The Brandywine Valley is a historic-filled area in northern Delaware near Wilmington and southwest of Philadelphia that takes its name from Brandywine Creek that meanders through the countryside. The names - George Washington, Marquis de Lafayette, N.C. Wyeth, Andrew Wyeth, Pierre Samuel du Pont, Éleuthère Irénée (E.I.) du Pont and Henry Francis du Pont are just a few of the names associated with the cultural landscape.

The Battle of Brandywine
Its most significant event was the Battle of Brandywine, which occurred on September 11, 1777. In the largest engagement of the war, General George Washington and his troops, outflanked by British General Howe, retreated, as Howe pressed on toward Philadelphia, then the capitol. A victory would certainly have changed the course of history and made this destination even more popular than it is already.

Today this American Revolution site showcases the former home of Quaker Benjamin Ring that served as the temporary headquarters of Washington. Also find the nearby command center of the Marquis de LaFayette, a French volunteer, who occupied the farmhouse of another Quaker, Gideon Gilpin. Tours of the homes are offered for a nominal fee.

Make sure to stop at the site’s visitor center to view exhibits, as well as a video presentation. Special events commemorate George Washington’s February birthday and re-enact this historic battle.

The Du Ponts and Gun Powder
But it is the Du Pont family that overshadows Washington and Lafayette. In 1800 Pierre Samuel du Pont arrived in America with his family - his wife and two grown sons, Éleuthère Irénée (E.I.) and Victor Marie and their wives and children - on the vessel American Eagle in the hopes of bringing to fruition several ventures. E.I. was the most successful, as he created an empire producing the finest gunpowder in America on the banks of the Brandywine River. That business has evolved into the international Du Pont Company.

The best place to gain an understanding of all things Du Pont is at the powder mill site, known as the Hagley Museum for the former landowners. At the visitor center learn how gunpowder was made here starting in 1802. Then walk through the powder yard with its three-sided stone buildings that open to the river and housed the roll mills. Get a sense of what was involved in the various stages of production by watching demonstrations take place in the millwright and machine shops or at the steam engine house.

Discover the world outside the “gate” where the workers and foreman lived. Tour the Sunday school where children were taught the one day a week when they were not performing minor tasks necessary to powder production. Lunch is available across the road in the former home of the company accountant. The Belin House with its wood plank floors provides a cool place to relax on a warm summer day and enjoy a light meal.