American Revolution Day Trip: Brandywine Valley
The Museum of the American Revolution in historic Philadelphia serves as a portal to the region’s Revolutionary history, sparking interest, providing context, and encouraging further exploration for avid history buffs and casual travelers alike. Begin your journey into America's 18th-century history at the Museum, then explore some of the region's iconic historical sites.
Travel just outside of Philadelphia to visit the Brandywine Valley, where rolling hills and preserved farmlands are dotted with historic houses and Revolutionary era sites. Don't miss Brandywine Battlefield, the site of the Battle of Brandywine that took place on Sept. 11, 1777. The largest single-day land battle of the Revolutionary War, General William Howe's British troops fought to a crucial victory over General George Washington's Continental Army en route to occupying the city of Philadelphia, then the Revolutionary capital, later that fall.
Distance from the Museum: 30 miles (about 1 hour)
Revolutionary Sites & Museums to Visit
Explore these historic sites and museums dedicated to preserving and telling the stories of America's Revolutionary era.
Brandywine Battlefield Park
Brandywine Battlefield Park is home to the largest land battle of the American Revolution, the Battle of Brandywine, fought on Sept. 11, 1777. Now officially a National Historical Landmark, Brandywine Battlefield Park covers more than 50 acres and offers access to the Benjamin Ring House, which is believed to have served as George Washington’s headquarters, and The Gideon Gilpin House, where the Marquis de Lafayette stayed before the battle.
1491 Baltimore Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
John Chads House
This 18th-century house once owned by John Chads, a wealthy Quaker, and was witness to the Battle of Brandywine in 1777 offers tours, lectures, special events, and family programs. Don't miss checking out the nearby Barns Brinton House, an early 18th-century house that served as a tavern and is also owned by the Chadds Ford Historical Society.
1719 N. Creek Road
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Brandywine's "Hiking Through History" Trail
Tour the Delaware Valley’s rich Revolutionary War history with Brandywine Conservancy and Brandywine Creek Greenway's Hiking Through History map. Hike, bike, and drive following the routes of the American and British troop movements from the British landing on the Elk River near Elkton, Maryland, to the capture of Philadelphia, and culminating with the American winter encampment at Valley Forge.
Multiple Locations
Delaware County & Chester County, PA
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
Located in northern Delaware, Winterthur has a museum of American decorative arts, with an unparalleled collection of nearly 90,000 objects made or used in America since 1640, all displayed displayed in the 175-room house of founder Henry Francis du Pont. Winterthur is also home to a 60-acre garden and 1,000 acres of protected meadows, woodlands, ponds, and waterways.
5105 Kennett Pike
Winterthur, DE 19735
Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead
The Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead is an authentic living history site with the purpose of enhancing understanding of 1760-90 farm life in Southeastern Pennsylvania by providing high-quality, research-based experiences to the public.
Located within Ridley Creek State Park
1023 Sycamore Mills Rd
Media, PA 19063
Beyond the Revolution
Continue your explorations beyond the Revolutionary era with additional historical sites and some can't-miss destinations in the area.
Longwood Gardens
Spanning more than 1,100 acres, Longwood Gardens is one of world's largest gardens showcasing horticultural expertise, beautiful fountains, impressive architecture, conservation, and more year-round. One of the most-visited gardens in the country, Longwood Gardens is broken into six distinct "distracts," including a conservatory and fountain display, and has something for every season.
1001 Longwood Road
Kennett Square, PA 19348
Chaddsford Winery
With goals of approachability, community, and sustainability, Chaddsford Winery has been producing an evolving portfolio of dry, sweet, and sparkling wines since 1982. The award-winning winery hosts a number events and festivals throughout the year in addition to its regular service.
632 Baltimore Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Brandywine Museum of Art
Renowned for its holdings of the Wyeth family of artists, the Brandywine Museum of Art features galleries dedicated to the work of N.C. Wyeth, Andrew Wyeth, and Jamie Wyeth. The Museum’s outstanding Brandywine Collection is a cross-section of American art, with a special focus on artistic practice in the Brandywine Valley.
1 Hoffmans Mill Road
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Know Before You Go
Check out these Museum resources to learn more ahead of your visit to the Brandywine Valley.
Plan of the Battle of Brandywine
The Philadelphia Campaign, Vol. I
Sergeant John Hawkins' Lost Pack Discovery Cart
Almost A Miracle
AmRev360: Brandywine: Where History, Art, and Landscape Meet with Virginia Logan and Jim Lighthizer
Congress's Own
Begin Your Journey at the Museum
Plan your visit today to make the Museum the first stop on your journey into exploring America's 18th-century Revolutionary history before you travel to the region's iconic historical sites and museums.
Plan Your Visit
Hours & Admission
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Continue Exploring
Have additional time in the Philadelphia region to explore the area's Revolutionary history? Check out more itineraries!
American Revolution Day Trip: Valley Forge
American Revolution Day Trip: Germantown
American Revolution Day Trip: Washington Crossing & 10 Crucial Days
Please check with individual sites, museums, and businesses for admissions and operating hours.