Revolutionary War Sites in Chester County: Key Battles Between General Washington & the British Army

Historical Revolutionary War Sites Located in Chester County

• Brandywine Battlefield Park

  • The Battle of Brandywine brings to life the largest engagement of the Revolutionary War, fought on September 11, 1777, between the Continental Army led by General George Washington and the British forces headed by General William Howe.

Bicentennial sycamore tree, Brandywine Battlefield, Chadds Ford PA

Gen. Sir William Howe. - New York Public Library

• Battle of the Clouds

The Battle of the Clouds was an engagement of the Philadelphia campaign of the American Revolutionary War on September 16, 1777, in the area surrounding present day Malvern, Pennsylvania. After the American defeat at the Battle of Brandywine, the British Army remained encamped near Chadds Ford. When British commander William Howe was informed that the weakened American force was less than ten miles (16 km) away, he decided to press for another decisive victory.

• Paoli Massacre

  • After the Battle of the Clouds, the bulk of the American army moved to Reading Furnace to replenish their ammunition. General Washington left behind Brigadier General Anthony Wayne and a regiment of troops. The British were camped at Tredyffrin, preparing to cross the Schuylkill River and attack Philadelphia, but Lord Howe got word that Wayne was lurking in ambush. Howe changed his plans. He would instead try to ambush Wayne at his camp in Paoli.

Library of Congress - British camp at Trudruffrin in September 1777, attack made by Major General Grey against rebels near White Horse Tavern