Battle of Brandywine | Animated Battle Map

On September 11, 1777, General George Washington was determined to prevent the British from capturing the American seat of government, Philadelphia. Taking up positions along Brandywine Creek, Washington mistakenly believed that his army blocked all fords across the Brandywine.

Opposing Washington was Sir William Howe and an army of 15,500 British Regulars and Hessians. Howe's men had just finished a month long voyage from New York to Elkton, Maryland, via the sea. Hidden by heavy fog, the British moved into position.

The American Battlefield Trust's Animated Map Collection tells the story of America’s defining conflicts through compelling story telling, state of the art graphics and live action video.

The American Battlefield Trust preserves America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educates the public about what happened there and why it matters. We permanently protect these battlefields for future generations as a lasting and tangible memorial to the brave soldiers who fought in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Civil War.

[AmericanBattlefieldTrust]

The Brandywine Animated Map is part of our initiative to expand The Liberty Trail from South Carolina to many states across the original 13 Colonies. Visit TheLibertyTrail.org to learn more about our efforts to tell these incredible stories from the American Revolution, and to preserve the land where they happened.

[fingusdingus]

An ancestor of mine, 2nd Lieutenant, served in that battle and managed to survive. Living to fight another day alongside Washington and ultimately surviving the war, living a full life. Love history so much

[deweyoxburger]

Saw the 1977 reenactment as a kid and was hooked; I became a volunteer teacher at the park in the late 1980’s.

[christina]

We desperately need more videos, illustrations, and explanations about the battle of Brandywine. It was the largest land engagement of the entire war, with still so much to be interpreted and protected. Since the 250th anniversary is coming up, this is the best remaining example left of unprotected battlefield land, which the involvement of the American Battlefield Trust could greatly aid in. Taking the historical research from authors Thomas McGuire and Michael Harris, as well as first-hand accounts from locals and soldiers, a battlefield tour/video would help in public understanding.

[m]

Fantastic video. We need more of the Rev War. Thank you for doing this.

[popsrock]

I believe that these animated maps are the most effective way to educate people interested in military history. I also believe education is the best way to preserve our past, honor our veterans, seek the truth, inspire those in the present and future generations.

[SAarumDoK]

French here, what a surprise to see such quality in small format like that. Hat off !
I am glad my ancestors decided to fought with the emerging colonies, may our friendship endure our various current differences. :)

[glenna.jaspart]

As I'm currently reading "The Glorious Cause" by Robert Middlekauff, this video is the perfect supplement to the historical narrative. Thank you for your great job!

[awestphal]

I live literally at the Brandywine battlefield... This is the most I have ever learned about it.

[tuxcat]

Nobody ever mentions the Battle of Red Bank, 22 OCT 1777. Fort Mercer, a Continental battery on a bluff above the Delaware River, on the Jersey side, across from the now, Philadelphia Naval Yard and across from Continental Fort Mifflin (Philadelphia International Airport) blocked the Royal Navy from resupplying Howe in Philadelphia. On 21 OCT 1777, Cornwallis crossed the River at Camden with 1200 Hessians but no artillery and, the next day, marched to Fort Mercer. The 632 Black American defenders kicked their ass and the River stayed closed to British resupply. Washington got to Valley Forge, after another defeat at Germantown. The British partied in Philadelphia for the Winter, and the news of Fort Mercer reached France the same week as the news of Saratoga. It was the TWO VICTORIES that convinced the French that we were for real and brought them in on our side. I can walk to Ft. Mercer and I have made the battle a life study. There is so much more to tell; it was a brilliant victory by the Americans.

[clintonshatzer]

One of my ancestors fought here as part of the Maryland German Regiment, under Nathanael Greene at the time. I enjoyed seeing his activities come alive in the video.

[RealityOrganized]

Well done. I've been to Glasgow, Iron Hill, Cooch's Bridge, and Brandywine. You skipped right past the first three, but I guess you had to compress it for time -- fair enough.

[dadsongs]

Because I'm from Albany, Saratoga was THE battle I grew up knowing and learning about. I have a lot of catching up to do. Thanks, ABT.

[thespaniard]

Being from this area, and minutes away from the battlefield, it’s so cool to think that all of this happened in places I’ve been to so many times.

[dwp]

Grew up in the region and as a kid I couldn't grasp all the moving parts that made this battle happen, thanks for the filling in some of the missing points.

[blowupbob]

This is so well done. I'm hooked, want more! Moving on to the Battle of Saratoga from two months ago. Thank you American Battlefield Trust.

[whgarrity]

I started reenacting last year and this was my first battle where I burned powder. It was a wonderful and memorable day. There was even artillery which truly gives a sense of the terrible noise of war.

[amiddleagedparkrat]

My name is Timothy Brinton and this Battle is of particular importance to me given part of it was waged on William Brinton Sr’s farmland.

General Knox setup his artillery on the Continental left flank, which was directly on our family’s farm.

We were Quakers, so our family sat in prayer in the Friends Meetinghouse for the entirety of the Battle before coming out afterwards to help the wounded once the firing had stopped.

Thank you for your commitment to history on behalf of my family and myself 🙏🇺🇸

[skipdoggy]

i’m 10th gen PA’er and my family’s original home still stands in Chester Heights. 2 of my great uncles died at brandywine. According to our old family diaries, when the soldiers came pouring in to chester after the battle, they were wounded, sick and starving, some shoeless. Many stayed at my family’s farm. Grandpa hid/buried his money but let them slaughter all his cattle. Grandma tried to help the sick and wounded, caught typhoid and died, along with the neighbor’s wife. Tough times make tough people!

[jwhiskey]

Well done. The "Head of Elk" - the head of the Elk River was later renamed Elkton. There is a sign posted south of the town limits on the site where the British landed.