Moland House – Warwick, Pennsylvania

Gorgeous day for a trek! I was impatient to be off! Behind the old house, the trail went winding into the woods, invitingly… But the lead said we’d be visiting the house first. Uh?? Well… Okay… small house, no big deal.

Wow, was I in for a surprise!!

Small old house, yes, but far from ordinary. Moland House they said – that didn’t ring a bell. But in the Philadelphia area, that’s understandable! Even though a jewel in its own right, Moland House doesn’t steal the limelight in the vicinity of Philly’s historical treasure trove. But signing up for a trek, stumbling across such wonders, is the precious part of being in the neighborhood of “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

A step into the house, was like a step back centuries. The story came alive… It was the August of 1777. The Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, George Washington, was frustrated. A year ago they’d declared themselves Independent. Characteristically the British royalty were ‘not amused’, throwing all their might into quelling the rebellion. Washington had just gotten word the British fleet (250 ships and 17,000 men) led by General William Howe had left New York harbor. But in which direction?? North to New England, or south to Philadelphia? Speculating they’d likely target the capital and largest city, Philadelphia, he got his army marching. More conflicting reports reigned… Washington opted to hold until more dependable information.

By then they were near Warwick, Pennsylvania. It was strategically close to Philadelphia, yet on the main road to New York, should they need to rush north instead. The local population was mainly Scottish-Irish, sympathetic to the cause of Independence. Primary factors of loyalty and location settled,  they considered the other draws… it had been a really hot August, and for the marching, often hungry, poorly outfitted men, a break in these woods by that Neshaminy creek would be just the thing!

Washington selected Moland House, the sturdiest stone dwelling in the area. A widowed Mrs. Moland was living there quietly, when on August 10th 1777, George Washington stood at her doorstep, requesting shelter. And of course, she had unquestioningly offered him the use of her kitchen, her home, her everything, she herself moving out to the neighbors, at the time uncertain for how long… All that, at a moment’s notice!

As it turned out, Washington camped there thirteen days. Alexander Hamilton, and about ten senior-most Generals of the Continental Army accompanied Washington. Moland House became the Headquarters of His Excellency and his aides, and they worked tirelessly strategizing, communicating, organizing. Outside in the countryside, the 11,000 soldiers set up tents, makeshift toilets, bake ovens…! Local farmers brought fresh vegetables. Beleaguered but fired up for liberty, the soldiers regrouped, preparing yet again for imminent battle.

In retrospect, any place Washington paused then, would be historic. But what clinched Moland House its special place in history were two momentous introductions here in those frenetic August days.

The American Revolutionary ideals of “liberty for all” had resonated with a French nobleman, Marquis de Lafayette. He’d arrived in America, and first sought audience with George Washington at Moland House. Lafayette was a mere lad, but Washington had been impressed by his drive and idealism. After 10 days of tense waiting, when Washington conducted a Council of War at Moland House, Lafayette had joined the Commander and his Generals. Later Lafayette commanded a

Division, valiantly led many battles, and even brought in the French forces to help the American Revolution. The bond between Washington and Lafayette, one of the most famous of modern history, was like one between a father and a son – and that relationship started here in Moland House!

Meanwhile the suspense mounted: Where Was the Enemy? At last, on the twelfth day of waiting, Washington got updates of the Howe’s fleet, and they prepared to leave. Just then, Count Pulaski, rode up. Hailing from Poland, Pulaski had been a senior military commander against Russian domination, and came to America to defend freedom. Recognizing his great experience, Washington proposed Pulaski establish and lead a Cavalry, from scratch! Just a mere fortnight later, Washington’s men finally met up and clashed with Howe’s at Brandywine. During a particularly fierce skirmish, Pulaski and his Cavalry diverted the British, allowing Washington and his men to retreat to safety… The British won that battle (and Philadelphia!), but Washington was left unscathed, leading on eventually to win the War,

Independence and beyond! Their recent connection at Moland House could not have come at more opportune a time! Count Pulaski, the Father of American Cavalry, later died gallantly fighting for the American Revolution.

Philadelphia brings alive the milestones of the Revolutionary War. But smaller lesser-known gems like Moland House breathe life into the ordinary folk in the backdrop – the quiet conviction of the Mrs Moland’s, the fortitude of the soldiers, even in-between battles. They each add to the brilliance of the treasure of Freedom, yet sound a thunderclap to defend it! For every age throws up a curveball of an oppressor, needing to dominate, to bend… yet every generation raises their badass, for Freedom never came free, yet no price is too much to pay.

Link to Moland House website: http://moland.org/

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