
What weapons were used in the Battle of Brandywine?
What weapons were used in the Battle of Brandywine? Both sides were armed with muskets. The British and German infantry carried bayonets, which were in short supply among the American troops. The Highland Scots troops carried broadswords. Many men in the Pennsylvania regiments carried rifled weapons, as did other backwoodsmen. How long did the Battle of Brandywine last? 11 hours
How many people died in the Battle of Brandywine?
The one-day battle at Brandywine cost the Americans more than 1,100 men killed or captured while the British lost approximately 600 men killed or injured.
Why did the Brandywine Battle start?
Why did the Brandywine Battle happen? On September 11, 1777, General George Washington was determined to prevent the British from capturing the American seat of government, Philadelphia. Taking up positions along Brandywine Creek, Washington mistakenly believed that his army blocked all fords across the Brandywine.
What was the outcome of Brandywine Battle?
This battle was a segment of the American Revolutionary War. The timespan of the American Revolutionary War was from April 19, 1775, to September 3, 1783, and the Battle of Brandywine was fought on September 11, 1777. A lot happened during this battle, but ultimately the British army defeated the continental army of General Washington.

When and where was the Battle of Brandywine?
The Battle of Brandywine, fought just outside of Philadelphia on September 11, 1777, resulted in an overarching British victory and the conquest of the rebel seat of government.
Was the Battle of Brandywine Creek real?
On September 11, 1777, General Sir William Howe and General Charles Cornwallis launch a full-scale British attack on General George Washington and the Patriot outpost at Brandywine Creek near Chadds Ford, in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, on the road linking Baltimore and Philadelphia.
When was the Battle of Brandywine?
September 11, 1777Battle of Brandywine / Start date
Who fought at the Battle of Brandywine?
Battle of Brandywine, (September 11, 1777), in the American Revolution, engagement near Philadelphia in which the British defeated the Americans but left the Revolutionary army intact.
Why is it called Brandywine?
The creek's current name may be from an old Dutch word for brandy or gin, brandewijn, or from the name of an early mill owner, Andreas Brainwende or Brantwyn. (Vote here!)
What is Brandywine known for?
The Battle of Brandywine, also known as the Battle of Brandywine Creek, was fought between the American Continental Army of General George Washington and the British Army of General Sir William Howe on September 11, 1777, as part of the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783).
Why did the Brandywine Battle happen?
On September 11, 1777, General George Washington was determined to prevent the British from capturing the American seat of government, Philadelphia. Taking up positions along Brandywine Creek, Washington mistakenly believed that his army blocked all fords across the Brandywine.
How many troops fought at Brandywine?
The Battle of Brandywine was the largest single day engagement of the American Revolution where nearly 30,000 soldiers (not including civilians, teamsters, servants, and other members of the army) squared off on a ten square mile area of roughly 35,000 acres.
What major city did the British overtake in 1777?
September 26, 1777: The Result: The British Take Philadelphia. Although the American army was forced to retreat after the Battle of Brandywine, the defeat did not demoralize the men.
Who died in the Battle of Brandywine?
Some reports have the Queens Rangers losing 290 out of 480 men, while Ferguson's Riflemen suffered 46 casualties out of 80. The 2nd Light Infantry and 2nd British Guards who were involved in some of the fiercest fighting at Brandywine (including hand-to-hand combat) are listed as having lost 612 of 1,740 troops.
When did the Battle of Brandywine end?
September 11, 1777Battle of Brandywine / End date
What county is Brandywine Battlefield?
The Battle of the Brandywine was a critical military encounter of the American Revolution. Lands within and leading to this battle, spanning both Chester and Delaware counties, are considered a significant historic landscape by Landscapes3.
Was the Battle of Alamance real?
Tryon Takes on the Regulators at Alamance. On May 16, 1771, the Battle of Alamance was fought. The two opposing forces were colonial militia, under the command of Governor William Tryon, and a band of frontier citizens known as Regulators, who raised arms against corrupt practices in local government.
Why was the Battle of Brandywine so important?
The Battle of Brandywine was important because it helped pave the way for the British to capture Philadelphia where the Continental Congress held its meetings. The members of Congress were forced to leave the city and relocate to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and then to York, Pennsylvania.
How many Americans died in the Battle of Brandywine?
American Casualties Major General Greene estimated American losses at 1,200 men. He also reported the loss of 10 irreplaceable cannon and a Howitzer. A Hessian officer listed the American casualty and captured rate at 1,300.
What happened to Lafayette at the Battle of Brandywine?
Lafayette experienced his first action at the Battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777, where he showed extreme courage under fire in leading an orderly retreat. The Frenchman was shot through the calf during the battle. After he recovered, Lafayette was given command of a division of troops.
What was George Washington's goal in 1777?
On September 11, 1777, General George Washington was determined to prevent the British from capturing the American seat of government, Philadelphia. Taking up positions along Brandywine Creek, Washington mistakenly believed that his army blocked all fords across the Brandywine. Opposing Washington was Sir William Howe and an army ...
Why did Washington order Nathanael Greene's division to act as a rear guard?
To prevent the defeat turning into disaster Washington ordered Nathanael Greene’s division to act as a rear-guard so that the Continental Army could escape to the northeast. Greene’s brave men counterattacked, going toe-to-toe with British along the crest of Birmingham Hill.
Who was the British general who fought against Washington?
Hidden by heavy fog, the British moved into position. General Wilhelm von Kynphausen was ordered to demonstrate against the Americans’ front at Chadds Ford, while the bulk of Howe’s forces crossed the Brandywine further upstream.
What year was the Battle of Brandywine?
Prelude to Battle. In order to understand how the Battle of Brandywine came to be and existed in the grand scheme of the American Revolution, one must look at 1777 in its entirety. The year 1777, deemed “The Year of the Hangman” by historian John S. Pancake, was a decisive year of the American Revolution that had a indispensable impact on ...
How did John Burgoyne move?
John Burgoyne moved from Montreal into New York with his army, a massive baggage train, and permission to hire Native Americans as a support system. His expedition moved quickly at first. He captured Fort Ticonderoga from the Americans with ease, but upon moving father south and reaching the extreme density of the Hudson River Valley, his expeditionary force was quickly brought to a snail’s pace. Pressing on, took him nearly a month to move thirty miles because of the dense forests, lack of provisions and unsuccessful foraging parties, and obstacles put in place by a northern Continental army under Philip Schuyler. On August 9, 1777, after countless notes sent the Howe, he finally got Howe’s message that the commander in chief was not coming to his aid to reinforce his plans with the massive army, but instead was sailing to launch his plan of taking Philadelphia. Burgoyne was forced to press on without the necessary reinforcements and a logistical nightmare began to ensue.
What was the result of Burgoyne's show of force?
To Burgoyne, the result of such an impressive show of force would be that everything that followed would simply fall back into place. To Germain, this was music to his ears. Ultimately, Germain would approve the plan on the condition that Burgoyne communicated and coordinated this with William Howe in New York.
What happened in 1777?
As both armies fell into position, a large storm swept through the area and caused a torrential downpour of rain and wind. This occurrence, known today as the Battle of the Clouds, did not result in an actual fight and both armies retired from the field. Anthony Wayne and a detachment of the Pennsylvania regulars were surprised in a night time attack at Paoli on the evening of September 19, which is known as the Paoli Massacre. On September 26, General Cornwallis marched with a large British force, unopposed, into the colonial capitol of Philadelphia where they would remain until the spring. With the larger British force in Philadelphia, Howe set up a line of defensive positions that stretched north to the small town of Germantown, PA. Washington attempted one last assault on the British to capture Howe’s forces at Germantown and work his way down to capture Philadelphia. Not many people realize that the British, even having captured Philadelphia, were still suffering in terms of logistics. Although the army had made it’s way into the city, the Americans still held the Delaware River, which prevented any supplies or British shipping from accessing the port of the city to resupply the desperate Crown forces. The British navy battled their way up the river, dodging obstacles and bombarding Forts Mercer and Mifflin on either side of the river and engaging with small parties of Continental forces. After a long-fought bombardment, the two forts finally fell, and supplies were able to access the city. Washington, having no alternative, fled west to Whitemarsh and eventually on to his winter encampment at Valley Forge. The British had captured Philadelphia, but at a major cost.
Where did the British army meet?
The British army, moving into Chester County, Pennsylvania in two columns, came together and met in the small village of Kennett Square on September 10. Once at Kennett Square, they set up in two lines on the eastern and northern part of the village. At that point the two large armies were within five miles of each other. General Howe, with the assistance of local guides and the local population had the advantage before the engagement even started. He was given information that Washington had covered several fords, or crossing points, along the Brandywine River, but failed to guard to northern fords; Trimble’s and Jefferis’ Fords. Howe devised his plan quickly and on the morning of September 11, 1777, he launched his assault on Washington leaving Kennett Square in two columns; one to the east and one to the north in order to complete a pincer movement and surround Washington’s army. The northern column, led by Cornwallis and accompanied by Howe, was comprised of the battle-hardened veteran soldiers of his forces and would consist of most of his army of roughly 10,000 troops. While they made a strenuous outflanking march to get maneuver around Washington’s right side at the two unguarded fords, General Knyphausen and a column of nearly 8,000 provincial and regular soldiers, artillery, and the army’s baggage would attack directly at Washington’s forces along the Brandywine in order to distract the American general and put up a ruse to dupe him into thinking he had the entire British army in front of him. Knyphausen was not to cross the river from the west until he heard Howe’s guns from the north. When that took place, a two-pronged attack would trap Washington in a pincer movement. The stage was set for the Battle of Brandywine. Below is a timeline of events that encompassed the day’s fighting.
How long did it take the British to push the British to the west bank of the Brandywine?
Eventually, after nearly two-three hours of harassment, the British were able to push their way to the west bank of the Brandywine and force Maxwell’s men to the eastern side with the rest of the American forces and deploy their men accordingly in order to distract Washington.
How many soldiers were in the Battle of Brandywine?
The Battle of Brandywine. The Battle of Brandywine was the largest single day engagement of the American Revolution where nearly 30,000 soldiers (not including civilians, teamsters, servants, and other members of the army) squared off on a ten square mile area of roughly 35,000 acres. Today’s battlefield landscape encompasses nearly fifteen ...
How many troops did George Washington have in the Battle of Philadelphia?
Confident of success, Howe hoped to draw Washington into a decisive battle. Embarking from New York City in July 1777, Howe’s army of about 16,000 troops met General George Washington’s Continental Army of about 15,000 in the vicinity of Chadds Ford, on Brandywine Creek in southeastern Pennsylvania, about 25 miles (40 km) southwest of Philadelphia.
What time did Washington divert troops to face Howe?
Washington at first disregarded a scout’s report about a pending flanking action by British troops heading south, but by 2:00 p.m. Howe’s advance was confirmed, leading Washington diverted all but one division to face Howe. But the countermeasure was too little, too late.
What was the American Revolution?
American Revolution, (1775–83), insurrection by which 13 of Great Britain’s North American colonies won political independence and went on to form the United States of America. The war followed more than a decade of growing estrangement between the British…
What was the name of the battle that the British defeated the Americans in?
Battle of Brandywine, (September 11, 1777), in the American Revolution, engagement near Philadelphia in which the British defeated the Americans but left the Revolutionary army intact.
Did the British destroy Washington's army?
In the end, the British troops occupied the battlefield, but they had not destroyed Washington’s army nor cut it off from the capital at Philadelphia. Over the next two weeks the American Continental Congress had time to evacuate the capital and remove important papers and military supplies before the British finally occupied the city unopposed on September 26. Losing the capital was a major blow to the Americans, foreshadowing the difficult winter to come for Washington at Valley Forge, but the Continental Army and the revolution had survived.
What was the battle of Brandywine Creek?
The Brandywine Creek and its surrounding countryside, consisting of thick forests, rolling hills, and treacherous ravines, made a formidable obstacle for the British advance on Philadelphia. However, the rebel defense was greatly hampered by the large number of loyalists and Quakers in the area, leaving the rebels with few local allies to provide scouting and reconnaissance. Howe utilized the help of Joseph Galloway a staunch loyalist and lifelong resident of Chester County, Pennsylvania, to provide crucial intelligence for the British. Meanwhile, Washington had deployed his most capable scouts, the riflemen under the command of Daniel Morgan, to reinforce the Saratoga Campaign and was left with an ineffective cavalry corps that proved almost useless in its advance scouting. This disparity in effective intelligence between the two sides would prove to be the decisive factor on the battlefield.
How many men were in the army at Chadds Ford?
In total, Washington’s Army was roughly equal to Howe’s, comprising approximately 16,000 men.
What was the significance of the Battle of Brandywine?
The Battle of Brandywine, fought just outside of Philadelphia on September 11, 1777, resulted in an overarching British victory and the conquest of the rebel seat of government. However, the victory provided few strategic gains for the British and the valiant effort of the Continental Army proved ...
Where did George Washington defend his army?
Using the best intelligence at his disposal, Washington organized his army’s defense around Chadds Ford, the primary crossing of the Brandywine on the route to Philadelphia. Establishing his defense on the creek’s eastern bank, Washington first deployed his two brigades of Pennsylvania militia to guard his left flank and the minor crossing at Pyle’s Ford to the immediate south of Chadds. Utilizing the rugged terrain to his advantage, Washington firmly anchored his left flank. Anticipating the heart of the British attack to focus on his center and the crossing at Chadds Ford, Washington deployed his most experienced units at the center: one division under the command of Major General Nathanael Greene, with the bulk of the army’s artillery; and another under the command of Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, with the army’s reserves. Washington’s center was firmly secured.
What was the famous battle of Howe's flank?
Maps such as this one were popular in the late eighteenth century among military enthusiasts. - Battle of Brandywine, 11th Septr. 1777, in which the rebels were defeated by the army under the command of General Sir William Howe, c. 1778. Courtesy Library of Congress [G3824.C387S3 1777 .B3]
Where did William Howe and his army of British regulars and Hessian mercenaries travel?
In August 1777 General William Howe and his army of British regulars and Hessian mercenaries departed northern New Jersey, traveling towards Philadelphia by sea. Howe’s choice to travel by sea confused his men and confounded his adversary, General George Washington, who was unsure of the British destination. Although they endured a miserable three-week journey down the Atlantic seaboard, Howe’s force of 16,000 British regulars landed at Head of Elk, Maryland on August 25, 1777.
How many people died in the Battle of Brandywine?
By the close of the battle, the British suffered some 583 killed and wounded, while the rebels counted about 200 dead, 500-600 wounded, and 400 captured. Brandywine resulted in a clear British victory, but that victory provided little in concrete gains.
What was General Howe's intention in the Battle of Brandywine?
General Howe's intention was to sail via the Delaware Bay to the Delaware River, threatening Philadelphia and preventing Washington from reinforcing Major-General Horatio Gates's northern army against Burgoyne.
How many men did Washington have on his armada?
Washington's stubborn refusal to risk a major engagement forced the British commander to find another means of forcing battle, and on July 8 he began embarking his 16,500 men on board his brother Admiral Richard Howe's armada at Sandy Hook, N.J. Washington and the Battle of Brandywine from Mount Vernon on Vimeo.
What was the significance of the Battle of Brandywine?
The Battle of the Brandywine on September 11, 1777, marked the apparent end of a long period of frustration for the British in North America. For Lieutenant-General Sir William Howe, commander of the British forces in North America, it was the first chance he had to come fully to grips with General George Washington's army since ...
How many Americans died in the Battle of Birmingham Hill?
The American losses have never been conclusively ascertained, but are estimated at 1,100, including 200 killed, 500 wounded and 400 captured. The battle had clearly been an American defeat, and was to lead to the loss of Philadelphia on September 26. Had the attack on Birmingham Hill begun earlier, the defeat may have turned into a rout. Howe could thank fortune, his superior intelligence gathering and the efficacy of the British bayonet for his victory. The Americans, for their part, were beaten but not broken; they knew very well that in general they had stood up well to the professional British soldiers. It was not without reason that Washington wrote John Hancock from Chester shortly after midnight: "Notwithstanding the misfortune of the day, I am happy to find the troops in good spirits; and I hope another time we shall compensate for the losses now sustained."
What battles did Washington and Howe fight?
in October 1776, and the Battles of Trenton and Princeton, N.J. in December 1776 and January 1777, when Washington inflicted minor but stinging defeats on Howe's forces.
What day did Washington order a redeployment to Chad's Ford?
The American movement commenced on the afternoon of the 9th. Howe, meanwhile, proceeded to Kennett Square, reaching it on September 10.
What was the purpose of the British commander's first expedition to New Jersey?
The British commander spent the first part of the summer campaign of 1777 in New Jersey, trying to lure Washington into the open for another major engagement that would finally wipe out the main American army while Lieutenant-General John Burgoyne's northern expedition severed New England from the rest of the colonies. Washington's stubborn refusal to risk a major engagement forced the British commander to find another means of forcing battle, and on July 8 he began embarking his 16,500 men on board his brother Admiral Richard Howe's armada at Sandy Hook, N.J.
How many British troops were in Cornwallis?
Howe and Cornwallis spilt their 18,000 British troops into two separate divisions, with Howe leading an attack from the front and Cornwallis circling around and attacking from the right flank. The morning had provided the British troops with cover from a dense fog, so Washington was unaware the British had split into two divisions and was caught off guard by the oncoming British attack.
Where did the British attack Washington?
On September 11, 1777, General Sir William Howe and General Charles Cornwallis launch a full-scale British attack on General George Washington and the Patriot outpost at Brandywine Creek near Chadds Ford, in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, on the road linking Baltimore and Philadelphia.
What was the Christiana riot?
In Christiana, Pennsylvania, a group of African Americans and white abolitionists skirmish with a Maryland posse intent on capturing four fugitive enslaved people hidden in the town . The violence came one year after the second fugitive slave law was passed by Congress, requiring ...read more.
How many men died in the Battle of Brandywine?
The one-day battle at Brandywine cost the Americans more than 1,100 men killed or captured while the British lost approximately 600 men killed or injured. To make matters worse, the Patriots were also forced to abandon most of their cannon to the British victors after their artillery horses fell in battle.
Why did Hitler send troops to Romania?
On September 11, 1940, Adolf Hitler sends German army and air force reinforcements to Romania to protect precious oil reserves and to prepare an Eastern European base of operations for further assaults against the Soviet Union.
What happened to the 767?
At approximately 8:45 a.m. on a clear Tuesday morning, an American Airlines Boeing 767 loaded with 20,000 gallons of jet fuel crashes into the north to wer of the World Trade Center in New York City. The impact left a gaping, burning hole near the 80th floor of the 110-story ...read more
Where did the British take control of Philadelphia?
Congress, which had been meeting in Philadelphia, fled first to Lancaster, then to York, Pennsylvania, and the British took control of the city without Patriot opposition.
What was the first warship to have an elliptical stern?
Brandywine is notable as the final evolution of the 44-gun frigate design that began by USS Constitution and her sisters a quarter-century earlier; while ships such as Raritan were launched in the 1840s and differed in details, their basic design was identical to Brandywine. Brandywine was also the very first warship ever built with an innovative elliptical stern which reduced the chronic vulnerability of the traditional square stern ship to enemy fire and allowed her to carry stern-mounted guns.
Why was the Susquehanna named Brandywine?
Adams selected Susquehanna for this honor, and accordingly—as a gesture of the nation's affection for Lafayette—the frigate was renamed Brandywine to commemorate the Battle of Brandywine, in which Lafayette was wounded fighting with American forces.
What was the purpose of the USS Brandywine?
USS Brandywine (formerly named Susquehanna) was a wooden-hulled, three-masted frigate of the United States Navy bearing 44 guns which had the initial task of conveying the Marquis de Lafayette back to Franc e. She was later recommissioned a number of times for service in various theaters, such as in the Mediterranean, ...
What was the name of the ship that was sailed around Cape Horn in 1826?
After passing the rest of spring and much of the summer in repairs and outfitting for duty in the Pacific Ocean, Brandywine departed New York City on September 3, 1826 as the flagship of Commodore Jacob Jones who was sailing around Cape Horn for the Pacific coast of South America to take over command of the American squadron in the region from Commodore Isaac Hull and his flagship, USS United States. She also carried a relief crew for the schooner Dolphin that had been slated to remain on the Pacific Station .
Where did Porpoise sail?
Following an 11-day passage, the trio reached Port Mahon, Minorca; and Brandywine spent the next three months refitting. In February 1826, Porpoise arrived in Port Mahon with orders recalling Brandywine to the U.S., and the frigate set sail for home late in the month.
Why did Brandywine leave Le Havre?
Brandywine left Le Havre that same day to join the United States' Mediterranean Squadron. En route, she stopped at Cowes on the Isle of Wight in England to re-caulk seams that had opened rather badly during the Atlantic crossing.
What did Hull order his ships to do?
Upon receiving this warning, Hull ordered his ships to get underway and head for Gibraltar. Not knowing what faced them when they reached the strait, Brandywine and her consorts were prepared for the worst. Steady pilots manned the helms on both sides, and peace persisted unbroken when the warship passed the strait and entered the Atlantic Ocean.
