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Fort Mifflin Review

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Fort Mifflin

Address: Island and Hog Island Rds., on Delaware River near Philadelphia Int'l Airport, Southwest Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA | Map It
Phone: 215/685-4167
www.fortmifflin.us

Category: Military Sites
Location: Southwest Philadelphia

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Fodor's Review:

Within this 49-acre National Historic Landmark, you can see cannons and carriages, officers' quarters, soldiers' barrack, an artillery shed, a blacksmith shop, a bomb shelter, and a museum. Because of its Quaker origins, Philadelphia had no defenses until 1772, when the British began building Fort Mifflin. It was completed in 1776 by Revolutionary forces under General Washington. In a 40-day battle in 1777, 300 Continental defenders held off British forces long enough for Washington's troops to flee to Valley Forge. The fort was almost totally destroyed, but was rebuilt in 1798 from plans by French architect Pierre L'Enfant, who also designed Washington, D.C. In use until 1962, the fort has served as a prisoner-of-war camp, an artillery battalion, and a munitions dump. Special events include a reenactment of the siege of Fort Mifflin held on the second weekend in November. From Penn's Landing you can easily hop on I-95 to reach the fort.

Cost: $6
Open: Mar.-Nov., daily Wed.-Sun. 10-4

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