PA Historic Places

Exploring Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County

A collage of four photos from Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania, showcases the historical significance of the site. The top left image features a historical marker detailing the Battle of the Brandywine, which occurred on September 11, 1777, where American forces attempted to halt the British advance. The top right image shows a cannon positioned in a field, representing the battlefield. The bottom left image depicts Washington's Headquarters, a stone house with a commemorative plaque. The bottom right image displays a museum exhibit with American military equipment, including firearms and a mannequin dressed in period attire. These images collectively highlight key aspects of the largest and longest single-day land battle of the American Revolution.

If you’re looking for information about visiting Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, you’re in the right place!

A historic cannon is displayed on a paved area under a tree at Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania. The cannon is positioned near the visitor center, visible in the background along with a parking area and other park amenities. The scene is set on a sunny day with a bright blue sky and scattered white clouds, highlighting the lush green grass and foliage. This setting underscores the park's historical significance as the site of the largest and longest single-day land battle of the American Revolution.

Brandywine Battlefield Park preserves and interprets the story of the Battle of Brandywine, the largest and longest single day land battle of the American Revolution.

A detailed map at Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania, depicting the troop movements and key locations of the Battle of the Brandywine. The map shows the positions of American and British forces, marked in blue and red respectively, with various fords, roads, and strategic points such as Kennett Meeting House, Sandy Hollow, and Washington's headquarters clearly labeled. This map illustrates the largest and longest single-day land battle of the American Revolution.

On September 11, 1777, the Battle of Brandywine took place, resulting in a significant British triumph that paved the way for their occupation of Philadelphia, the revolutionary capital, two weeks later.

An exhibit at Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania, showcases British military equipment from the American Revolution. The display includes a life-sized mannequin dressed in a red British soldier's uniform, complete with a tall bearskin hat. Adjacent to the mannequin is a glass case containing various weapons, such as muskets, rifles, a sword, and a hatchet. The case also includes an open book and a military helmet. The exhibit is well-lit and designed to provide visitors with an immersive look into the equipment used by British forces during the Battle of the Brandywine, the largest and longest single-day land battle of the American Revolution.

The park is home to a visitors center and museum, as well as several historic buildings.

The Brandywine Battlefield Park Visitors Center in Chester County, Pennsylvania, is depicted on a sunny day with a bright blue sky and scattered white clouds. The center is a stone building with a sloped roof, surrounded by lush greenery and trees. In the foreground, a wooden sign supported by stone pillars reads "Brandywine Battlefield Park Visitors Center," marking the entrance to the historic site where the largest and longest single-day land battle of the American Revolution took place.

This 52-acre park is located on land that served as General George Washington’s Continental Army headquarters during the battle, part of the much larger 10 square mile battlefield.

A blue directional sign at Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania, provides guidance to visitors. The sign indicates the direction to Washington's Headquarters with an arrow pointing left and the Gilpin House with an arrow pointing right. The sign is set against a backdrop of green foliage and trees under a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds. The well-maintained grassy area surrounding the sign highlights the park's natural beauty and historical significance, commemorating the largest and longest single-day land battle of the American Revolution.

A pair of nearby parks preserve portions of the actual battlefield, and you can explore these on a self-guided driving tour known as the Brandywine Battlefield Trail.

Entrance sign for Birmingham Hill at Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania, marking the start of the Brandywine Battlefield Trail. The sign stands beside a gravel path, with a wooden split-rail fence running alongside it. The lush green grass and trees frame the pathway under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Directions | Hours | Admission Fees

The Brandywine Battlefield Park Visitor Center is located at 1491 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317.

The Visitors Center, museum, and historic homes at the park are open Friday & Saturday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.

A display at Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania, featuring American military equipment from the Revolutionary War. The exhibit includes rifles, swords, and other artifacts used by American soldiers. To the right of the display case, a mannequin dressed in period military attire, complete with a wide-brimmed hat and a long coat, stands to illustrate the uniform worn during the battle. The scene provides a glimpse into the military history and equipment used during the Battle of the Brandywine, the largest and longest single-day land battle of the American Revolution.

The admission fee gets you access to an 18 minute orientation film, museum admission, and guided tours of the Benjamin Ring House (Washington’s HQ) and the Gideon Gilpin House.

Visitors at Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania, watch a video presentation about the Battle of the Brandywine. The screen displays a reenactment scene of soldiers firing muskets, with smoke and vivid colors bringing the historical event to life. The room is dimly lit to enhance the viewing experience, and visitors are seated in chairs, attentively engaged with the educational content. The video provides a dynamic depiction of the largest and longest single-day land battle of the American Revolution, offering an immersive learning opportunity.

If you just want to walk the grounds, you can do that for free, but I can tell you from personal experience the film, museum, and guided house tours are well worth the price.

An interior view of the dining room at Washington's Headquarters in Brandywine Battlefield Park, Chester County, Pennsylvania, features a wooden dining table set with plates, silverware, and a brass tea kettle. The room has wooden floors, paneled walls painted in a muted gray, and large windows allowing natural light to flood the space. A side table with a bowl of fruit is positioned near the door, and a small fireplace is set into the wall. The room is furnished with period-appropriate chairs, emphasizing the colonial-era ambiance. This setting reflects the historical context of the Battle of the Brandywine, the largest and longest single-day land battle of the American Revolution.

What You’ll See at the Brandywine Battlefield Park

Like any good museum, you enter and exit the Brandywine Battlefield Museum through the gift shop.

A display in the bookstore at Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania, features a selection of books about the Battle of the Brandywine and the American Revolution. Prominent titles include "Lafayette at Brandywine," "Brandywine," and "The Battle of Brandywine: A Who's Who of the American Revolution." The wooden shelves are neatly arranged with various books, pamphlets, and small baskets containing souvenirs. The background shows additional shelves filled with historical books and memorabilia. This setting highlights the educational resources available to visitors interested in learning more about the largest and longest single-day land battle of the American Revolution.

In the museum itself, you find replicas of British and Continental uniforms and weapons, as well as actual artifacts recovered from the battlefield.

An interior view of the museum at the Brandywine Battlefield Park Visitor Center in Chester County, Pennsylvania, showcases historical artifacts from the American Revolution. The display features several bronze cannons mounted on wooden stands, accompanied by informational panels and diagrams detailing their use. In the background, a display case labeled "British Military Equipment" exhibits various weapons and tools. The room is well-lit with track lighting, and the walls and displays are painted in neutral tones, creating an educational and immersive experience for visitors. Chairs are positioned nearby for seating.

A number of dioramas and infographics help you understand the significant events that occurred during the battle.

Diorama at Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania, depicting soldiers manning a cannon behind makeshift fortifications made of logs and branches. The scene portrays a moment from the Battle of the Brandywine, with three figures dressed in period military attire, operating the artillery piece. The background features a painted landscape of rolling hills and cloudy skies, adding depth to the historical display.

One relatively recent addition to the museum’s artifact collection is a long cheval de frise, basically a long spear used to prevent British ships from sailing up the Delaware River and capturing Philadelphia by sea.

An exhibit at Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania, features historical artifacts and displays. A long wooden beam, identified as a cheval de frise, is mounted on the wall above informational panels and cases. The panels provide context about the Battle of the Brandywine and the defenses of the Delaware River. The exhibit includes maps, documents, and various military items used during the American Revolution. Benches are placed in front of the exhibit for visitors to sit and engage with the historical information. The display highlights the significance of the largest and longest single-day land battle of the American Revolution.

Defenses like these are why the British had to invade Philadelphia from the south and west, spawning the Battle of the Brandywine.

An informational sign at Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania, titled "A Modern Mystery," describes the discovery of an 18th-century artifact called a cheval de frise. The artifact was found after Hurricane Sandy in 2012 brought debris from the bottom of the Delaware River to the surface. Members of the Anchor Yacht Club of Bristol, PA, noticed an iron protrusion on what appeared to be a log caught in their moorings. Upon closer inspection, it was identified as a significant 18th-century artifact. The sign poses the question of how the cheval de frise ended up nearly thirty miles upriver from Philadelphia, noting that no documents indicate its installation at Bristol, and inviting speculation until further evidence is found.

The Benjamin Ring House

The Benjamin Ring House is said to have been used by General George Washington as his headquarters in the days leading up to the battle.

A historic stone house at Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania, is identified as Washington's Headquarters from September 10th and 11th, 1777. In the foreground, a large rock bears a plaque commemorating this fact, presented by the Delaware County Historical Society on September 16th, 1946. The house stands amid a well-maintained grassy area, surrounded by trees, with a bright blue sky and fluffy white clouds overhead, highlighting its historical significance and picturesque setting.

But as my tour guide pointed out, Washington had a habit of NOT commandeering people’s homes for his headquarters, instead using a large tent as his headquarters (the actual tent is on display at the Museum of the American Revolution in nearby Philadelphia).

George Washington's war tent exhibit at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.

So while he may have set up his tent near the Benjamin Ring house, it’s less likely that he actually used the house as his headquarters.

An interior view of a room at Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania, represents Washington's Headquarters. The room features a wooden desk with historical documents and writing tools, set in front of a window that lets in natural light. Draped over the chair is a period military coat, adding to the historical ambiance. The room has wooden floors, a simple fireplace, and paneled walls painted in muted tones, evoking the colonial era during the time of the Battle of the Brandywine, the largest and longest single-day land battle of the American Revolution.

The house you see today is a period-correct replica built in the 1950s, as the original house burned to the ground in the 1930s.

A visitor at Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania, examines the historical kitchen inside Washington's Headquarters. The room features a large fireplace with an iron rack for cooking utensils, a cast iron pot, and a broom on the stone hearth. The kitchen has whitewashed walls and exposed wooden beams, with a small window allowing natural light to illuminate the space. The visitor, dressed in a light blue shirt and dark pants, interacts with the setting, providing a sense of scale and engagement with the historical environment. This room evokes the colonial era during the Battle of the Brandywine, the largest and longest single-day land battle of the American Revolution.

The Gideon Gilpin House

The Gideon Gilpin House at the Brandywine Battlefield Park IS an original home dating back to the time of the battle.

A historic stone house at Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania, known as the Gilpin House, stands prominently under a bright blue sky. The two-story structure features a mix of stone and wood construction, with red trim around the windows and doors. The house has a distinctive wooden shingle roof and two chimneys. A wooden railing painted red accents the front porch area. The surrounding landscape includes lush greenery and trees, emphasizing the historical and serene setting of the site where the Battle of the Brandywine, the largest and longest single-day land battle of the American Revolution, took place.

Gideon Gilpin was a prosperous Quaker farmer, and the home is furnished in period-correct fashion.

An interior view of the historic Gilpin House at Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania, showcases period furnishings. The room features whitewashed walls and wooden beams on the ceiling. A tall grandfather clock stands next to a window with yellow trim, allowing natural light to brighten the space. Below the window is a wooden table with a drop-leaf design. Against the adjacent wall, there is a wooden bench and several chairs with woven seats, arranged neatly. The simplicity and authenticity of the furnishings evoke the colonial era, reflecting the historical context of the Battle of the Brandywine, the largest and longest single-day land battle of the American Revolution.

Victorious British officers occupied and ransacked both homes after the battle.

An interpretive sign at Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania, detailing the aftermath of the Battle of the Brandywine. The sign explains that the Crown Forces occupied the area for five days, causing significant damage to local farmsteads, including those of the Gilpin and Ring families. The sign provides financial figures for the damages, highlighting the substantial economic impact on the local inhabitants. The text mentions that Chester County inhabitants filed for £41,372 in damages, which is equivalent to $1.6 million today, with specific losses for Benjamin Ring and Gideon Gilpin being converted to contemporary values.

Outside the Gilpin house is a towering old sycamore tree.

A large, historic tree stands majestically at Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania. The tree's expansive branches spread wide, creating a canopy of green leaves that filters sunlight. The surrounding area is grassy, and the tree is situated near a road, highlighting its prominence and age. The clear blue sky and lush greenery provide a serene backdrop, emphasizing the tree's significance and the park's historical context.

Known as a “witness tree”, this sycamore was already growing here when the Battle of Brandywine took place, and when the Constitution of the United States was signed 10 years later.

A bronze plaque at Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania, commemorates a significant tree that lived at the time of the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. The plaque, jointly presented by the National Arborist Association and the International Society of Arboriculture in 1987, marks the tree's bicentennial year. The text acknowledges the tree's historical importance, and the plaque features the logos of the presenting organizations. The plaque is situated on a grassy area.

Visiting the Actual Battle of Brandywine Battlefield

If you want to visit sites where the actual fighting during the battle occured, you have a trio of options just minutes away that can be accessed by a self-guided driving tour (refer to the map at the beginning of this article for exact directions).

A historic cannon at Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania, is positioned on a grassy field, facing a dense tree line in the distance. The view from behind the cannon barrel emphasizes its strategic placement during the Battle of the Brandywine. The sky is bright blue with scattered white clouds, highlighting the lush green landscape. This scene evokes the historical context of the largest and longest single-day land battle of the American Revolution, emphasizing the park's role in preserving and interpreting this significant event.

1. Birmingham Hill

Birmingham Hill was the site of the first line of defense of the Continental Army during the Battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777.

Historical marker at Birmingham Hill in Brandywine Battlefield Park, Chester County, Pennsylvania, describing the events of September 11, 1777. The marker details how Crown Forces outflanked American defenses along Brandywine Creek, leading to fierce fighting and poor communication among American divisions. The British exploited the gap, overwhelming American forces and forcing them to retreat. The marker is provided by the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution and its Color Guard. The background shows a grassy field with a split-rail fence and a clear blue sky.

Today is resembles a pristine pasture, but on that day in 1777 it was the scene of fierce fighting.

A panoramic view at Birmingham Hill in Chester County, Pennsylvania, captures a verdant field with a historic building complex in the distance, surrounded by lush greenery and trees. The scene includes a rustic log house and other structures, set against a backdrop of dense forest under a partly cloudy blue sky. The foreground features a well-maintained grassy field, divided by a wooden fence, evoking the area's historical context of the Battle of the Brandywine, the largest and longest single-day land battle of the American Revolution.

A one-mile hiking trail allows you to walk the perimeter of the field.

A scenic view along the Brandywine Hill Trail at Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania. The trail is marked by a rustic wooden fence with a blue and yellow sign indicating "BH Trail" and an arrow pointing forward. The path is shaded by large trees with green leaves, and the trail runs through a grassy field under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. This serene setting provides a peaceful contrast to the historical significance of the park, where the largest and longest single-day land battle of the American Revolution took place.

Infographic panels along the way tell you about the fighting that took place here.

Interpretive sign at Birmingham Hill in Brandywine Battlefield Park, Chester County, Pennsylvania. The sign includes a detailed map and description of the Battle of Brandywine, highlighting troop positions and movements on September 11, 1777. The text explains the strategic importance of the location and provides historical context about the largest and longest single-day land battle of the American Revolution. The sign is situated next to a split-rail fence with grass and greenery in the background.

2. Birmingham Friend’s Meeting House

Located adjacent to Birmingham Hill, this Friends meeting house was used as a hospital for wounded soldiers, initially by the Continentals, and later by the British as they swept Washington’s troops from the field.

Birmingham Friends Meeting House at Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania, a stone building with white shutters and a shingled roof, nestled among lush greenery and shaded by large trees. The building is part of the historic site where the Battle of the Brandywine, the largest single-day battle of the American Revolution, took place.

A plaque outside the meeting house denotes its historic status.

Plaque on the Birmingham Friends Meeting House at Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania. The plaque notes the building was erected in 1763 and used as a hospital after the Battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777. The plaque was erected by the Pennsylvania Historical Commission and the Chester and Delaware County Historical Societies in 1915. The plaque is set against a stone wall, reflecting the building's historical significance.

3. Sandy Hollow

Sandy Hollow was the second American line of defense, after retreating from Birmingham Hill.

A sign marking the entrance to Sandy Hollow at Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania, stands prominently beside a road. The sign, painted in dark blue with gold lettering, reads "Sandy Hollow Brandywine Battlefield Trail" and features a historical flag at the top. The surrounding area is well-manicured, with neatly trimmed bushes, grass, and trees, creating a welcoming and serene atmosphere. In the background, residential homes and power lines are visible, set against a partly cloudy sky, highlighting the park's blend of historical significance and modern-day community.

Sandy Hollow Heritage Park is comprised of 42 acres of preserved open space, much as it was in 1777.

A wide, open field at Sandy Hollow in Chester County, Pennsylvania, represents the historic landscape of the Battle of the Brandywine, the largest and longest single-day land battle of the American Revolution. The field is surrounded by dense, green trees under a partly cloudy blue sky, evoking a sense of the area's natural beauty and historical significance. The grass in the field appears dry and slightly yellowed, contrasting with the vibrant green of the surrounding foliage.

There were substantial casualties suffered by both sides on this field, with many of the dead being buried near where they fell.

An interpretive sign at Sandy Hollow in Brandywine Battlefield Park, Chester County, Pennsylvania, provides detailed information about the Battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777. The sign includes a map showing troop movements and key locations during the battle, highlighting areas such as Birmingham Hill and Osborne Hill. Text on the right side of the sign explains the significance of the battle, noting that it involved 26,000 soldiers and was one of the largest battles of the American Revolution. The sign is mounted on a stand and situated on a grassy area, offering historical insights to visitors.

As with Birmingham Hill, a one-mile walking trail allows you to walk the perimeter of the Sandy Hollow battlefield.

An informational sign at Sandy Hollow Heritage Park, part of Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania, provides historical context and visitor guidelines. The sign details that on September 11, 1777, the Continental Army was positioned here to stop the British advance during the Battle of the Brandywine. It includes rules for the 1.1-mile trail, such as using the trail during daylight, staying on the footpath, and keeping dogs on a leash. The sign also describes the historical significance of the Brandywine flag, used by Captain Robert Wilson's company, and its role in the battle. The background features a clear blue sky and green grass, enhancing the sign's visibility and appeal.

Final Thoughts

Despite being a major defeat for General Washington’s forces, the Battle of Brandywine marked a turning point in the war, strengthening the Continental Army’s determination to continue their struggle for independence.

Historical marker at Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania, commemorating the Battle of the Brandywine on September 11, 1777. The marker details the engagement where an American force of about 11,000 men, commanded by Washington, attempted to halt a British advance into Pennsylvania but were defeated near Chadds Ford by approximately 18,000 British and Hessian troops under Howe. The marker stands along a road with a clear blue sky in the background.

Today, visitors to Brandywine Battlefield Park can immerse themselves in the pivotal history of the largest and longest single-day battle of the American Revolution.

Exhibit at Brandywine Battlefield Park illustrating a "Hot Skirmish" with a diorama depicting soldiers in battle positions behind makeshift barricades, against a backdrop of rolling hills. The display includes a narrative from Colonel Timothy Pickering, describing the events of September 11th, highlighting the cannonade and skirmish that took place during the Battle of Brandywine.

The park offers a unique opportunity to explore historical landmarks, interpretive exhibits, and scenic trails that bring to life the stories of bravery and resilience from this crucial moment in America’s fight for independence.

A scenic view of a vast, green meadow at Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chester County, Pennsylvania, with a rustic wooden fence running along the right side. The sky is bright blue with fluffy white clouds, and a few historical buildings are visible in the distance. This location is significant as the site of the Battle of the Brandywine, the largest and longest single-day land battle of the American Revolution.

For more information, please visit Brandywine Battlefield Park’s OFFICIAL WEBSITE.

Field cannon on display at Sandy Hollow Heritage Park, situated on a grassy field under a partly cloudy sky. This historic artillery piece represents the weaponry used during the Battle of Brandywine, the largest single-day land battle of the American Revolution.

The Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia uses historic artifacts, dioramas, short films, paintings, and other exhibits to tell the story of the Revolutionary War in America.

Exploring the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.

Independence Hall in Philadelphia is the birthplace of the United States!

Exploring Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

The Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were both signed here, and today you can take a guided tour of what is arguably the most important and historic site in the United States.

A Park Ranger explains the historic significance of the Assembly Room at Independence Hall.

The Betsy Ross House is one of Philadelphia’s most popular tourist attractions, said to be the site where Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag in late May, 1776.

Exploring the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia.

Valley Forge National Historical Park near Philadelphia is a tribute to General George Washington and the Continental Army, which spent the winter of 1777-78 here, overcoming adversity of many kinds and emerging as a stronger, more capable fighting force that ultimately defeated the British forces in the Revolutionary War.

Exploring Valley Forge National Historical Park in Montgomery County Pennsylvania.

The Molly Pitcher monument and gravesite in Carlisle offers a poignant glimpse into the life of one of America’s most-celebrated Revolutionary War heroines.

A collage of four photos featuring the Molly Pitcher monument and gravesite in Old Cemetery, Carlisle, PA. The top left image shows the statue of Molly Pitcher standing on a pedestal with an American flag beside it, surrounded by gravestones. The top right image is an illustration of Molly Pitcher operating a cannon during the Battle of Monmouth. The bottom left image shows a raised relief plaque on the monument depicting Molly Pitcher in battle, aiding with the cannon amid fallen soldiers. The bottom right image captures the monument from a different angle, highlighting the statue, the pedestal, and the surrounding cemetery with gravestones and American flags.

Nearby Attractions

Longwood Gardens in Chester County is a horticultural paradise that happens to be one of the most renowned botanical gardens in the world!

A collage of four photos from Longwood Gardens: The top left image shows the Main Fountain Garden with an elegant staircase and manicured hedges. The top right image captures the Italian Water Garden with symmetrical pools and a tall central fountain. The bottom left image features the lush conservatory with hanging plants and vibrant flowers. The bottom right image depicts a colorful flower-lined brick walkway in the Lakes District.

Find even more great spots to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

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