Philadelphia Campaign 1777-1778

Expanded Listing

The following is an expanded – but by no means exhaustive! – chronological listing of events in the Philadelphia Campaign from late July 1777 through June 1778 along with links to related historical sites and organizations.

The three major events were the Battle of the Brandywine on September 11, 1777; the Valley Forge Encampment from December 19, 1777 through June 19, 1778; and the Battle of Monmouth on June 28, 1778. Prior to and along the way to these major events were many other significant skirmishes, encampments, and engagements.

The Philadelphia Campaign of 1777-1778 was a critical time. It was a time indeed that, in the words of Thomas Paine, “tried men’s souls.” During these distressing weeks and months even John Adams had moments of despondency. “Oh, Heaven!” he wrote in his diary, “Grant us one great soul!” Though wise, John Adams could not yet see that the “great soul” he desired was the man he himself had nominated to be Commander in Chief.  The infamous Conway Cabal was also underway at this time, seeking to remove General Washington and replace him with General Gates.  It could be argued that the most significant outcome of the Philadelphia Campaign was Washington’s emergence as a true leader for the new nation.

The following information is in three sections:

Section One:       Some Helpful Background

Section Two:       The Chronology

Section Three:    Maps and Additional Resources