Chester County’s Brandywine Valley invites all to explore fascinating histories and legacies. Learn about the landscapes that inspired activists in the Underground Railroad movement; walk the footsteps of Revolutionary soldiers at the Brandywine Battlefield and Valley Forge and revel in the du Pont story from gunpowder to gardens.
Explore more of this theme 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 three dates: August 16, September 19 or October 18. Tours depart from the Kennett Heritage Center, 120 N. Union St. Kennett Square, PA.
Valley Forge National Historical Park
Friday, July 31 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
Saturday, Aug 1 – Voices of the Brandywine at Brandywine Battlefield, site of the largest single day battle of the American War for Independence. Experience what life was like for the soldiers at Washington’s encampment at Brandywine, with the help of talented character actors from the Delaware Theatre Company, they'll share stories of the Battle of Brandywine and the lives of those who experienced it.
Later 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. Tours should 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) 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.
Want to experience a historic railroad? Visit the West Chester Railroad on Sunday, August 2 for their Summer Picnic Special. Pack your lunch, with foods from one of Chester County's many local farmers markets, and enjoy a ride on their historic train.
Plan a visit to experience Chester County’s Historic Nature!
