Germantown: A Military History of the Battle for Philadelphia, October 4, 1777

On October 4, 1777, Germantown was a small village on the outskirts of Philadelphia and the site of one of the American Revolution's largest battles. Michael C. Harris examines this pivotal but often overlooked engagement from the Philadelphia Campaign. After his victory at Brandywine, General Sir William Howe captured Philadelphia. Washington responded with a surprise attack on the British garrison at Germantown, hoping to reclaim the colonial capital. However, poor decisions by American commanders resulted in a decisive British victory. Using original archival research and detailed knowledge of the local terrain, Harris integrates the strategic, political, and tactical dimensions of this complex operation. The account draws largely on firsthand accounts from those who participated. The book includes original maps, illustrations, and modern photographs.