Chester County’s Brandywine Valley invites all to explore fascinating histories and legacies. Walk the footsteps of Revolutionary soldiers; learn about the landscapes that inspired activists in the Underground Railroad movement; and revel in the du Pont story from gunpowder to gardens.
Chadds Ford Days
Chadds Ford Days, hosted by the Chadds Ford Historical Society, honors and reenacts the Battle of Brandywine, September 11, 1777, the largest single-day battle of the American Revolution. Saturday, September, 19, 2026, from 10am to 5pm, experience battle skirmishes, military drills, and Battlefield encampments. Stroll through local craft and food vendors; sip local beer and wine, enjoy live music. In the evening, from 6pm to 10pm, special "Tavern Night" activities include: fireworks, live music by Burnt Mills Highballers, traditional fare and libations, dueling and other historic frivolities. It is an unforgettable evening from a bygone time.
Valley Forge National Historical Park
Spend an entire day steeped in history beginning at Valley Forge National Historical Park, the site of the 1777-78 winter encampment of the Continental Army under General George Washington.
Embark on a journey through history on a 10-mile driving loop comprised of major tour stops, plus additional opportunities to stop and explore Valley Forge. The route can be experienced best by vehicle but is also available by trolley and bicycle. The route features some of the most scenic views of the park as well as many of the historic sites and monuments:
- Muhlenberg’s Brigade
- National Memorial Arch
- Wayne Statue
- Washington’s Headquarters
- Washington Memorial Chapel
Step back in time at Historic Yellow Springs, a living history site with a 300-year heritage which includes an 18th century fashionable spa; the first military hospital commissioned by Geroge Washington; an orphan’s school for children of Civil War soldiers and much more. Both self-guided tours with a convenient map or pre-scheduled guided tours are available. Relax with refreshments and some shopping at Life’s Patina Mercantile & Café on the grounds in the famed Jenny Lind House.
Continue on to take a self-guided tour through to The Paoli Battlefield Historical Park where the Battle of Paoli (also called the Paoli Massacre) a small vicious battle occurred in 1777. Throughout the 40 acres of hiking trails and historic markers, see a granite monument commemorating the lives of the 53 Americans who died at Paoli; the gravesites of the battle’s casualties; and an adjacent parade ground where Americans trained for the War of 1812, the Mexican American war, and the Civil War.
(left) Brandywine Battlefield, (center) Hagley Museum, (right) Longwood Gardens
Visit the Brandywine Battlefield which commemorates the site of the largest single day battle of the American War for Independence. Visitor Center experiences include an orientation film, museum of artifacts, and guided house tours. Ticketed and free special events can be found HERE.
Explore additional themes of freedom on the Kennett Underground Railroad Bus Tours offering visits to documented Underground Railroad sites, historic homes and Quaker Meetinghouses presenting the local abolitionists stories. Book one of the final dates: September 19 or October 18. Tours depart from the Kennett Heritage Center, 120 N. Union St. Kennett Square, PA.
Finally, explore the fascinating legacy of the du Pont family whose influence can be traced throughout the region. The du Pont family’s hallmark of grand estates and gardens has created a European Chateau Country in the heart of Philadelphia’s Countryside. Start with Hagley Museum, where the du Pont story begins in the Brandywine Valley. Hagley is situated on 235 acres along the banks of the Brandywine River in Wilmington, Delaware. It is the site of the gunpowder works founded by E.I. du Pont in 1802. This unique example of early American industry and innovation features restored mills, a worker’s community, and the ancestral home and gardens of the du Pont family – Eleutherian Mills.
Gardens are a major element of the du Pont heritage and the magnificent Longwood Gardens is central to the du Pont story. Longwood’s founder, Pierre du Pont, was the great-grandson of E.I. du Pont. The property was acquired in 1906 and today is Situated on 1,077 acres. Longwood features 20 outdoor gardens, two breathtaking conservatories, and spectacular fountains. Summer evenings (Friday, Saturday and Sunday through November 1) the Main Fountain Garden features illuminated Fountain Performances . Fountains soar in many shapes and heights up to 175 feet, in concert with bright colored lights, music and even fire! Don’t miss a beat – book packages that include untimed tickets to Longwood Gardens today. For a special treat book at table at 1906, the ultimate in fine dining with a spectacular view overlooking the fountains.
Plan a visit to experience Chester County’s Historic Nature!
