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Article published on February 1, 2018

The Historic American Revolution Trail of Philadelphia

Sites throughout the region recount America’s fight for independence

Museum of the American Revolution Photo by J. Fusco for the Museum of the American Revolution
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Philadelphia World Heritage City

Long before the first musket shot was fired in Lexington in 1775, the seeds of the American Revolution were taking root in Philadelphia as the colonists declared their independence and began preparing for war.

For visitors eager to delve into this tumultuous time in history, the Museum of the American Revolution — located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Historic District — delivers a full-picture story of this world-changing war, creating the perfect starting point for exploration.

Two-and-a-half centuries after the Revolution, dozens of key sites and landmarks throughout the region remain, giving visitors a glimpse into the fascinating stories of this immensely important era in history.

01

Museum of the American Revolution

An expansive collection of art and artifacts from the nation’s Revolutionary Period

Museum of the American Revolution Museum of the American Revolution
— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

The Museum of the American Revolution tells the whole story of the world-changing American War of Independence. George Washington’s headquarters tent and dozens of arms, uniforms, artifacts, documents and historical vignettes have made their home in the heart of Philadelphia’s Historic District, where the idea for the Revolution began.

Where: Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. 3rd Street

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02

Carpenters’ Hall

Meeting place of the First Continental Congress

Carpenters' Hall Carpenters' Hall
— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Fed up with King George’s taxes and trade policies, representatives from 12 colonies (Georgia didn’t attend) gathered at Carpenters’ Hall in 1774 for the First Continental Congress and voted on a trade embargo, the first of many unified acts of defiance against the realm. This Georgian gem’s history is significant, but modern-day visitors often stop by to appreciate the building’s architecture, courtesy of the country’s oldest craft guild.

Where: Carpenters’ Hall, 320 Chestnut Street

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03

City Tavern

Colonial America is recreated at this authentic tavern in Old City

City Tavern in Philadelphia's Historic District City Tavern in Philadelphia's Historic District
— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

After long days of debating the future of the colonies, Washington, Jefferson, Franklin and others gathered here for an early version of happy hour. Recreated to its original design, City Tavern sates 21st-century appetites with hearty fare and beverages delivered by colonial-costumed servers.

Where: City Tavern, 138 S. 2nd Street

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04

Declaration (Graff) House

Where Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence

Declaration (Graff) House Declaration (Graff) House
— Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

It’s hard to believe that the Graff House (also known as Declaration House), situated just blocks from the hustle and bustle of Independence Hall, was once a country refuge providing Thomas Jefferson with the peace and quiet he needed to draft the Declaration of Independence. Tour hours are limited, so check the schedule online before planning a visit.

Where: Declaration (Graff) House, 2 S. 7th Street

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05

Independence Hall

Birthplace of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution

People admiring Independence Hall People admiring Independence Hall
— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

During the blistering summer of 1776, 56 delegates gathered at the Pennsylvania State House and pledged their “lives, their fortune and their sacred honor” in the pursuit of independence. Now known as Independence Hall, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is where the Declaration of Independence was signed, finalizing the colonies’ break with England. Tickets, which are required for tours, are free and available at the Independence Visitor Center.

Where: Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut Street

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06

Powel House

A luxurious mid-Georgian 18th-century mansion

Powel House Powel House
— Photo by M. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

The elegant 18th-century townhouse of Samuel and Elizabeth Powel opened to Founding Fathers for post-planning soirees, the Washington’s 20th wedding anniversary, a meal John Adams called a “Sinful Feast” and dancing in the Rococo ballroom. Today, their elegant Georgian home, with antique portraits, clocks, china from Martha Washington and a formal garden, is open for tour on select days.

Where: Powel House, 244 S. 3rd Street

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07

Harriton House

Home of Charles Thomson, secretary of the Continental Congresses

Perched amid 16 acres of parkland, Harriton House quietly holds an important place in America’s history. Built in 1704, it was home to Charles Thomson, an abolitionist who became secretary to both Continental Congresses. The original desk where Thomson signed the copy of the Declaration of Independence that was sent to King George is discreetly placed in Harriton’s great hall.

Where: Harriton House, 500 Harriton Road, Bryn Mawr

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08

The Betsy Ross House

Where America's most famous seamstress lived and worked

Betsy Ross talking about the American flag at the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia Betsy Ross talking about the American flag at the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia
— Photo by M. Kennedy for Historic Philadelphia, Inc.

The Revolutionary War left the young upholsterer Betsy Ross a widow not once but twice. After losing her first husband, John Ross, to an ammunition explosion, she wed John Ashburn, who died after being captured and imprisoned by the British. Betsy herself is on site daily, plying her trade as she welcomes visitors with stories of colonial-era life.

Where: The Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street

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09

Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site

Where the Colonial Army and Navy's weapons were forged

The Continental Army and Navy needed armaments, and this Chester County foundry supplied the troops with cannons, shots and shells, including 115 big guns for the Continental Navy. The circa 1771 intact iron-making village includes a furnace complex, ironmaster’s mansion, village store, blacksmith shop, and the homes of some of the ironworkers. The summer season brings living history demonstrations and other historic activities.

Where: Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, 2 Mark Bird Lane, Elverson

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10

New Hall Military Museum

Exhibits that highlight the origins of the American military

— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

The New Hall Military Museum, a reconstruction of the first Secretary of War’s headquarters, features exhibits that trace the founding of the U.S. Marines, Army and Navy during the Revolution. Modern-day visitors will find dozens of examples of colonial-era weaponry, scale models and other artifacts.

Where: New Hall Military Museum, 320 Chestnut Street

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11

Congregation Mikveh Israel

Where one of the Revolution's most important benefactors worshipped

When the American troops were low on weapons, food, supplies and the money to purchase them, Haym Salomon, a member of Congregation Mikveh Israel, stepped up and helped finance and underwrite the war. He was so generous with his personal resources that he died penniless. Salomon is buried at Congregation Mikveh Israel Cemetery.

Where: Congregation Mikveh Israel, 44 N. 4th Street

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12

Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

Philadelphia residence of the Revolutionary War’s Polish military engineer

The ragtag Continental army had this Polish war hero to thank for the brilliant military engineering that helped them pummel the Redcoats in several battles. He was a military giant — he also fortified West Point — but resided in a humble one-room apartment in a corner boarding house that is open for self-guided tours on select days.

Where: Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial, 301 Pine Street

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13

Washington Crossing Historic Park

Where Washington made his famous trip across the Delaware

Washington Crossing Historic Park reenactors in boat Washington Crossing Historic Park reenactors in boat
— Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

In 1776, General Washington gave the British troops a morning-after-Christmas surprise — a sneak attack that ultimately turned the tide of the Revolutionary War. Echoes of that historic event are evidenced throughout Washington Crossing Historic Park, where centuries-old historic houses and buildings and a visitors center recount that daring trip. Each Christmas, hearty souls don olonial-era attire and recreate that daring and dangerous river crossing.

Where: Washington Crossing Historic Park, 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing

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14

Stenton

A refuge for soldiers from both sides

During its long, storied history, Stenton mansion saw both sides of the war. In August 1777, General Washington sought refuge in this elegant home as he made his way to the Battle of Brandywine. Then Britain’s General Howe occupied the estate for the month leading up to and through the Battle of Germantown.

Where: Stenton, 4601 N. 18th Street

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15

Brandywine Battlefield Park

The peacefully preserved remains of one of Washington’s few defeats

On September 11, 1777, 30,000 American and British soldiers faced off here in the largest land of battle of the Revolution. Despite being led by a who’s who of the Continental Army —W ashington, Wayne, Lafayette, Knox and others — the Americans suffered a major blow. The site is now a park, offering terrain to freely explore, and, for a fee, access to a small museum of artifacts and two historic houses, including one that served as Washington’s headquarters.

Where: Brandywine Battlefield Park, 878 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford

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16

Historic Houses of Chadds Ford

Grand homes damaged during the Battle of Brandywine

Both the Barns-Brinton House and John Chads’ springhouse suffered damage during the Battle of Brandywine in 1777. Before the battle, Washington himself may have surveyed the Brandywine from a hill behind the Chads’ House. The sites offer educational programs throughout the year.

Where: Chadds Ford Historical Society, 1736 North Creek Road, Chadds Ford

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17

Historic Waynesborough

Steps from the site of the Battle of Paoli

During the Continental Army’s winter encampment at Valley Forge, General “Mad” Anthony Wayne, one of Washington’s most celebrated generals, would sometimes return to his family home, Historic Waynesborough, for a good night’s sleep. The Battle of Paoli took place steps away from the front door and yet the house survived unscathed. Guided, by-reservation tours lead visitors from the carriage house through the elegant residence itself and tell stories about objects, art and the seven generations of Waynes who lived here until 1980.

Where: Historic Waynesborough, 2049 Waynesborough Road, Paoli

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18

Paoli Battlefield

Site of one of the Revolution's bloodiest battles

At midnight on September 20, 1777, 2,000 British troops used bayonets to raid Anthony Wayne’s 2,100 troops camped in this field in what became the war’s ninth bloodiest battle, which by its end, involved 2,200 members of the Maryland Militia. The country’s second-oldest Revolutionary War monument commemorates lives lost during the “Paoli Massacre.” Today, the 40-acre site serves as a historical park and memorial grounds with self-guided tours along a three-quarter-mile trail. Other features to enjoy: monuments, cannons, historical obstacles and, on the last Monday in May, the country’s oldest continuously held Memorial Day parade.

Where: Paoli Battlefield Historical Park, Monument Avenue & Wayne Avenue, Malvern

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19

Peter Wentz Farmstead

A headquarters for General Washington

In early October 1777, General Washington and his staff chose this farm as a temporary headquarters while planning a strategy to engage the British forces in Germantown, a major defeat for the Continental Army. Washington’s contingent returned to the Wentz property for four days later that month before marching in for the winter at Valley Forge in December. Visitors to the restored site can take on-the-hour tours to view livestock, kitchens, German furnishings and 1777-inspired recreations of farmstead life.

Where: Peter Wentz Farmstead, 2030 Shearer Road, Lansdale

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20

Hope Lodge & Mather Mill

Georgian mansion and one-time Revolutionary-era hospital

A Georgian estate designed by the architect behind Independence Hall, Hope Lodge served as quarters for Washington’s most dependable general, Nathaniel Green, and was used as a hospital by Washington’s Surgeon General John Cochran in the fall of 1777.

Where: Hope Lodge & Mather Mill, 553 S. Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington

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21

Cliveden

A grand Germantown mansion with a fascinating — and bloody — history

Cliveden mansion in Germantown Cliveden mansion in Germantown
— Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

On the morning of October 4, 1777, Washington and his army fought for hours trying to remove the British troops who had taken shelter in this historic Germantown estate. After several hours of intense fighting, the defeated patriot forces retreated to Montgomery County. Today, Cliveden commemorates the Battle of Germantown on the first Saturday of every October; the Revolutionary Germantown Festival features two reenactments and other activities. Any time of year, visitors can experience the museum and grounds through tours and exhibitions.

Where: Cliveden, 6401 Germantown Avenue

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22

Grumblethorpe

John Wister’s Germantown summer home

The bloody business of war still haunts Grumblethorpe, home of the Wister family and occupied by British Brigadier General James Agnew before the Battle of Germantown. Shot by a sniper, Agnew bled to death, More than two centuries later, the bloodstains are still visible on the floor.

Where: Grumblethorpe, 5267 Germantown Avenue

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23

Wyck House

The Quaker way of life preserved for 300 years in Germantown

Wyck house in Germantown Wyck house in Germantown
— Photo by Visit Philadelphia

During the Battle of Germantown, this Quaker estate was used as a field hospital, the 18th-century version of a MASH unit. Visits to Wyck (available during select seasons on select days) include tours of the house’s antique-filled first floor, the country’s oldest rose garden and a working quarter-acre farm.

Where: Wyck House, 6026 Germantown Avenue

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24

Germantown White House (Deshler-Morris House)

Home of the first First Family

The Germantown White House was once home to one of the fiercest foes in America’s history. After defeating George Washington in the Battle of Germantown, British General William Howe took over the summer retreat, which was empty for the winter. Years later, Washington moved the First Family into the home, a precursor to the official White House. The red sofa that resides there today is thought to have belonged to Washington.

Where: Germantown White House (Deshler-Morris House), 5442 Germantown Avenue

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25

Thompson Neely House

A military hospital during Washington's 1776-77 campaign

During Washington’s campaign in 1776-77, wounded and ailing soldiers recovered at the Thompson Neely House, which had been transformed into a temporary regimental army hospital. James Monroe, who would later become the fifth president, was among the many who convalesced there.

Where: Thompson Neely House, 1638 River Road, Washington Crossing

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26

Fort Mifflin

The fort that withstood the greatest bombardment of the American Revolution

For six long, cold weeks in 1777, a cadre of 400 soldiers huddled inside this fort to fend off British ships attempting to bring supplies to British-occupied Philadelphia. Despite lack of food, freezing temperatures and rampant illness, the rebels held the ships back, giving Washington time to flee to Valley Forge. Philadelphia’s only fort opens to the public during select seasons on select days for tours of barracks, a blacksmith shop, cannon demonstrations and more.

Where: Fort Mifflin, 82 Fort Mifflin Road

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27

Valley Forge National Historical Park

Where the spirit of the Revolution received its sternest test

A cannon at Valley Forge National HIstorical Park A cannon at Valley Forge National HIstorical Park
— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

This 3,500-acre national park is the site of the 1777-1778 winter encampment of George Washington’s Continental Army. Woodlands, streams, meadows, monuments and 26 miles of trails commemorate the sacrifice and transformation of the Continental Army during these pivotal six months during the Revolutionary War. Visitors explore the encampment through tours, exhibits, live demonstrations, children’s activities and more.

Where: Valley Forge National Historical Park, 1400 N. Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia

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28

Christ Church Burial Ground

Visit the graves of Benjamin Franklin and other early American leaders

Graves at Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia Graves at Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia
— Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

Dating to 1719, this plot is the final resting place for many who toiled for American independence. Among the 4,000 graves are those of Benjamin and Deborah Franklin, Dr. Benjamin Rush, Francis Hopkinson and Continental Army officers Major William Jackson and General Jacob Morgan. The corner cemetery is open for self-guided and guided tours for a small fee; visitors on the sidewalk often toss pennies onto the Franklins’ grave.

Where: Christ Church Burial Ground, 340 N. 5th Street

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29

Concord School House and Upper Burying Ground

A burial site for Revolutionary War heroes

Many who gave their lives in the pursuit of liberty went nameless when they were laid to rest at this Germantown site. Today, 52 of the such soldiers have been identified, although six more who perished in the Battle of Germantown remain unknown. The grounds and 1775 school house are open for tours on select days and by appointment.

Where: Concord School House and Upper Burying Ground, 6309 Germantown Avenue

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30

Old St. Mary’sChurch

A church and burial ground with strong Revolutionary ties

— Photo by B. Krist for Visit Philadelphia

While George and Martha Washington, John Adams and other colonial-era notables attended Old St. Mary’s Church, history also permeates the gravesite here. Commodore John Barry, founder of the American navy, is buried in the adjacent cemetery, along with General Washington’s aide-de-camp Stephen Moylan and other heroes of the Revolution.

Where: Old St. Mary’s Church, 252 S. 4th Street

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31

National Constitution Center

The world’s only museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution

— Photo by D. Cruz for Visit Philadelphia

The National Constitution Center (NCC) picks up the narrative in 1787, three years after the end of the war, with the creation of a new government. Delegates from the former colonies gathered in Philadelphia and elected George Washington to preside over the Constitutional Convention, the result of which was the signing of the United States Constitution, ratified later that year. The NCC’s high-tech, interactive exhibitions explore how the document has evolved and influenced United States history through modern times.

Where: National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street

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32

The David Library of the American Revolution

The destination for in-depth study of the Revolution

Everyone from the casually interested to the dedicated scholar can utilize the David Library of the American Revolution. Devoted solely to American history from 1750-1800, the David Library boasts 10,000 reels of microfilm, nearly 8,000 books and 2,000 pamphlets among its holdings. Primary source materials include diaries, maps, muster rolls, letters, recipes and other information from the era.

Where: David Library of the American Revolution, 1201 River Road, Washington Crossing

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33

Historical Society of Pennsylvania

A must-visit for any American history scholar

More than 3,000 books, pamphlets and serials, along with 210 archival collections dealing with the American Revolution are included in this vast array of primary source materials and research resources for inquiring minds.

Where: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust Street

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34

Polish American Cultural Center

Where to learn about Poland's contribution to the cause

The Polish American Cultural Center offers a glimpse into the life and contributions of Thaddeus Kosciuszko, whose engineering genius helped win the Revolution.

Where: Polish American Cultural Center, 308 Walnut Street

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35

Chester County Historical Society

A wealth of information about the Revolution's key players

The library and research facilities at the Chester County Historical Society hold a wealth of information about people and events that played a regional role in the Revolutionary War.

Where: Chester County Historical Society, 225 North High Street, West Chester

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Museum of the American Revolution
Carpenters’ Hall
City Tavern
Declaration (Graff) House
Independence Hall
Powel House
Harriton House
The Betsy Ross House
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
New Hall Military Museum
Congregation Mikveh Israel
Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial
Washington Crossing Historic Park
Stenton
Brandywine Battlefield Park
Historic Houses of Chadds Ford
Historic Waynesborough
Paoli Battlefield
Peter Wentz Farmstead
Hope Lodge & Mather Mill
Cliveden
Grumblethorpe
Wyck House
Germantown White House (Deshler-Morris House)
Thompson Neely House
Fort Mifflin
Valley Forge National Historical Park
Christ Church Burial Ground
Concord School House and Upper Burying Ground
Old St. Mary’sChurch
National Constitution Center
The David Library of the American Revolution
Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Polish American Cultural Center
Chester County Historical Society
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