Fred Beuttler
Lecturer, Master of Liberal Arts Program
Celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary as we visit legendary Revolutionary War sites in and around Princeton, New Jersey.
The Wars of America: The Revolutionary War, The 1777–1778 Campaigns Battlefield Tour
June 11 – 14, 2026
Celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary as we visit legendary Revolutionary War sites in and around Princeton, New Jersey. Join Graham School instructor Fred Beuttler and leaders from the American Battlefield Trust on a four-day journey that includes Washington’s Crossing Historic Park and Valley Forge.
Travel with the Graham School as we celebrate our nation’s 250th Anniversary. Walk in the very footsteps of the Continental Army to explore a critical period in America’s struggle for Independence.
On Christmas Day, 1776, Washington led his troops across the Delaware River, defeating the Hessian forces in Trenton on December 26, followed soon after by a victory at Princeton. In September 1777, British troops at Brandywine advanced on the Continental Army under heavy fog, leading to British occupation of Philadelphia. Travel with Graham instructor Fred Beuttler, the American Battlefield Trust, members of Emerging Revolutionary War, and historians from the New Jersey State Parks as we take a comprehensive and critical look at the campaigns that led to the war’s darkest period, the encampment at Valley Forge, including the harsh winter of 1777–1778.
This trip is sponsored by the Bowe Stewart Foundation as part of its commitment to exploring the historical and contemporary issues related to the development and sustenance of civic principles and participation. Learn more about the Bowe Stewart Series.
Benefits of traveling to Princeton and the surrounding battlefields:
- Deepen your understanding of a pivotal period in the Revolutionary War with transformative battlefield site visits
- Gain exclusive site access from the American Battlefield Trust and learn firsthand from the world’s foremost experts at each site
- Engage in critical discussion and shared exploration with fellow Graham students and alumni
- Enjoy an opening night reception at the historic Clarke House featuring an overview of the conflict by American war historian and award-winning author, Garry Adelman, Chief Historian of the American Battlefield Trust
- Tuition includes accommodations at Princeton’s centrally located Nassau Inn and select group meals
Itinerary
Our itinerary, developed in partnership with the American Battlefield Trust and several Revolutionary War historians, is designed to put you in the footsteps of the Continental troops during the Revolutionary War’s most critical months.
Day One
June 11, Thursday: Arrival, Princeton Battlefield, and Group Dinner
After checking in to our rooms at the Nassau Inn, we travel by coach to the Clarke House on the Princeton Battlefield site for an opening reception and overview by historian Garry Adelman. After the reception we enjoy a group dinner in Princeton.
Day Two
June 12, Friday: Princeton Battlefield and Washington’s Crossing
Today we travel with Will Krakower, historian and interpretive specialist at the Princeton Battlefield State Park. Krakower will guide us through Washington’s Crossing Historic Park, both the Pennsylvania and New Jersey sides. After lunch we continue on for an exclusive visit to the Princeton Battlefield State Park.
Day Three
June 13, Saturday: Brandywine and Valley Forge
Today we are joined by historians from Emerging Revolutionary War as they guide us through Brandywine and Valley Forge, where we come face to face with the darkest moments of the Revolutionary War.
Day Four
June 14, Sunday: Monmouth Park
Historians from Emerging Revolutionary War guide us through Monmouth Park. In the afternoon, we meet for discussions at the Nassau Inn.
Attend an Information Session
Join us for an information session to learn about Graham’s immersive travel program to Princeton and the Revolutionary War battlefields. This session will introduce you to a unique opportunity to explore pivotal moments in early American history through expert-led site visits and shared inquiry with fellow Graham learners.
Leaders and Guides
Tour Leaders:
Battlefield guides:
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the 1777–1778 Campaigns Battlefield Tour travel study experience from the Graham School.
Is there an application to participate in The Wars of America: The Revolutionary War?
Yes. Everyone is welcome to apply, applications are filled on a first come, first served basis.
What are the prerequisites to participate in The Wars of America: The Revolutionary War?
This trip is open to all; there are no prerequisites.
What are the room accommodations?
We will have both single rooms and double rooms available for students at the centrally located Nassau Inn located in Princeton, NJ.
What is the cost of this tour?
The tour is $2,495 per person and includes accommodations at the Nassau Inn, Princeton. If you live in the area and would like to join us without staying at the hotel, please contact Matt Welton at mwelton@uchicago.edu.
If I live in the area, am I still required to stay at the hotel?
If you live in the area and would like to join us each day without staying at the Nassau Inn in Princeton, NJ, please contact Matt Welton at mwelton@uchicago.edu.
Is there required advanced reading?
Our tour instructor, Fred Beuttler, may have suggested readings that will be made available prior to departure.
Will we have discussion sessions during the trip?
Yes. Tour instructor, Fred Beuttler will lead discussions in Princeton. In addition, we will host an online discussion session with Fred and Garry Adelman prior to the tour’s departure.
Is there a class that goes with this tour?
Yes. Fred Beuttler will offer the online course The Wars of America: The Revolution, 1775-1783 in the spring quarter. This course will focus on the Revolutionary War as a continuation of policy and will consider the broader political framework, looking at military affairs in the struggle for independence. Participation in this course is not mandatory, but enrolling will strengthen your appreciation for the sites we will visit.
What is the cancellation policy?
All cancelations and requests for refunds must be submitted in writing. All cancelations will be subject to a $600 per person fee. Cancellations received between April 30 and May 31, 2026, will result in a forfeiture of 60% of the total program cost per person. No refunds will be given for cancellations received after June 1, 2026.
If the Graham School cancels this trip, you will receive a full refund.
Tour Partners
The American Battlefield Trust is an organization dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected more than 60,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War across 160 sites in 25 states. Learn more at www.battlefields.org.
Emerging Revolutionary War is a public history platform for sharing original scholarship related to the American Revolutionary War Era. Their blog and website offer new historical research, memory studies, travelogues, personal narratives, essays, and book reviews. They strive to introduce new historians of the American Revolution to a broad public audience in a fun and engaging way. They host biweekly chats with guest historians on a variety of topics and have a series of books about the Revolutionary War published through Savas Beatie Publishers. These books offer a brief, readable, and illustrated narrative of significant Revolutionary War military campaigns with self-guided tours of the battlefields. They regularly give tours of Revolutionary War battlefields across the East Coast.
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