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Brandywine Battlefield, on Route 1 south of Philadelphia, was the site of the largest engagement of the Revolutionary War. It was here, although they were soundly defeated, that the American troops were impressive enough in the field to help dissuade the British from pressing an attack which might destroy the army and allow the Continentals to regroup at Valley Forge.
With the British assault on Philadelphia underway in late summer of 1777 Washington departed Wilmington, Delaware and prepared his defensive stand along the meandering Brandywine River, backed by strategic hills. On the morning of September 9th the Colonial leader placed his troops in front of the main fords of the river on the road to Philadelphia. But unfortunately his men had not made a complete topographical survey of the area. The British and General Howe had.
On September 11th Howe sent a diversionary force under Lt. General Wilhelm Baron von Knyphausen into the expected attack point across the river in Chadds Ford while his main force and that of Major General Charles Lord Cornwallis forded the river some twelve miles up-river and began to march on the American's right flank. Washington had no knowledge the ford even existed.
British cannons opened fire at 4:00 p.m. Outmaneuvered and confused the Americans were unable to successfully defend their position. Washington was able to rally his troops until nightfall when he was able to retreat with most of his army intact. British Captain John Andre wrote in his journal, 'Night and the fatigue the soldiers had undergone prevented any pursuit.'
Washington's shattered army lost 11 guns and 300 men were killed. Twice that number were wounded including a young 19-year old Frenchman who had landed in America only three months before the Battle of the Brandywine to volunteer his services. The wealthy nobleman, the Marquis de Lafayette, was immediately given the rank of Major General despite his complete lack of military experience. He impressed Washington, however, and distinguished himself in his first military action before being struck in the leg. Lafayette would prove instrumental in securing the French-American alliance which was to sustain the Revolutionaries.
The action at Brandywine Battlefield spread over ten square miles although the state park today encompasses but 50 acres. A driving tour of the area, described by a British officer as 'a hell of a fine country' is available, although there are few interpretive signs and memorials. The scenic drive does, however, wend through much unspoiled countryside, the same terrain that thwarted both armies over 200 years ago. Many structures standing today were standing during the battle, including the Barns-Brinton House, the Brinton 1704 House, Brinton's Mill, Birmingham Meeting, Old Kennett Meeting, Dilworthtown Inn, the John Chads House, and Strode's Mill.
In the Brandywine Battlefield is a small museum that features artifacts from the battle and recreates the events of the day. In preparation for the battle, General Washington set up temporary quarters in the farmhouse of Benjamin Ring, a Quaker farmer and miller. The stone house has been reconstructed and looks much as it did when Ring was one of the most prominent businessmen in the township. On the eve of the Battle of Brandywine, the Marquis de Lafayette was housed in the neighboring farm of Gideon Gilpin. Today the house, also at the Brandywine Battlefield, looks much as it did in 1777.
'Revolutionary Times at Brandywine' has become the major event of the year at the Park There is a day-long battle and demonstrations of life during the Revolution. The date is on the Sunday closest to the September anniversary of the Battle of the Brandywine.
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