The Battle of Brandywine was a pivotal engagement during the Revolutionary War, notable for involving the largest number of combatants, the highest casualties, and the most extensive land coverage of any battle in the conflict.

In 2000, the National Park Service’s American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP) submitted a report to Congress on the preservation of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 sites. Of 243 engagements evaluated, 100 sites were found to retain historic integrity. Among these, 30 were designated as Priority I Principal Battlefield Sites, with Brandywine Battlefield classified as a Class A site. Notably, only four Revolutionary War sites earned the distinction of being Class A, intact, and largely unprotected.

Preservation efforts for Brandywine Battlefield have been driven by the dedication of organizations like the Brandywine Battlefield Task Force, 15 township historical commissions, Brandywine Battlefield Park Associates, and numerous volunteers. With funding from a National Park Service ABPP grant, the Chester County Planning Commission developed the Brandywine Battlefield Preservation Plan, a collaborative achievement made possible through extensive input from communities in Chester and Delaware Counties. The plan, available online, includes detailed maps, identifies three proposed Battlefield Gateways (with Brandywine Battlefield Park as the Central Gateway), and recommends four Heritage Centers, two of which are already identified. Preservation efforts have also stabilized the Martin’s Tavern ruins and secured the purchase of Strode’s Mill.

On November 11, 2014, the American Battlefield Trust announced it would lead preservation efforts for Revolutionary War sites, taking on this role at the request of the National Park Service. Through its Campaign 1776 initiative, the Trust launched several preservation projects, including the acquisition of the 10.4-acre Dilworth Farm property on the Brandywine Battlefield. This significant preservation milestone was celebrated on September 15, 2017.

Additionally, the Museum of the American Revolution, located in Philadelphia, highlights Brandywine Battlefield as one of its six featured experiences. The museum provides a comprehensive look at the Revolutionary War, and you can explore its offerings here.

Preservation continues to ensure the Brandywine Battlefield remains a vital link to America’s Revolutionary past.