Prior to the Battle

War had been going on for two years and was at a stalemate.

The British were in New York and Washington was in New Jersey. The armies had skirmished during the winter of 1776-1777 and again during the summer months of 1777.

The British wanted to capture and occupy the colonial capital city of Philadelphia. Its capture would split and weaken the colonies because the city was a major supply center for the American army.

British Positioning

July 23, 1777
Howe and his army left New York on 264 ships bound for Philadelphia. Fortifications in and along the Delaware River forced Howe to change course to Maryland.

August 25, 1777
Howe landed at Head of Elk River with 220 ships. His army was weak from malnutrition during the long voyage.

September 10, 1777
The British camped at Kennett Square, ready to march eastward toward Chadds Ford.

 
  "An express came in, which brings an account that the English are landed about 4 miles below the Head of Elk, but where they mean to march to we remain in a state of painful suspense about, anxious to know, yet almost afraid to hear lest our wishes should not be answered."

Sarah Logan Fisher
August 26, 1777

  

Continental Defenses

The Brandywine River near Chadds Ford, ca. 1935. Anna Seal Schlosser Collection, 1991.621.sch.

   Washington chose the Brandywine Creek in Chadds Ford for his first line of defense.

On September 9, 1777, the Continental Army set up on the east bank of the Brandywine. The area’s high ground and thickly wooded slopes offered concealment for the troops.

Washington posted guards at the main fords (shallow places where an army can cross) up and down the Brandywine.

 
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