The Siege

Outnumbered. Outgunned. Unyielding.

† - Denotes a Resident of
Laurel Hill Cemetery

There is a historical site in Philadelphia that played a very crucial role in the American Revolution. The role was so crucial that it is believed that if it had not been for this site, we would not have won our independence. Therefore, it is recognized as the site that "Saved America". It's not the Betsy Ross house, it's not the Liberty Bell, it's not even Independence Hall. This site sits just about six miles southwest of Independence Hall. It is so far off the beaten path of Philadelphia's Historic District that even the government, which owns it, has forgotten about it.

Well, maybe you can say that because it is off the beaten path, no one travels near it. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Every day, roughly 200,000 people drive right past it on Interstate-95, while tens of thousands of airline passengers fly directly over it while arriving or departing from Philadelphia International Airport. Those people pass it every day without stopping to find out what it is.

So what site holds such respect and honor from those who know what it is and why it is so important? It is the only remaining intact American Revolutionary War battlefield in Philadelphia. In terms of historic sites, this is the ultimate underdog in a city widely known as the underdog.

I know you're saying that if it was so important to the American cause, then how come most people have never heard of it? That is a result of it being left out of the narrative while teaching The American Revolution in schools. While some schools support field trips to it, most of them prefer the sites of the Historic District. However, it is a lot easier to navigate a school bus here, where there is an absence of the congested traffic of the city.

I know not everyone is on the list who has never heard of it or even been there. Those of us who have, we are truly the lucky ones. We know about this hidden gem that is so rich with history that you can literally feel it on the walls, and yes, you are allowed to touch them.

For those of us lucky enough to have a special place in our hearts for this sacred ground, treat this as a nostalgic reminder to visit it again after what you are about to read. For those who have not visited or even heard of it, please allow me to take you on a journey through the years when this place had the largest impact on our lives.
Welcome to Fort Mifflin.

Sources:

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The Siege

Outnumbered. Outgunned. Unyielding.

† - Denotes a Resident of Laurel Hill Cemetery

I know not everyone is on the list who has never heard of it or even been there. Those of us who have, we are truly the lucky ones. We know about this hidden gem that is so rich with history that you can literally feel it on the walls, and yes, you are allowed to touch them.

Sources:

† - Denotes a Resident of
Laurel Hill Cemetery