American Revolution Day Trip: South Philadelphia & South Jersey
The Museum of the American Revolution in historic Philadelphia serves as a portal to the region’s Revolutionary history, sparking interest, providing context, and encouraging further exploration for avid history buffs and casual travelers alike. Begin your journey into America's 18th-century history at the Museum, then explore some of the region's iconic historical sites.
Travel just south of Philadelphia to visit the southern edges of Philadelphia county and South Jersey, where Revolutionary War land and naval battles between the Continental Army and British Navy took place along the Delaware River at forts Mifflin, Mercer, and Billingsport. Polish engineer and Continental officer Thaddeus Kosciuszko helped lead the building of chevaux-de-frise, underwater obstacles to prevent easy navigation, in the Delaware River.
Distance from the Museum: 10 miles (15 minutes)
Revolutionary Sites & Museums to Visit
Explore these historic sites and museums dedicated to preserving and telling the stories of America's Revolutionary era.
Fort Mifflin
Fort Mifflin, originally called Fort Island Battery and also known as Mud Island Fort, was commissioned in 1771 and sits on Mud Island on the Delaware River. The Fort is open for guests to learn about its history and surrounding environment.
6400 Hog Island Rd
Philadelphia, PA 19153
Red Bank Battlefield Park
Located on the Delaware River waterfront, Red Bank Battlefield played a crucial role in the Revolutionary War when Hessians attacked Fort Mercer on Oct. 22, 1777. The park is also home to the James and Ann Whitall house, built in 1748.
100 Hessian Avenue
National Park, NJ 08063
Indian King Tavern Museum
At nearly 300 years old, the Indian King Tavern served as a meeting place for New Jersey's government officials from January to September 1777 and operated as a tavern until 1873.
233 Kings Highway
Haddonfield, NJ 08033
Beyond the Revolution
Continue your explorations beyond the Revolutionary era with some can't-miss destinations in the area.
Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
A hidden gem in Philadelphia, the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum features one of the world’s greatest collections of racing sports cars, including more than 75 historically significant cars.
6825-31 Norwitch Drive
Philadelphia, PA 19153
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
Established in 1972, the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge is more than 1,000 acres and is the largest freshwater tidal march in Pennsylvania. Along with its commitment to environmental education, preservation, and recreational programming, the refuge is home to hundreds of species of plants, trees, birds, insects, and mammals.
8601 Lindbergh Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19153
Battleship New Jersey
The Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial preserves and exhibits the USS New Jersey, which served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, and conflicts in the Middle East between the 1940s and 1991.
100 Clinton Street
Camden, NJ 08103
Know Before You Go
Check out these Museum resources to learn more ahead of your visit to South Philadelphia and South Jersey.
AmRev360: Digging into New Discoveries with Archaeologist Wade Catts
Poland and the American Revolution
Hessian Cap Plates
Memoir of a Revolutionary Soldier
Prisoners of Congress
Hessians
Begin Your Journey at the Museum
Plan your visit today to make the Museum the first stop on your journey into exploring America's 18th-century Revolutionary history before you travel to the region's iconic historical sites and museums.
Continue Exploring
Have additional time in the Philadelphia region to explore the area's Revolutionary history? Check out more itineraries!
American Revolution Day Trip: Washington Crossing & 10 Crucial Days
American Revolution Day Trip: Germantown
