The Brandywine Valley

The Brandywine River

The Brandywine River, along with its four tributaries, stretches for along time through Southeastern Pennsylvania. These tributaries, including the East Brandywine, West Brandywine, Buck Run, and Doe Run, make it one of the most popular rivers in the state. The river originates in Honey Brook, Pennsylvania and ends in the Delaware River around Wilmington, Delaware.

The pollution in the river is very important to the safety the people, who enjoy the river. The primary importance of conservation is of the water quality. The Brandywine Conservancy Environmental Management Center is a state organization that cares for the water quality of the Brandywine River. It is their mission and responsibility to conserve the natural and cultural resources of the Brandywine watershed and control the pollution of the river. The types of pollution in the river include untreated sewage mix, storm run off, dump, and disease causing germs. This river is very important to our community and needs to be protected. The steps to permanently protect and conserve the water and the bordering and include strengthening the municipal and countyland regulations that support resource conservation. They also will improve the natural, cultural, and scenic resources by site planning and design to support resource conservation in land development projects.

There are many popular attractions for tourists and locals all year long on and along the Brandywine River. Packed with gorgeous sites to spend the day picnicking, canoeing, swimming, kayaking or hiking and exciting attractions along its whole length, the Brandywine provides many choices for recreation. It has everything that you might wish to do on a river, along with a great view. Foremost among these attractions, is The Brandywine River Museum, located right next to the Brandywine River in an old 19th century gristmill. The museum is four floors in all, with three floors full of three generations of Wyeth family art work.

The mill architecture makes the museum such an interesting place to visit and it is situated in front of the Brandywine River near an old railroad that is blocked off with hiking trails leading in all directions. There is a book shop, which has children and adult art books, as well as artist movies and biographies.

Another spot on the Brandywine, which is known for its Revolutionary War history, is the site of the Battle of the Brandywine. The Battle of the Brandywine was fought during the Revolutionary War on September 11, 1777. When the British reached the Pennsylvania crossroads at Kennett Square on September 10, British commander, Howe and revolutionary Union commander, Washington prepared for battle. It was a warm and foggy morning and the fighting started around 8:00AM. The fighting stopped at around noon and didn't start again after dark. There was no news on horseback until almost midnight and it was not a good report. The British had forced the colonists to retreat and were named the victors of the battle. The casualties for the Americans totaled 900 men either wounded or killed and 400 men were taken prisoner. The British had lost about 60 Right along the Brandywine River in Chester County. Visit the Brandywine Battlefield Park for more detailed information.

Another attraction is the Brandywine Picnic Park, which includes many enjoyable activities for all ages. The park is so much fun to visit because they have such a clean environment, a very friendly staff, and entertaining activities. It is open from May to October and is open to reservations for corporate picnics, family reunions, school activities, team building events, theme parties, birthday parties, class reunions, meetings, banquets, and to the public as well. The park includes rides, fireworks, as much food as anyone wants, tubing, games, BBQ, an open area, music, bands, dancing, rock climbing, and a petting zoo. It is an inexpensive,great way to spend the day.

For the great price of a kayak or canoe rental, Brandywine Outfitters in Northbrook is another wonderful way to enjoy the scenic river. It is open to the public from April to September, Thursday through Sunday and has a rental shop. If you rent from them, they will pick you up down river.

Other attractions near by the Brandywine River are also fun to visit. They include Downingtown Log House, Winterthur, John Chadd House, Barnes Briton House, Franklin Mint Museum, Brandywine Scenic Railway, and Longwood Gardens. There are several important American colonial houses in the area which include two Quaker farmhouses that have a lot of history.

Located on the upper banks of the Brandywine River, the Downingtown Log House was built in 1700 and is the only surviving example of the early Europeans in central Chester County. It still has a certain significance or importance to our area and the river itself. The Brandywine Scenic Railway is a half-hour pass train along the Brandywine River.

The Brandywine River has great significance and is no ordinary river. The history of our community is based so much on the river and it s name is on many of Pennsylvania's attractions. Since it has a state mission to protect it, we hope we will be able to use it for a very long time. The Brandywine is not only a wonderful view but also is as fun as an amusement park.