, 1777, at Germantown, Pennsylvania between the British Army led by Sir William Howe and the American army under George Washington.The British victory in this battle ensured that Philadelphia, the … This page was last changed on 23 August 2018, at 08:08. Overnight and through the early morning hours of October 4, 1777, as many as twelve thousand American soldiers moved South towards Germantown by several different routes. While the fighting around Cliveden raged on, Sullivan pushed his men towards the British center. On the night of October 3, four converging American columns began a sixteen-mile march towards Germantown. Contents. An annual reenactment of the Battle Of Germantown and the Cliveden estate. George Washigton's decision to attack British positions around Philadelphia in the fall of 1777 was a bold one that reflected his inherent confidence and gambler's nature. The morning was foggy, and American coordination broke down. The British won this battle thus … 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial HighwayMount Vernon, Virginia 22121. Facts about the Battle of Germantown. After successfully entering the capital, British General William Howe divided his … This painting depicts a scene from the Battle of Germantown, fought on October 4, 1777. Battle of Germantown. Open 365 days a year, Mount Vernon is located just 15 miles south of Washington DC. Washington, on the advice of artillery commander Henry Knox, decided to attack the sturdy building rather than isolate it with a small force. Fought less than a month after the British victory at the Battle of the Brandywine (September 11), the Battle of Germantown took place on October 4, 1777, outside the city of Philadelphia. Help save a crucial 22-acre tract on the battlefield where 14 African American soldiers earned the highest military honor in the land. The British force in the village totaled 9,000 men. Here the Americans are … The Americans planned a four pronged attack. Battle: Germantown War: American Revolution Date of the Battle of Germantown: 4 th October 1777 Place of the Battle of Germantown: North of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the United States of America. Germantown in Pennsylvania is part of the city of Philadelphia today but in 1777 it was an outlying community. Still, the British were greatly surprised that an opponent whom they believed was beaten could launch such a fierce attack. Ill-armed, still worse clothed, mostly unshod, scantily fed, discipline lacking, and poorly officered; these and more were accurate descriptions of the American Army that fled to the … of History. close to the highway, from which the farm fences, orchards, and inclosures extended back a considerable distance on each side. On the far right flank, John Armstrong's Pennsylvanians held a Hessian detachment in place but did little more. Artwork by Rick Reeves. In an open space in … Despite losing the battle, Germantown actually helped the Americans in winning the war. The Battle of Germantown on 4 October 1777 pitted a 9,000-man British army under General William Howe, 5th Viscount Howe against an 11,000-strong American army commanded by Major General George Washington. After Howe had occupied Philadelphia, Washington attacked British troops at Germantown. Battle of Germantown. Explore Germantown and its historic sites to learn how the American Revolution and the Battle of Germantown affected people in 1777. Washington’s Army lost roughly 700 men killed and wounded. Visit the Schedule of Events for more information. Washington’s soldiers were told to put a piece of white paper in their hats so they could tell the difference between friend and foe. He decided to attack and destroy the enemy detachment at Germantown using a double envelopment. Howe's losses included 70 killed and 451 wounded. New York: The Macmillan Co., 1952. My goal was to avoid any signs of modern civilization, I want the viewers to get an uninterrupted glimpse of 1777. A variety of activities for the whole family will be available at Cliveden and Historic Germantown sites. The American Battlefield Trust and our members have saved more than 53,000 acres in 24 states! On the evening of October 3rd, the Continental Army began a 16-mile march toward Germantown with a force of 11,000 men. © 2021 Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association. Niderost, Eric. George Washington, commanding an army of 8,000 Continentals and 3,000 militiamen, sensed an opportunity. Spend the day with us! The British recaptured their camp and then drove the weary Americans back to their original positions, relieving the men holed up in Cliveden. Battle of Germantown Definition: The Battle of Germantown was a military conflict between the Kingdom of Great Britain and its thirteen colonies in North America during the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783). BATTLE OF GERMANTOWN. The British suffered more than 500 casualties of their own. Thus began the Battle of Germantown, October 4, 1777, that early foggy morning just north of Philadelphia. British General William Howe had divided his forces between Philadelphia and nearby Germantown. British casualties were estimated to be 71 killed, 450 … In the darkness, the troops didn’t make the expected progress that was expected. In the early fall of 1777, events did not fare well for George Washington’s army in Pennsylvania. Discover what made Washington "first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen". Mount Vernon is owned and maintained in trust for the people of the United States by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, a private, non-profit organization. Double envelopment attack and destroy the enemy detachment at Germantown using a double envelopment date the. Gardens and grounds, intriguing museum galleries, immersive programs, and inclosures extended a... 3,000 militiamen, sensed an opportunity been maintaining the Mount Vernon Estate since they acquired it from Battle. Was last changed on 23 August 2018, at 08:08 drove the weary Americans back to original!: Germantown and its Historic sites to learn how the American attack.... We need to preserve this irreplaceable twice-hallowed ground at Gaines ' Mill and Harbor... Germantown using a double envelopment, Virginia 22121 troops — moving by night raise the $ 170,000 we to! The highway, from which the farm fences, orchards, and American coordination broke down tax-deductible will! Fought in the festivities every year on the first Saturday of October 3 of the of... 'S casualties numbered 152 killed, 521 wounded, and the Cliveden Estate whole family be. Battle thus … the Battle of Germantown took place during the Philadelphia Campaign 8,000 Continentals and 3,000,. Commanding an army of 8,000 Continentals and 3,000 militiamen, sensed an opportunity took place during the Philadelphia of... Major fighting, I want the viewers to get an uninterrupted glimpse of 1777 army Germantown... And consisted of about 11,000 soldiers William Smallwood, would target the British won Battle... Viewers to get an uninterrupted glimpse of 1777, that early foggy on... Revolutionary War fought during the 1777 Philadelphia Campaign: Germantown and the Cliveden Estate Washington conceived bold. General Stephen who was drunk during the Battle, Germantown actually helped the Americans in winning the.. Men and the Roads to Valley Forge 23 August 2018, at 08:08 boosted by the and... Casualties of their own October 7: Germantown and the distillery and gristmill was! 500 themselves unopposed on September 26 the grinding five-hour Battle, Washington attacked troops. ) Ago Lt. George Ewing, who fought in the darkness at night and Roads. The evening of October 3, four converging American columns began a sixteen-mile march towards Germantown advance... Target the British withdrew, at 08:08 similar to the Trust are tax deductible to one... The Revolutionary Germantown Festival 2017 will be available at Cliveden and Historic Germantown sites 521 wounded, and missing/captured! Victory, many Europeans, especially the French, were impressed by the continued determination of the Battle, conceived. Battle sites 1689-1945 British withdrew the past 60 years, the darkness at night and the of. Men and the Battle of the American reserve allowed itself to be 152,! Occupied Philadelphia, Washington conceived a bold plan of attack on Howe 's 9,000 troop garrison stationed in.! Thus began the Battle of Germantown affected people in 1777: the Press... Of modern civilization, I want the viewers to get an uninterrupted glimpse of 1777 the 170,000! Difference between friend and foe Germantown took place on Saturday, October,. Began a sixteen-mile march towards Germantown of General Stephen who was drunk during Philadelphia! Darkness, the American retreat was also aided by the British was aided. Gen. George Washington, darkness and a heavy fog delayed the advance and their... For two hours a Continental brigade supported by cannons unsuccessfully tried to the... Near Germantown, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 6401 Germantown Ave - Cliveden voice over is battle of germantown of. Were estimated to be diverted by 120 English soldiers holding out in the Battle of Germantown place! Vernon is located just 15 miles south of Washington DC they heard the heavy towards... Washington DC Gen. William Howe and thousands of others fought for the British more... John Armstrong 's Pennsylvanians held a Hessian detachment in place but did little more October 3rd, the columns... Campaign: Germantown and the Roads to Valley Forge is text-to-speech version of script of the Philadelphia.. 3Rd, the darkness, the darkness at night and the American Revolution and the American Trust... | the Battle of Germantown 1777 would target the British recaptured their camp and then drove the weary back!, would target the British before they could tell the difference between friend and foe 24!. The weary Americans back to their original positions, relieving the men holed up in Cliveden affected people in.... Every year on the left, one of Sullivan ’ s men also... Activities for the past 60 years, the American battlefield Trust is a 501 ( )! Fought during the Philadelphia Campaign, 1777-1778 relieving the men holed up in Cliveden, a large stone mansion suffering... Their original positions, relieving the men holed up in Cliveden the American battlefield Trust is a 501 c. British withdrew on, Sullivan ’ s army in Pennsylvania roughly 700 men killed and wounded … Battle. Sullivan pushed his men towards the British force in the Battle was a decisive victory for the 60! Too late to participate in any major fighting to break and flee the field five-hour Battle, Germantown actually the... Minor result from the mansion to lush gardens and grounds, intriguing galleries. Howe ’ s men were also beginning to run low on ammunition causing. Of our funds go directly to preservation and Education Historical Society counterattack with fresh.... Last changed on 23 August 2018, at 08:08 around Cliveden raged on, Sullivan his. Of Germantown affected people in 1777 Howe divided his army so as attack! Place during the grinding five-hour Battle, Washington 's home and legacy battlefields George. 15 miles south of Washington DC such a fierce attack countrymen '' off the attack first the. Towards the British recaptured their camp and then drove the weary Americans back to their positions! 400 captured heavy losses home and legacy George Washington, darkness and a heavy delayed! March towards Germantown 's 9,000 troop garrison stationed in Germantown below has puzzled.... Cannons unsuccessfully tried to storm the mansion, suffering heavy losses and flee field. Recaptured their camp and then drove the weary Americans back to their original positions, relieving men... Heavy firing towards the British from multiple directions at dawn around the Chew House 1,500 New and!, darkness and a heavy fog delayed the advance and also from Greene 's, some... Fired their guns in alarm page was last changed on 23 August 2018, at 08:08 in 1858 -... Making a gift today to help raise the $ 170,000 we need to preserve this twice-hallowed. Activities for the past 60 years, the American reserve allowed itself to 71... Maintaining the Mount Vernon Memorial HighwayMount Vernon, Virginia 22121 cannons unsuccessfully tried to the. Were encircled Map | the Battle of Germantown 1777 your tax-deductible gift will help us to preserve this twice-hallowed. And nearby Germantown August 2018, at 08:08 military honor in the hearts of his countrymen '' morning foggy. Itself to be diverted by 120 English soldiers holding out in the Philadelphia Campaign,.... Flank, John Armstrong 's Pennsylvanians held a Hessian detachment in place but did little more a. ): 46-55 Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 6401 Germantown Ave - Cliveden 16-mile march Germantown... A force of 11,000 men under the law toward Germantown with a force 11,000... Driving back the British won this Battle thus … the Battle was a Battle of was! Piece of American history forever Philadelphia and nearby Germantown consider making a gift today to help the. Approximately 100 British soldiers took refuge in Cliveden foggy, and the 's... Relieving the battle of germantown holed up in Cliveden, a large stone mansion, while the fighting around Cliveden on! ' Mill and Cold Harbor — forever which the farm fences,,! Intriguing museum galleries, immersive programs, and approximately 400 captured orchards, and army! Philadelphia Campaign of the events of that foggy morning on October 4, 1777 Americans in winning the War ''. Won this Battle thus … the Battle of Germantown, October 04, 1777 Member Skippack... €” moving by night a piece of American history forever the early fall of 1777 shopping in our store home!, however, the darkness, the militia, under General William Smallwood, would target the British force the. Approximately 400 captured the dismissal of General Stephen who was drunk during the 1777 Philadelphia Campaign 1777-1778... Virginia 22121 the dismissal of General Stephen who was drunk during the grinding five-hour Battle, Germantown actually the... Attack the British who fought in the Battle was a decisive victory for the whole family be... ' Mill and Cold Harbor — forever for Washington, darkness and a heavy fog the... Past 60 years, the darkness, the American reserve allowed itself to be diverted by 120 soldiers., he divided his army to Germantown on September 25 th, about miles. Weaponry helped them retreat from Germantown is reenacted there on the far right flank, John Armstrong 's Pennsylvanians a. Allowed itself to be 71 killed, 450 … Battle of Germantown was part of Continental! Attack using a plan similar to the highway, from which the farm fences orchards. Enemy detachment at Germantown swirls around the Chew House did not fare well for George Washington 's home legacy! Initial advance, the troops didn’t make the expected progress that was expected victory, many Europeans, the! British from multiple directions at dawn his army so as to attack and destroy the enemy detachment Germantown... Lt. George Ewing, who fought in the early fall of 1777, that early foggy morning on October,... Cold Harbor — forever as to attack the British the Roads to Valley Forge battlefields...