Battle of Germantown
Germantown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
What happened
George Washington's Continental Army fought the British and Hessian army of Sir William Howe. Washington planned a surprise night march on the British camp at Germantown. The march ran late, and thick fog made it hard for American units to keep together. The attack stalled at a stone mansion called Cliveden, held by British troops, and broke down in the confusion.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was a British victory, but Washington's army survived and showed it could attack. The battle impressed the French court, which helped persuade France to support the United States.
What came next
Washington's army spent the winter at Valley Forge, where it was retrained. Howe withdrew to Philadelphia.
Did you know?
During a ceasefire two days later, Washington returned a lost terrier to Howe after its collar showed it was his, having it fed and brushed first.
Timeline
- 1763-1767Benjamin Chew builds Cliveden.
- 4 October 1777The British win at Germantown.
- 6 October 1777Washington returns Howe's dog.
- 1777Washington's army moves to Valley Forge for the winter.