The British Raid on Valley Forge in September 1777
Attacks, retreats, and the road to winter encampment during the American Revolution
A campaign begun in Delaware
The offensive to capture America’s revolutionary capital began in Delaware: on September 3, 1777, British and Continental forces clashed at Cooch’s Bridge. This initial skirmish fired the starting gun on what would become known as the Philadelphia Campaign.
Log Huts Valley Forge National Historical Park, National Park Service
While many remember the story ending with the army's famous winter encampment at Valley Forge, the fateful events of September 1777 dictated the survival of the American rebellion . Let's trace the footsteps of this pivotal month.
LIFE Photo Collection
A stinging loss at Brandywine
Just over a week after the initial clash in Delaware, the two armies met again in Pennsylvania on September 11 at the Battle of Brandywine . The Continental Army had established a defensive position along the creek, hoping to halt the British advance toward the capital .
By Walker Evans LIFE Photo Collection
However, the British Army executed a massive, wide flanking maneuver that caught the Americans off guard and forced them off their defensive line. Although Washington’s men mounted a remarkably strong defense and successfully prevented a total military disaster, the battle remained a stinging loss.
Rifle (1760/1770) Original Source: http://www.nps.gov/museum/exhibits/revwar/image_gal/vafoimg/vafo172.html
Terror in the dark at Paoli
The campaign took a darker turn on September 20 at the Battle of Paoli . General Anthony Wayne's Continentals were encamped in the woods just outside the town, resting from the relentless maneuvers of the previous weeks .
Von Steuben Training Valley Forge National Historical Park, National Park Service
Under the cover of darkness, a British force led by General Charles Grey launched a terrifying dawn raid . To maintain the element of surprise, the British soldiers relied on a brutal assault using bayonets in the dim light . The attack completely overwhelmed the encamped Americans, forcing Wayne’s troops into a desperate retreat and inflicting heavy losses .
Pointing at Map Valley Forge National Historical Park, National Park Service
The fall of Philadelphia
By late September, British General William Howe executed a strategic masterstroke. Maneuvering his army west, Howe forced George Washington into an impossible dilemma: he had to either move his own forces west to protect vital regional resources or stay put to continue blocking the passages into Philadelphia .
Washington Writing Valley Forge National Historical Park, National Park Service
Washington ultimately chose to move west . This difficult strategic decision effectively cleared an uncontested path for the British army . On September 26, 1777, the British marched in and occupied Philadelphia .
This devastating conclusion to a month of fighting would eventually force Washington's exhausted but determined troops into their legendary winter encampment at Valley Forge .
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