2023 Pilgrimage and Encampment

PILGRIMAGE (day-long) & ENCAMPMENT (camping) Weekend
MARCH 10-12th, 2023
FORT WASHINGTON STATE PARK

Before wintering at Valley Forge the Continental Army attacked the British troops in what is now the Germantown and Mount Airy sections of Philadelphia. This action, "The Battle of Germantown played an important role in the outcome of the Revolutionary War. Although the British won the battle, the Continental Army had finally gone on the offensive and attacked the British. This gave the soldiers and the patriots a renewed confidence that they could win the war." 

After the battle the Continental Troops retreated into the countryside including setting up defenses and an encampment in the Militia Hill (Whitemarsh and surrounding Philadelphia suburbs) area. Cannons were set up on high ground in the area including Militia Hill where the Encampment will be held. Under the protection of cannon troops could have camped on the same land where the Pilgrimage will be held at Fort Washington State Park. 

This new location is historically significant as the troops marched along routes from there to the third winter encampment at Valley Forge where Continental Militias trained to become the army that won the American Revolution. We are excited to bring the P&E to Fort Washington State Park and honor General Washington and his troops.

ENCAMPMENT (includes Pilgrimage) – Troops, Crews, Units/Posts, and Ships are invited to join us for a winter camping weekend to experience the hardships faced by the Continental Army in the winter of 1777-1778. The Encampment is limited to 240 attendees giving you the opportunity to camp where a canon battery is believed to have been set up. This cold weather camping allows you to relive a small portion of what the revolutionary soldiers and their followers lived through.  

Arrival to the Encampment beginning at 6 pm on March 10th with all units expected to depart before noon on March 12th. 

During the event all attendees will be able to pick up special discount coupons to visit the Revolutionary 

War Museum located on Independence Mall, (accessible by train from Fort 

Washington) on Sunday March 12th.  

If you are only interested in the one-day activity (no overnight camping) register for the CONTINENTAL ARMY PILGRIMAGE.