Battle of Germantown
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
The Battle of Germantown occurred at Cliveden, the country home of Pa. Chief Justice Benjamin Chew, on Oct. 4, 1777. A British regiment occupied Cliveden and defended it from full assault by the colonials. Over 70 soldiers died on these grounds. Although it was an American defeat, Washington's bold strategy helped to win French aid for the cause of independence.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
On October 4, 1777, the Revolutionary War came to the doorstep of Cliveden, the elegant country home of Pennsylvania Chief Justice Benjamin Chew. A British regiment barricaded itself inside the stone mansion and beat back a determined American assault, and more than seventy men fell on these grounds. Though Washington's army was defeated, the audacity of his coordinated attack impressed European observers.
Why it matters
The bold gamble at Germantown helped convince France that the American cause was worth backing, and French aid would prove decisive to independence.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia6.6 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center6.6 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center6.8 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Betsy Ross House6.8 mi away · 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Illadelph Glass Gallery6.9 mi away · 68 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Museum of Illusions Philadelphia6.9 mi away · 401 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Discovery Center at East Park Reservoir4.4 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge4.9 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo5.2 mi away
- Harbison's Dairy Milk Bottle5.2 mi away
- Rocky Steps5.6 mi away
- Philly Gun Range6.0 mi away · North Percy Street
Food & drink
- Independence Mall Cafe6.8 mi away · 50 North Independence Mall East, Philadelphia
- Burger King6.8 mi away
- Dunkin'6.8 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- La Colombe Coffee Roasters6.8 mi away
- Philly Pretzel Factory6.9 mi away
- Time & Peace6.9 mi away · 36 South 7th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia6.3 mi away · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center6.4 mi away · 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Clarion Suites Philadelphia6.5 mi away · 1010 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Sleep Inn Center City6.5 mi away · 1020 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA6.5 mi away · 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel6.5 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
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Related people
- · George Washington
- · Benjamin Chew
Related events
- · Battle of Germantown
Themes & tags
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