Battle at Chadds Ford-Chadds Ford Days

On Saturday, September 13, 2025, we were literally standing on history. Each year, the Battle of Brandywine reenactment takes place as a commemoration of historic marking for the event that occurred 248 years ago. The festival started in 1958 and was filled with colonial shops; people dressed like characters during the era. We interviewed Sandy Johnson, the Director of Operations and Event Manager of Chadds Ford Historic Society, asking her questions about the history and the work behind the scenes. She stated that during this colonial festival, people “dressed up in polyester, and it was originally a festival of neighbors coming together to celebrate.” Throughout the years, this annual event has

become more modernized. Attracting people from all around to come and visit the ancient historic sites and shops. “It’s now being revitalized for some younger people,” Johnson started. “We’d have artists, then we had antique cars, moonbounces, duckponds, ponyrides, it really went in a different direction.” When Coronavirus struck, it was difficult for the society to host the yearly event as per usual. After trials and tribulations, the group of directors and staff hustled to set the date for September 11, 2021, the exact date of the Battle of Brandywine, after two years without celebration. Since then, the title of the reenactment morphed from “Chadds

Ford Days” to “Battle at Chadds Ford–Historic Chadds Ford Days.” The reason they wanted to distinguish this change was because, “It’s all a part of the Brandywine Battle, but it’s here at Chadds Ford.” We stood on the flat land filled with enthralling activities, boutiques, and of course the battle, knowing that there once were soldiers buried from the brutal battle beneath us. 

Throughout observing this experience, we noticed original businesses that were hand-making goods from ancient times. These stores signified the reality of the history that made up the town and country. Owners of the businesses were dressed as colonists, and their products and tools were made and used with care. At 11:30 am, the first reenactment of the battle struck. On the battlefield, the pretend soldiers held fake weapons, lit cannons, and put on an

astonishing show for the packed audience. Not only was the battlefield an eye catching sight, but the infamous “Benjamin Ring House” was close by. This residence was owned by George Washington’s as his headquarters, where he stood as a quaker during the war. People can visit this house and take more glimpses into the past. As Johnson followed,“The research is almost like treasure hunting.” Who knows what information will be uncovered in the future as these key sites become more prominent. 

History lessons were brought into the topic as we heard the rundown of the Battle of Brandywine. “The British needed to take over Philadelphia to end it, so the goal was for General Howe to send a fleet in the summer of 1777.” The live reenactment

showed the entire war strategy; the soldiers from the United States were to come down the Atlantic, end up in Cooch’s Bridge, Delaware, and occupy Kennett Square by September 10th. It became apparent that this history was almost like the Civil War, with both English sides against each other. 

Overall, the seasonal “Battle at Chadds Ford” was an entertaining and enriching experience. No wonder why it pulls in so many people each year: from exciting sights, intensifying knowledge, and great food, who wouldn’t want to attend?