After Washington's defeat at Brandywine in 1777, a force of 20,000 British and Hessian troops marched into Philadelphia, led by General William Howe. With the Colonial Army weakened, Howe could have attacked them west of the city and wiped them out -- probably defeating the Revolution -- but his own forces had run short of supplies. The supplies were waiting on the Delaware on a fleet of ships.

Before General Howe arrived with his 20,000, the rebels, led by General Thomas Mifflin, had occupied and strengthened the partially built British fort that guarded the waterways. The British attacked Mifflin's stronghold, and around November 16, 1777, Fort Mifflin finally fell. As well as inflicting severe casualties upon the British, however, the Colonists accomplished their mission: the British supply ships were delayed. Winter had set in, and General Howe was unable to attack Washington's troops.

Restored in 1795, Fort Mifflin was again manned during the War of 1812, though it saw no action. During the Civil War it was used as a prison camp. The Fort was disarmed in 1904.

Today Fort Mifflin is restored to its 1834 appearance. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities at this busy historic site. From Self-Guided to Guided (by docents in period uniforms) Tours to Uniform and Weapons Demonstrations, Soldier Life Programs, Cannon Demonstrations and much more.  Guided Tours are available Wednesday through Sunday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.  Hours can vary, so call ahead.  A Uniform and Weapons Demonstration is given twice daily.

The complex includes Casemates -- vaulted, bombproof enclosures used to shelter troops under attack; the Northeast Bastion, offering a special view of Philadelphia and the Delaware; the Arsenal, with four-foot thick walls that originally housed a prison; various batteries (though most of the guns are gone); Soldiers' Barracks; Officers' Quarters; Blacksmith Shop; and a variety of other structures and sites. In all, eleven restored buildings can be explored. Combined with the activities and re-enactments that take place here, they bring history to life in a vivid and memorable fashion. Call for a calendar of events.

Fort Mifflin conducts a number of family events throughout its operating season. Group Tours can be arranged throughout the entire year. This is a great place for a child's birthday party, and private groups can also rent the facilities for their functions.

School Groups will love the programs available for them.  Every Educational Program includes

Program titles include:

New Programs

A World of Difference and a Common Pursuit (grades 4 - 9)
Using role-playing, this program illustrates the diverse cultural backgrounds of the colonists and soldiers during the Revolutionary War period. 

Moat or Marsh The Ever-Changing Wetland at Fort Mifflin (grades 4 - 5 and 6 - 8)
This program combines the historical uses of the moat with the natural evolution of the wetland environment, bringing nature and history together in a unique, hands-on environmental education program.  all of which drastically affected those soldiers who served at Fort Mifflin throughout time.  Developed for two distinct age groups, Moat or Marsh includes pre- and post- program activities that will give students a unique insight into wetland adaptations.

History Programs

Stars and Stripes: The Story of the American Flag (grades 3 - 9)
From British colors through Colonial and Regimental flags, to the flag of today, this program explores both dramatic and subtle changes in the American flag as our country evolved.  Students make a flag that symbolize themselves.  Also, each class learns how to raise, lower and fold an American flag.

A Soldier's Story: Revolutionary War Soldier Life or Civil War Soldier Life (grades 3 - 9)
This hands-on program explores the life of the Fort Mifflin soldier in detail, from how they were recruited to the items they carried in their haversacks.  Choose between a Revolutionary or Civil War program.

Blood, Sweat, and Tears: Civil War Medicine (grades 5 - 12)
Students adopt the roles of 19th century doctors and nurses to learn about the treatment options available to patients and the desperate measures used to save lives.

Environmental Education Programs

Urban Ecology: An Environmental Look at Fort Mifflin (grades 5 - 12)
Students discover the history of the Delaware River and the consequences of its expoitation.  Solutions are presented as well as problems, showing how resilient the environment can be.

Complete programs take about three hours to complete.  Any program can be topped off with a great cannon demonstration.

A variety of Outreach Programs are also available.  Call for details.

A visit to Fort Mifflin will give one and all a unique perspective on American history.  For additional information, visit Fort Mifflin's website at http://www.libertynet.org/ftmiflin/