Fort Washington is a local suburb of Philadelphia in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, United States. Prior to the Revolutionary War, the Fort Washington area was primarily settled by German immigrants, with one notable settler being Philip Engard, who immigrated in 1728. With his influence, by the mid-18th century the area was known as Engardtown, with Fort Washington Avenue being originally called Engardtown Road.
During the Philadelphia campaign of the American Revolutionary War, George Washington and the Continental Army were encamped there after their October 4, 1777 defeat at the Battle of Germantown, and immediately prior to the march to Valley Forge. From December 5-8, 1777, the Battle of White Marsh was fought here between British and American forces. Throughout the encampment, Washington was headquartered at the Emlen House, built by Quaker George Emlen in 1745. British commander General William Howe observed the American lines from the bell tower of St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church (at Bethlehem Pike and Camp Hill Road), site of the British encampment on December 5. Today, Fort Washington State Park contains the area in which the primary American defenses were situated.
On January 1, 1946, the Upper Dublin township was officially created, and in doing so, encompassed Fort Washington along with nine other communities (portions of Abington (19001), Ambler (19002), Ardsley (19038), Dresher (19025), Fort Washington (19034), Jarrettown (19025), Maple Glen (19002), North Hills (19038), Oreland (19075) and Willow Grove). Parts of Fort Washington were also incorporated into Whitemarsh Township. Residents living in the Upper Dublin portion of Fort Washington are served by the Upper Dublin School District, while those living in parts incorporated into Whitemarsh are served by Colonial School District.
Fort Washington is a great place to live and work, routinely voted as one of the 10 best places to live when choosing a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania suburb. Residents in Fort Washington have an overall better standard of living than most people in the area, and many in the country. Fort Washington has more amenities than most towns in the area, in other words, more restaurants and nightlife than you’ll know what to do with. We feel confident recommending Cantina Feliz, Magerk’s Pub, and finishing off a big meal with some dessert from Zakes Cakes & Cafe. All wonderful, and just a small portion of the great food and fun you’ll find in Fort Washington.
