Brandywine Battlefield Park
The quiet park is near the site of the Battle of Brandywine, where British general William Howe and his troops defeated George Washington on September 11, 1777, after which the Continental Army fled to Chester, leaving Philadelphia vulnerable to British troops. The battle covered 10 square miles and played an important role in the larger war. The small visitor center has a film and displays about the battle that are a good introduction to the area's history. On the site are two restored Quaker farmhouses, one of which once sheltered Washington and General Lafayette; several guided tours of these are offered daily when the park is open. The 50-acre park is a fine place for a picnic. Ask for info about driving to see key battlefield sights like the Birmingham Friends Meeting house, where soldiers lie in a common grave, and Birmingham Hill.
