Occupied Philadelphia/Museum of the American Revolution 2024

January 31, 2025  •  Leave a Comment

I was excited to attend The Occupied Philadelphia British Are Back event for the first time in early November. All the activities were held at the Museum of the American Revolution and behind Carpenter's Hall, located in Independence National Historical Park. It was easy to get here—a quick 30-minute train ride. Was this an actual event? Yes, an important one!
Shortly after winning the battles of Fort Mifflin and Fort Mercer in October 1777, the British captured the colonial capital of Philadelphia in November 1777 and occupied the city for nine months. The Second Continental Congress, including John Adams, had to skedaddle out of Philadelphia quickly at the end of September 1777, as British troops occupied the city. Luckily, Thomas Jefferson was at his home at Monticello VA then. The Congress moved to York PA and continued its work.

The day included many pleasant experiences, including capturing my favorite photo of the year.  And in blog # 79, American Revolution Photos-2024 Recap I wrote-

What do you see? Doesn't it look strange for a wooden bowl flying in the air? That's what is fun about photographing events like this. You never know what might happen and must be prepared for the unexpected. This British officer was inspecting captured American troops, and suddenly, a wooden bowl flew in the air. It was contraband from his shoulder bag. I missed the first toss, but luckily, there was a second one; I was ready for it. It was his last toss. Even with the shadow on the soldier's arm, a flying bowl makes for a unique photo.

The Museum of the American Revolution organized this event. From their website-

In the fall of 1777, Philadelphia — the Revolutionary capital at the time — was seized by the British and occupied for nine long months, with Independence Hall serving as a prison for American prisoners-of-war. Join us as we recreate the dark days of the British occupation with Occupied Philadelphia

The British soldiers set up camp behind the now famous Carpenter's Hall. So many important historical events happened here. From their site-

It hosted the First Continental Congress in 1774 and was home to Franklin's Library Company, The American Philosophical Society, and the First and Second Banks of the United States.

Posters of the British occupation were displayed everywhere. I found these three crumpled proclamation flyers displayed together, hanging in the American Revolution Museum on a gray background. To create an antiquity theme, I knew converting it to B&W in On1 Software would make the best photo. It provides that nostalgic look I like.

Outside the front entrance to the museum was a street fair with crafters, sutlers (merchants), and city folks mingling and having a good time. But in September 1777, it must have been difficult knowing that British soldiers were everywhere. They couldn't possibly image having a Hessian officer strolling through their city.

Philadelphia has many iconic symbols, such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. In addition, the city is also known for other non-historical reasons, such as the highest-rated approval convenience store in the nation, Wawa (headquarters about 5 minutes from my home), soft pretzels, TastyKakes (yummy snack foods), and a fantastic sandwich called the Philly Cheesesteak. That was my choice for lunch. 

There are many cheesesteak options in Philly, each claiming to be the highest-rated. Campo's is near the museum on Market Street. I've eaten there before, but it has been a few years. How is this yummy sandwich made?

The traditional version is thinly sliced ribeye steak cooked with diced onions, sprinkled with salt and pepper, and cheese whiz spread or provolone cheese on a delicious hoagie roll. Of course, there are other versions, but this is the original and the one I enjoy with cheese whiz.

The seating arrangements inside are small, so I sat outside for lunch with my sandwich and diet coke, watching the crowd stroll by. I didn't know it until later, but there was also a marathon in town that morning. After lunch, I returned to the event for a little longer and reviewed my photos on my train ride home.

Here's the link to the photo gallery!

Thank you for reading! Blog #82 will be posted on February 15, 2025. Be safe & well!

Ken Bohrer

 

 

 

 

 

 


Comments

No comments posted.
Loading...

Archive