BRANDYWINE BATTLEFIELD
Route 1, Chadds Ford, PA
610.459.3342
Calendar of Events
The Brandywine Battlefield visitors center, just off Route 1 at Chadds Ford, is set amidst 50 acres of rolling park and woodlands. Inside are historical exhibits of uniforms, weapons and artifacts found on the battleground. On the park grounds, not far from the center are both Washington's headquarters (the Ring House) and Lafayette's quarters (Gideon Gilpin's farm house). The actual battle took place over a 10 square mile area. The British approached Chadds Ford from Kennett Square, splitting their forces and trapping the American's between them. The battle's final conflict took place near the Birmingham Friends Meeting house.
The Benjamin Ring House
The Ring house, owned by Benjamin Ring, a Quaker farmer and miller, served as Washington's headquarters before the battle. The house was well situated on high ground near Chadds Ford where the British were expected to cross the river. Washington used the house to plan his battle strategy, meeting with his generals on September 9th.
Gideon Gilpin's House, Lafayette's Quarters
The 19 year-old Marquis de LaFayette saw his first military action in America at the Battle of Brandywine, where he was wounded in the leg fighting with Washington near the Birmingham Friends Meeting. Lafayette was quartered in the house of Gideon Gilpin, a Quaker farmer, whose property, along with that of Benjamin Ring, the Dilworthtown Inn and other area residences, was plundered by the British soldiers after the battle. The house looks much as it did in 1777 when Lafayette stayed there, except for the Lafayette Sycamore an amazing 391 year old tree that now dwarfs the structure. You  can take a guide tour of the house and see what life was like in revolutionary times.
Gilpin filed a claim for losses in September 1777 which included 10 milch cows, 1 yoke oxen, 48 sheep, 28 swine, 12 tons of hay, 230 bushels of wheat, 50 lbs. bacon, a history book, and one gun.
Visitor Center
The Battle of Brandywine and the American Revolution are presented in the park's modern Visitor Center. On exhibit are uniforms, rifles, canon and other weapons. An 18 minute film presentation tells the story of the battle in the context of the Philadelphia Campaign of 1777.
Hours of Operation
The grounds and historic houses are open Tuesday - Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday, noon to 5:00 pm. The park and all facilities are closed Mondays. The houses are accessible to groups and individuals by guided tours only. Tours of the houses are offered on a regular basis throughout the day. Tickets are available only at the Visitor Center. Call for tour schedule information and reservations.
The park, historic houses, and Visitor Center may be closed on certain designated holidays during the year. Hours are subject to change. Call for current information.
General Admission
Individuals with disabilities who need special assistance or accommodation to visit Brandywine Battlefield should call (610) 459-3342 to discuss their needs. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired who wish to contact a hearing person via Text Telephone may use the PA Relay Center at (800) 654-5984.
Directions
The battlefield is located on Route 1 in Chadds Ford, on your left as you head north toward Philadelphia and on your right as you head toward Kennet Square and Longwood Gardens.
© 2005 Unica Online All rights reserved.
Contact Us
|
| |
