Re-enactment of the Assault on Fort Mercer 2018

It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for since my first post: I’m finally posting about the Fort Mercer re-enactment! The re-enactment was full of opportunities for taking great pictures, the best of which are down below. But before the pictures, it’s important to know the history of the battle.

The Assault on Fort Mercer, otherwise known as the Battle of Red Bank, took place on October 22, 1777, during the American Revolution. Fort Mercer was located on the land of James and Ann Whitall, two pacifist Quakers, along the Delaware River, south of Philadelphia and across from Fort Mifflin. In the river between the two forts were spikes known as chevaux-de-frise, which prevented ships from going upstream. The British, however, needed to bring supplies to their troops past this barricade, hence the decision to attack Fort Mercer.

Unfortunately for the British-led Hessians, the soldiers defending Fort Mercer defeated them, with only 14 deaths and almost 30 wounded. This number is astoundingly low compared to the death of approximately 400 soldiers on the Hessian side.

This battle was a success for the Continental forces, but it was short-lived because the British forces eventually took the fort, and because it was part of larger defeats, but it still shows the determination of the American forces.

Del Merritt, George Smith, Stu Carkeek, and Dan Voorhees play shanties in their band, “The Sea Dogs.” Their music gives visitors of the event insight into other parts of life during the Revolutionary War. (Photo/Kalie VanDewater)

A soldier of the Continental Army picks up his comrade’s hat, which has been blown off by the wind. On the battlefield, there aren’t many moments of non-violence like this. (Photo/Kalie VanDewater)

British soldiers fire at the Continental soldiers surrounding Fort Mercer. In this photo, the muzzle flash of the left-most gun is visible. (Photo/Kalie VanDewater)

A line of British soldiers fire on the regiment defending Fort Mercer. Unlike their enemies, these soldiers are organized strictly into lines of riflemen. (Photo/Kalie VanDewater)

Soldiers of the Rhode Island regiments load their weapons. The soldiers are using both rifles and cannons to retaliate against the British. (Photo/Kalie VanDewater)

Soldiers of the Continental Army drag a cannon as the British forces push them back towards the fort. This is not a sign of defeat, but a temporary set-back in the battle. (Photo/Kalie VanDewater)

British troops advance towards Fort Mercer. These soldiers march with a false sense of an assured victory. (Photo/Kalie VanDewater)

Continental soldiers defend the place where Fort Mercer used to stand from charging British troops. Many of the attacking soldiers are injured in this attack, and the rest are forced to retreat. (Photo/Kalie VanDewater)

The fife-and-drum players of the Continental regiment, along with two of the regiment leaders, advance to meet with the defeated British army. This meeting solidifies the American victory of the battle. (Photo/Kalie VanDewater)

The British and American forces convene after the battle. The much larger British forces have been defeated by the American regiments. (Photo/Kalie VanDewater)

Alice Arrington Murphy, dressed in period garb, collects her things after the re-enactment. Murphy is one of many people at the event dressed in period clothing, giving the re-enactment an even greater sense of accuracy. (Photo/Kalie VanDewater)