Some years after the Sept. 11, 1777, battle of Brandywine, a writer penned details of the fighting along the Brandywine River that weren’t necessary, as every reader knew the facts of the valiant American stand against the British army upon the fields of Birmingham Hill and Sandy Hallow. 

Today, few Americans are aware of the heroics that General George Washington’s army performed against the forces of British Generals William Howe and Charles Cornwallis that day. Many a brave American became a casualty in the name of freedom. During the late afternoon, a portion of the American army halted the British advance for more than an hour, enough time for the majority of Washington’s army to escape to Chester that evening. 

Indeed, the stand Washington’s troops made on the fields surrounding the Birmingham Meeting House saved the American army from complete defeat. British officers lamented in their journals that if another few hours of daylight remained, Washington’s army would have ceased to exist and the American Revolution ended in ignominious defeat. 

The 245th anniversary of the battle is upcoming and a grand re-enactment event will take place at Sandy Hallow in Birmingham Township on Sept. 24 and Sept. 25. Almost 1,000 re-enactors, including members of cavalry and cannoneers, will give demonstrations. The family-oriented educational event is open to the public.  

The public will have an opportunity to recognize the Marquis Lafayette’s contribution to American freedom. As with the details of the battle of Brandywine, many Americans are unaware of deeds of Lafayette, an American hero. 

 The young French nobleman celebrated his 20th birthday less than a week before Brandywine. Even though given a commission in Washington’s army and a former member of the French army, Lafayette had never been in a battle. The volunteer was just another European staff officer without a command as Sept. 11 dawned. By late afternoon, Lafayette established himself as an American freedom fighter. When Washington’s army was threatened with annihilation, Lafayette rushed to Birmingham Hill to aid Washington’s troops. Lafayette dismounted and commanded troops of General Thomas Conway as the British soldiers moved within yards of Lafayette. 

Lafayette was shot in his left leg, thus spilling his blood for American freedom. Lafayette’s courage and willingness to put his life on the line proved to Washington, Lafayette’s fellow officers and Washington’s troops that Lafayette was dedicated to American freedom. He was not just another European looking to make a reputation and riches at the expense of America’s bid for independence. 

When wounded on the afternoon of Sept. 11, 1777, Lafayette began his ascent to becoming an American hero. Lafayette developed into an able commander. He also was a strong and relentless advocate for America. Washington’s troops would have been hard-pressed to defeat England without the military aid of France. Without Lafayette, France would not have been America’s staunch ally. 

Brandywine, Lafayette, and freedom should be forever linked. 

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Bruce E. Mowday authored the book Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero. The book was recently released by Barricade Publishing of New York. For more information on Mowday, visit mowday.com. Details on the battle of Brandywine event at Sandy Hallow can be found at brandywine2022.com.