Fort Washington State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Washington State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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Wissahickon Creek runs through Fort Washington State Park.
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 Fort Washington State Park
Location in Philadelphia
Fort Washington State Park
Location in Pennsylvania
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| Location | Montgomery County, Pennsylvania |
| Nearest town | Fort Washington and Flourtown |
| Area | 493 acres (200 ha) |
| Elevation | 328 feet (100 m) |
| Established | 1953 as a state park |
| Named for | The temporary fort built by George Washington’s troops in the fall of 1777, before heading to Valley Forge |
| Administrator | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| Fort Washington State Park | |
| Pennsylvania State Parks | |
Fort Washington State Park is a fun Pennsylvania state park that covers about 493 acres. It's located in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The park is famous for its beautiful dogwood trees that bloom in the spring. It's a popular spot for families to have picnics and go hiking. You can find the park about 17 miles north of Philadelphia.
Contents
A Park with Revolutionary History
Fort Washington State Park and the nearby town are named after an important time in American history. During the American Revolutionary War in 1777, George Washington and his troops set up defenses and camped here.
Washington's Camp and the Battle of White Marsh
After a battle in Germantown, about 11,000 American soldiers stayed in this area. They were here from November 11 to December 11, 1777. After that, they marched to Valley Forge for the winter.
From December 5 to 8, 1777, a big fight called the Battle of White Marsh happened very close to the park. A spot in the park called Fort Hill is where a temporary fort once stood. Another area, Militia Hill, was where the Pennsylvania Militia soldiers were positioned.
How the Park Was Created
The park was first started in the early 1920s by a group in Philadelphia called the Fairmount Park Commission. They worked with the Pennsylvania Department of Forests and Waters to manage the park. In 1953, the state government officially made the Pennsylvania Department of Forests and Waters (now called the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) fully in charge of the park.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
Fort Washington State Park offers many cool activities for visitors. You can try Disc Golf, go fishing, or explore the many hiking trails. It's also a great place to walk your dog.
Birdwatching and Wildlife
If you love animals, you can enjoy watching birds and other wildlife. Every year, from September 1 to October 31, there's a special "Hawk Watch." From the park's observation deck, you can see all 16 types of raptors (birds of prey) that fly along the East Coast during their migration.
Winter Activities and Picnics
When it snows, the park is a fun spot for sledding and cross-country skiing. And of course, it's always a popular place for picnicking with family and friends. Just remember, Hunting is not allowed in Fort Washington State Park.
Other Parks Nearby
There are many other state parks within 30 miles of Fort Washington State Park that you might like to visit:
- Benjamin Rush State Park (Philadelphia County)
- Brandywine Creek State Park (New Castle County, Delaware)
- Bull's Island Recreation Area (Hunterdon County, New Jersey)
- Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park (Somerset County, New Jersey)
- Delaware Canal State Park (Bucks and Northampton Counties)
- Evansburg State Park (Montgomery County)
- Fox Point State Park (Delaware)
- French Creek State Park (Berks and Chester Counties)
- Marsh Creek State Park (Chester County)
- Neshaminy State Park (Bucks County)
- Nockamixon State Park (Bucks County)
- Norristown Farm Park (Montgomery County)
- Ralph Stover State Park (Bucks County)
- Rancocas State Park (Burlington County, New Jersey)
- Ridley Creek State Park (Delaware County)
- Tyler State Park (Bucks County)
- Washington Crossing State Park (Mercer County, New Jersey)
