Philadelphia Campaign

In the late summer of 1777, General Howe had his army loaded on transports and moved by sea to the Chesapeake Bay, where they landed with the intent of taking the American capital of Philadelphia from the south. Washington rushed his troops south to defend the invasion, and the focus of major conflict shifted from the vicinity of New York to the vicinity of Philadelphia. In New Jersey, this shift played out in the concentration of military action to the Lower Delaware River, from Gloucester to Bordentown. Below Philadelphia, American action focused upon preventing the British from controlling the approach to Philadelphia up the Delaware, through which they could supply their army once they took the capital. The Battle of Red Bank ensued, and the British carried the day.

The Philadelphia Campaign was a vital part of the war, and New Jersey played a significant role in events as they unfolded. Interpretation of this storyline should be coordinated throughout the Lower Delaware River region as well as with Revolutionary War sites and initiatives in Pennsylvania, especially Fort Mifflin. The storyline is associated with the theme Rendezvous for Rebellion and sub-theme Campaigns and Engagements.