Standing
tall on a wooden easel in the entryway of the Sanderson Museum is a framed map,
its blue trim surrounding red, green and yellow highlights calling attention to
the people, places and events which have made the 768 square miles of Chester
County so special in the history of our country. Fifteen people and 45 places
of interest are depicted, drawn by the artist Andrew Wyeth with historical
references by Chris Sanderson.
The map was
first conceived when the group Friends of the Brandywine discussed generating
an historical map of the area. Rolund Grubb, president of the Friends wrote to
Sanderson on Oct. 19, 1935 indicating that he’d shared the idea with personnel
of the Atlantic Refining Co., who’d expressed an interest in sponsoring the
project.
Although the
company eventually didn’t finalize their support, N.C. Wyeth agreed to make
arrangements for its printing. A limited number of the maps were produced by
the Beck Engraving Co. of Philadelphia in 1937. Several copies from the first
printing were recently donated to the museum and are available for sale to the
public. The original can be found in the School Room on the second floor.
Of the
historical personalities shown on the map, most notable are William Penn,
Bayard Taylor and Major General Anthony Wayne. Penn received a land grant from
the British Crown to fulfill an obligation owed to his father and established
the first counties (Chester, Delaware and Bucks) in what was to become the
colony of Pennsylvania. Bayard Taylor, author of “The Story of Kennett,” world
traveler, diplomat and minister to Russia and Germany is depicted in the upper
right hand corner. Anthony Wayne fought with Washington’s forces at the Battle
of the Brandywine and other engagements of the Revolutionary War. William “Buffalo
Bill” Cody is there too, a legend who fought in the Civil War, scouted the
Western territories and frequently visited West Chester and Coatesville.
Baseball great of yesteryear Herb Pennock, who was born in Kennett Square,
pitched in five World Series and inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in
Cooperstown stands proud on the left side, grinning with his ball held high.
The places
shown are equally as fascinating. Wyeth skillfully sketched miniatures of Valley
Forge, the Star Gazer’s Stone (where Mason and Dixon made astronomical
observations to delineate portions of the famed Mason-Dixon Line), the Lincoln
(Coventry) Forge, second iron forge built in Pennsylvania (owned by Mordecai
Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln’s ancestor), Longwood Gardens and Brandywine
Battlefield. Chris Sanderson often gave lectures about the Battle of the
Brandywine to groups in the region. Signposts along the trail of history
include the birthplaces of two signers of the Declaration of Independence
(Thomas McKean and John Morton), a gathering place for escaped slaves on the “Underground
Railroad” (now the Chester County Visitors Center), along with Phoenixville,
where 75 percent of the cannons used by the Union to win the Civil War (Griffen
guns) and the first cannon fired at the Battle of Gettysburg were made at the
Phoenixville Iron Works in northeastern Chester County.
Chester
County has blossomed over the centuries as a vibrant region with an abundance
of resources, nourishing the development of numerous industries, artists,
scientists and statesmen. Stop by and see this special drawing, as it stands,
greeting visitors inside the Sanderson Museum - A
Man's Life, A Nation's History at 1755 Creek Road (old Route 100) in Chadds
Ford, PA just north of Route 1.
• Gene Pisasale worked as a petroleum geologist, then later as a portfolio
manager/analyst for 24 years in the investment industry. He retired in 2010 to
pursue his writing career and lecture tours. He is the author of several
historical novels including "Abandoned Address- The Secret of Frick's
Lock" and "Lafayette's Gold- The Lost Brandywine Treasure." Gene
is married and lives in Kennett Square. Contact Gene at
gpisasale@FoodWineTravelHistory.com or www.GenePisasale.com.
About Gene Pisasale
Gene Pisasale is an historian, author and lecturer based in Kennett Square, Pa. His eight books and historic lecture series focus on the history of the mid-Atlantic region. Gene’s latest book is Alexander Hamilton: Architect of the American Financial System, which delves into the life and many accomplishments of this important Founding Father who almost single-handedly transformed our nation from a bankrupt entity into the most successful country in the history of mankind. Gene’s books are available on www.Amazon.com. His website is www.GenePisasale.com; he can be reached at Gene@GenePisasale.com.
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