Philadelphia’s Major Lesser-known Revolutionary War Battle

The Battle of Germantown

In its resolute defiance of a tyrannical monarchy, the new nation, determined to secure its independence, fought hundreds of battles over the eight years it rebelled.

Battle of Germantown, 1880Photo byChristian Schussele, Public domain

Fought between 1775 and 1783, the American Revolution covered a significant area on the North American continent. However, when compared to other wars in the same era, especially on a global scale, its geographic scope is relatively modest.

While the exact number of battles varies depending on what historians consider a "battle" versus a skirmish or raid, a lot of small battles get relegated to the footnotes of history. Nonetheless, they were no less significant than the more famous ones. Yet even major battles sometimes get footnoted.

located within the historic streets of modern-day Germantown, Philadelphia, is an engagement that is often eclipsed by more famous Revolutionary War battles. The Battle of Germantown, fought on October 4, 1777, was a clash that saw the second consecutive defeat of General Washington. This battle, while not as famous as Bunker Hill or Yorktown, played a decisive role in shaping the outcome of the American Revolution.

By the autumn of 1777, the Revolutionary War had been raging for over two years. The British, under General William Howe, had captured New York City and were determined to take the American capital at the time—Philadelphia. General George Washington, leading the Continental Army, was charged with defending the city.

The British strategy was simple: isolate regions of the colonies to disrupt communications, supply chains, and weaken the fledgling nation's resistance. While General John Burgoyne's forces marched from Canada to cut off New England, General Howe intended to capture Philadelphia, believing its fall would demoralize the Americans. In response, Washington positioned his army to intercept Howe's advance.

Following the British victory at the Battle of Brandywine in September, Howe's troops occupied Philadelphia on September 26, 1777. Refusing to accept defeat, Washington planned a counterattack to reclaim the city and give a boost to the American cause. The stage was set for the Battle of Germantown.

Washington devised an ambitious plan for a four-pronged assault on the British encampment in Germantown. His strategy involved a maneuver, requiring precise coordination and timing across several divisions. The Continental Army, though inexperienced and ill-equipped, moved under the cover of darkness.

At dawn on October 4, the American forces launched their attack. General John Sullivan's division led the charge, engaging the British at Mount Airy. Despite initial success in pushing back the British, the dense fog that blanketed the battlefield caused a lot of confusion and panic among the American troops.

As Sullivan's men advanced, they encountered the Chew House, a stone mansion fortified by British troops under Colonel Thomas Musgrave. The Americans, under orders from General Henry Knox, attempted to storm the mansion, believing it was unwise to leave a stronghold in their rear. The resulting siege of the Chew House proved costly and time-consuming, ultimately stalling the American advance.

While the Americans struggled to capture the Chew House, General Nathanael Greene's division reached the British center at Market Square. However, the fog and confusion led to a costly mistake. General Adam Stephen's troops, lost in the mist, mistakenly fired upon an American division commanded by General Anthony Wayne. This friendly fire incident caused even more panic leading to a retreat.

Despite these setbacks, the remaining American forces continued to fight. General Greene's troops engaged the British at Germantown, but without the support of Sullivan's and Wayne's divisions, their efforts were in vain. Exhausted and low on ammunition, the Americans were forced to withdraw, marking the end of the battle.

The Battle of Germantown resulted in approximately 1,000 American casualties, including killed, wounded, and missing soldiers. The British suffered around 500 casualties. Despite a British victory, Washington's aggressive strategy and the near success of the attack impressed observers, both at home and abroad.

One of the most significant outcomes of the Battle of Germantown was its impact on international support for the American cause. News of the battle, along with the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga, convinced the French that the Americans were capable of challenging British forces. This led to the crucial Franco-American alliance in 1778, providing the Continental Army with essential military and financial support.

The Chew House, also known as the Cliveden Mansion, is now a National Historic Landmark where visitors can learn about the battle and its impact. On the first Saturday in October, during the annual Revolutionary Germantown Festival, the Battle of Germantown is reenacted. This annual reenactment and educational programs help keep the memory of the Germantown battle alive, ensuring that this major yet lesser-known battle is not forgotten.

Today, many of the streets in Germantown are named after the generals who fought in the battle: Washington Avenue, Knox Street, Musgrave Street, Wayne Avenue, and Greene Street.