As we come upon this weekend, look back upon what took place and how it was accomplished. At the same time please remember all of our veterans that have served so that we can do what we do today.

1775, Nov 10, the Continental Congress passed a resolution so that "two battalions of Marines be raised", for the service of landing forces with the fleet. This established the Continental Marines and the birth of what was to become the United States Marine Corps.

1776, November 16, Fort Washington falls to the British. After 3 hours of fighting the Fort was surrendered. American losses were 54 killed, 100 wounded and 2858 captured for a total of over 3000 men lost in a single days fighting.

1777, November 10-15 Battle of Fort Mifflin and defense of the Delaware River. After six days of constant bombardment by British artillery, the replacement of two commanding officers on the 11th & 12th and a rotaion of troops. Inspite of bickering amongst officers, lack of support from the Pennsylvania Navy under Commodore Hazelwood and a dwindling ammunition supply. The garrison of approximately 406, over half were either wounded or killed during the action of those six days. All were evacuated to Fort Mercer and the dead were buried near Gloucester, while the wounded were transferred to Woodbury. Major Simeon Thayer of the 2nd Rhode Island Regiment volunteered to command on the 13th, his resolve to defend the Fort would have succeeded if gun powder, shot, facines, gabions, and tools were sent to help sustain Fort Mifflin. If Commodore Hazelwood, had supported the defense instead of worring about his vessels being swamped, captured or destroyed. A decisive plan to utilize the PA Navy as diversion & support could have been formed which would have lengthened the time for the defense of the Delaware.
However what did happen and what should have happened are fine for discussions and debate. What we do know is that without their service, Fort Mifflin would have fallen earlier in the siege, General Howe would have received his needed supplies earlier and the Continental Army would possibly have been captured ending the War for Independence earlier than 1781.

This weekend we honor all veterans and commemorate what took place at Fort Mifflin, the "Fort that Saved America."

Join us November 13 & 14 from 10 am until 4 pm on both days to honor our veterans and remember those who served before them.

Thomas Paine wrote the following May, a "Letter to General Howe (Crisis V)" in it he states:
"After this retreat a new difficulty arose which exhibited the power of Britain in a very contemptible light; which was the attack and defence of Mud Island. For several weeks did that little unfinished fortress stand out against all the attempts of Admiral and General Howe. It was the fable of Bender realized on the Delaware. Scheme after scheme, and force upon force were tried and defeated. The garrison, with scarce anything to cover them but their bravery, survived in the midst of mud, shot and shells, and were at last obliged to give it up more to the powers of time and gunpowder than to military superiority of the besiegers."