Battle of Brandywine

The Battle of Brandywine took place on September 11, 1777, in the area surrounding Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania and the Brandywine River. In late July of 1777, British General Howe arrived at the northern end of the Chesapeake Bay near Elkton, about 50 miles southwest of Philadelphia, with an armada of 260 ships carrying 17,000 British troops. General George Washington had 20,000 troops stationed between between Head of Elk and Philadelphia. Washington chose some high ground near Chadds Ford to defend against the British from crossing the Brandywine River on the road to Philadelphia.

Instead of attacking head on, Howe sent 5,000 men to meet Washington's troops at Chadds Ford, with the remainder marching north to Trimble's Ford, across the West Branch of the Brandywine, then east to Jefferis Ford across the East Branch, and then marched south to flank the American forces. On the morning of September 11, 1777, Washington believed the main attack was coming at Chads Ford. Not until later that afternoon did Washington discover the British troops coming from their right. Washington moved some of his troops to reinforce his right side. This weakened his original lines at Chads Ford.

At 4:00 pm the British attacked. They broke through the American lines and forced Washington and his troops to retreat. The British troops chased the Continental Army until dark, at which time the pursuit was stopped. The Continental Army continued their retreat until reaching Chester, Pennsylvania at about midnight.

Check out these videos to learn more about the Battle of Brandywine.

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