Vol. 40, No. 329

For more information contact Claire Mickletz, Brandywine Creek State Park, 302-655-5740 or 302-383-4608, Claire.Mickletz@state.de.us; or Necia Beck, Delaware State Parks 302-739-9175, Necia.Beck@state.de.us

Historical Re-enactment featuring 1,000 “soldiers”
set for Brandywine Creek State Park

GREENVILLE (Sept. 23) - During the weekend of Sept. 25 and 26, the rolling hills of Brandywine Creek State Park will be transformed into a Revolutionary War battlefield. More than 1,000 historical re-enactors from New Hampshire to South Carolina will recreate the Battle of the Brandywine, one battle in the pivotal Philadelphia Campaign of 1777. The Revolutionary War re-enactment is hosted by Brandywine Creek State Park and the 2nd Virginia Regiment.

From 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sept. 25, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 26, the re-enactors portraying both British and Continental soldiers will be set up at their camps in the park. At 1:30 p.m. on both days, the re-enactors will conduct a battle demonstration. The troops will face off and fight over American independence, immersing onlookers in the action. The groups will also perform military drills, field music, cavalry demonstrations and artillery drills on both days.

Other special programs and events are scheduled. On Saturday, there will be a court martial in the park’s pavilion followed by a living history presentation. Noah Lewis plays the role of Ned Hector, a black revolutionary war hero who fought for American Independence in the Continental Army. On Sunday, there will be a Church Call at the pavilion at 10 a.m. followed by a memorial service for long-time park historian, Lee Jennings. Jennings was the inspiration for the award-winning living history programs that are offered throughout Delaware State Parks.  Ongoing programs about the life of a soldier, 18th-century medicine, children’s games, discussions and more will also take place in the pavilion, as well as a ladies’ social.

Merchants, or “sutlers,” from Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia and Ohio will bring items for sale from food to clothing and other accessories. Historical interpreters dressed in authentic clothing will be on hand throughout the park to answer questions. A working camp kitchen will be in the Continental Camp with kitchen cooks on hand to answer questions about what soldiers ate during the 18th century.

In August 1777, British General Howe landed at the northernmost spot in the Chesapeake Bay and marched toward Philadelphia. After a skirmish with the Continental forces at what is now Cooches Bridge, the British continued their march and clashed with George Washington at the Battle of the Brandywine on Sept. 11, 1777. After defeating Washington, the British marched into Philadelphia. The Battle of Cooch’s Bridge was the only Revolutionary War battle to take place on Delaware soil. 

Tickets are $15 per car, per day.  Delaware State Parks Annual Pass holders will receive a $2 discount.  Tickets and more information are available by calling 302-655-5740 or visiting www.destateparks.com/revwar2010.

Brandywine Creek State Park is located three miles north of Wilmington at the intersection of Delaware Routes 100 and 92. The entrance is on Adams Dam Road. More information about the park and its programs is available at 302-655-5740 or www.destateparks.com. More information about the 2nd Virginia Regiment is available at www.secondvirginia.org.