Cliveden Park
| Cliveden | |
|---|---|
| Type | Historic site / Estate grounds |
| Location | Germantown |
| Coordinates | 40.0380,-75.1750 |
| Area | 6 acres |
| Established | 1767 (house); National Trust site since 1972 |
| Operated by | Cliveden of the National Trust |
| Features | Revolutionary War battlefield, Georgian mansion, grounds |
| Hours | See website for tour times |
| Transit | SEPTA Regional Rail to Chelten Avenue; bus routes |
| Website | Official Site |
Cliveden (pronounced KLIV-den) is a Georgian mansion and historic estate in Germantown, famous as the site of the most intense fighting during the Battle of Germantown on October 4, 1777. The Chew family home, which still bears musket ball and cannon damage from the battle, is now a National Trust historic site with grounds open for exploration.[1]
Cliveden offers one of the most tangible connections to the Revolutionary War in Philadelphia.
History
The Chew Family
Benjamin Chew built Cliveden in 1767:
- Chief Justice of colonial Pennsylvania
- Built as summer retreat from Center City
- Georgian architecture
- Family occupied for 200 years
Battle of Germantown
The October 4, 1777 battle defined Cliveden's legacy:
- British forces occupied the house
- Washington's army attacked through Germantown
- About 120 British soldiers fortified inside
- American forces assaulted the house repeatedly
- Stone walls withstood cannon fire
- Battle ultimately an American defeat, but showed Continental Army's fighting capability
Preservation
The house was preserved:
- Chew family maintained until 1972
- Donated to National Trust for Historic Preservation
- Restored and opened to public
- Battle damage intentionally preserved
Features
The Mansion
Georgian architecture:
- Built 1763-1767
- Local Wissahickon schist stone
- Formal Georgian plan
- Original furnishings
- Visible battle scars (musket balls, cannon damage)
Battle Damage
The house preserves Revolutionary War damage:
- Musket ball marks in walls
- Cannon ball damage
- Broken shutters (replicas of originals)
- Interpretive markers
The Grounds
Estate landscape:
- 6-acre grounds
- Historic trees
- Formal garden elements
- Walking paths
- Carriage house
Upton House
Adjacent property:
- 19th-century home
- Part of Cliveden site
- Additional interpretation
Visiting
Tours
- Guided tours of mansion
- Battle interpretation
- Architectural history
- Check website for schedule
Grounds
- Grounds often accessible during daylight
- Self-guided exploration
- Historical markers throughout
- Free grounds access (tour fee for house)
Getting There
Location: 6401 Germantown Avenue
By Public Transit:
- SEPTA Regional Rail to Chelten Avenue Station
- SEPTA Bus 23
By Car:
- Street parking on Germantown Avenue
- Small lot available
Tips
- Tours required for interior
- The grounds are worth visiting independently
- Battle of Germantown reenactments held in October
- Combine with other Germantown historic sites
Annual Events
Battle Reenactment
October commemorations:
- Revolutionary War reenactment
- Battle anniversary events
- Living history programs
- Major Philadelphia history event
Programs
- Educational tours
- School programs
- Special exhibitions
- Community events
Historic Significance
Cliveden represents:
- Revolutionary War military history
- Colonial elite architecture
- 200 years of one family's history
- Early American society
Nearby
- Vernon Park — Nearby in Germantown
- Germantown — Surrounding neighborhood
- Germantown White House — Deshler-Morris House
- Johnson House — Underground Railroad site
- Awbury Arboretum — Nearby green space