Things I didn’t do in Philly
The Hudson River was right there while I was reading about the Hudson River! (This particular portion was farther north than the battles, but STILL! Same river!)
After ignoring it on my shelf for a long time, I’m finally reading David McCullough’s 1776. Picked it because of an upcoming Revolutionary War presentation and also a scheduled trip to Boston. (Hooray!)
What didn’t occur to me when I picked it is that Boston, New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia are all key players in the book — and all places I was visiting while reading it! (Every time I read a section whilst in the city I was reading about, I’d look around like the strangers near me could also appreciate the delightful coincidence. Those strangers let me down repeatedly. Except the guy on the train who must have noticed the book spine and showed me the note on his phone — his friend just recommended 1776 to him.)
When I hit historic sites, I like to pull together a little “here’s what I did and what I learned” kinda post. This time, it’s more of a “here’s what I didn’t do but wish I had and so next time” kinda post. And also an “OMG! I SAW WASHINGTON’S TENT” kinda post.
I was in Philly for an incredible in-person business gathering. Obviously, I planned to squeeze in some history… but I figured I’d wing it because I didn’t really know how much time I had to play with. That was not a great idea. Plus, I got lost a lot and wasted precious history-seeking time wandering in circles like the confused tourist that I am.
Did you know Philadelphia was the biggest city during the Revolutionary War? More people than Boston or New York. I just learned that! It was kind of a Holy Crap situation for colonists when 32,000 British troops arrived on Staten Island. For reference, the entire population of Philly at the time was 30,000!
Here’s what I hope to do next time…
(with a teensy bit of what I actually did):
◻Take a good picture of Independence Hall
I thought I had a good one. But as you can see above, not so much.
This one’s not so bad I guess:
◻Visit Independence Hall
I tried to visit the place where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. Alas, the tickets were sold out for the day.
◻Visit The President’s House
In my rush to maybe book a tour of Independence Hall, I went right by The President’s House … assuming I’d get a closer look later.
I didn’t.
British General Howe lived there for a bit.
So did Robert Morris (“Financier of the Revolution”).
And General George Washington, first as Morris’ guest…
Then Major-General Benedict Arnold, who Washington appointed Philadelphia military governor. This house is where he met Peggy, who he would marry.
And then President George Washington — this time because Morris gave his home to be the Executive Mansion!
And, of course, John and Abigail Adams from 1797 until they moved to DC in 1800 for four months.
◻See the Liberty Bell
My kids and husband got to go.
◻Visit Benjamin Franklin Museum
I only had enough time for one museum. Debated between this one and the Museum of the American Revolution.
Ben Franklin lost.
◻Visit National Constitution Center
Next time! But also — wish I’d stumbled on this amazing Signers’ Biographies page a couple of weeks ago. You can see who signed what, then click to learn more about them. And sort by name or state.
[Bookmarked it for later]
◻Doodle
I usually bring my sketchbook and pens when I travel, but rarely use them. I’d saved a little time the morning before I left this time. I didn’t have to be at the train station until 10 — plenty of time for a leisurely breakfast and some reading and doodling. Then there was a train issue and I panicked that I’d miss my connection, so I changed it to three hours earlier and had to race to the train station without time for coffee or eating. No doodling! Yet again. Disappointing.
✔️ Visit Museum of the American Revolution
Washington’s Tent
When buying my ticket, the woman at the counter casually mentioned when the next showing of Washington’s tent would be. My jaw fell to the floor and I blurted out: “WHAT?! Is it on loan?”
No, it’s not on loan. I know this is where it lives. I’d added a link to it in my George Washington recap page for crying out loud. But I had no plans to visit Philly and apparently did not catalog this info in my brain.
The Cabinet: George Washington and the Creation of an American Institution, by Dr. Lindsay M. Chervinsky; more doodles
(His tent was more 🎪than ⛺️)
I was ecstatic that tickets were sold out at my original stop and immediately envisioned posing with his tent, like this:
But they don’t allow photography with the tent. Light and damage and all of that.
Makes sense.
Luckily, they shared a link with photos that we could use! I was able to doctor a photo and include myself. I’m a professional; bet you can’t even tell this isn’t real:
Photo credit: Museum of the American Revolution
PSA: do not go inside the tent. While not explicitly said, I’m sure that’s frowned upon.
The story about the tent during the Civil War is bonkers, but it’s not really once you realize how tangled up everything is:
“Light Horse” Harry Lee was a Revolutionary War hero and buds with General George Washington
He was also father of Robert E. Lee, the Confederate general
One of Washington’s step-great-granddaughters, Mary Custis, married Robert E. Lee
Mary had inherited Arlington House, along with George Washington’s relics… including the tent!
The Union military took over their home during the Civil War (it overlooks where JFK, Jackie, and two of their children are buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a fact that will never not be weird to me)
The story of the tent is fascinating. Mary took a lot of things with her when she fled the Union, but couldn’t take the tent. She entrusted an enslaved woman, Selina Gray, to protect it…. and she did.
You know what: just read about it here in this three-part series.
A few more non-tent-related things I saw…
Daniel Waldo
I just drew him the other day! He enlisted at 16, fought at Saratoga, and lived to be a centenarian. Also, I swear I’m related to him, but haven’t figured it out yet.
Nicholas Veeder
I visited that Liberty Flag recently!
Benjamin Lincoln
I visited his house in Hingham, MA last summer. I knew he was a Revolutionary War hero who served in the Continental Army alongside George Washington. He was the only one there for all three major campaigns of the war (including Saratoga!) and he accepted Cornwallis’ surrender at Yorktown.
I did not know that he led the militia that put a stop to Shay’s rebellion. Or that he paid that militia with his own money.
Thomas Hart Benton
This is Senator Thomas Hart Benton, not to be confused with his great-great-nephew artist Thomas Hart Benton.
This Thomas Hart Benton was toward the end of the Revolutionary War. He was injured when The Peacemaker exploded aboard the USS Princeton.
That Thomas Hart Benton documented dazzle ships during World War II.
… and then some.
Next time I’m in Philadelphia, I’ll prepare a carefully crafted agenda because there’s still so much to see. And for crap’s sake, I will doodle.
MORE FIELD TRIPS
Saw Washington’s tent tho