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Started by the British in 1771, and designed by British engineer John Montresor, the partially completed Fort Mifflin was taken over by the Americans and fortified prior to 1777. Fort Mifflin and Fort Mercer across the river at Red Bank guarded the river approaches to Philadelphia and prevented General Howe's supply ships from coming up river, keeping the British army in Philadelphia during the occupation and giving Washington's army much needed breathing room prior to the winter at Valley Forge. The bombardment of Fort Mifflin (directed by the same John Montresor who designed the fort) began in early October and continued day and night until November 16 when Fort Mifflin was evacuated. The subsequent action to clean out Fort Mercer led to the battle at the Blue Bell. |
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