The fields of Sandy Hollow will be alive with Revolutionary War re-enactors to mark the 245th anniversary of the Battle of Brandywine.
About 800 troops, almost equal numbers for Colonial and English armies, are expected to attend the two-day event. Also, 16 mounted re-enactors and about 10 field pieces are scheduled to be part of the celebration.
“This will be one of the major historical events for 2022 in this area, if not the nation,” said Randell Spackman, Chair of Brandywine 2022. “Five years ago, our last re-enactment at Sandy Hollow, we had a large crowd to witness the commemoration of this important event in our history. This year we expect the turnout will be greater.”
The two-day event takes place on Saturday, Sept. 24, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 25, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Sandy Hollow Heritage Park, South New Street, and Birmingham Road, Birmingham Township. The public is encouraged to attend, and there is no admission charge.
Historical re-enactors will include persons portraying George Washington, Lafayette, Alexander Hamilton, and Ned Hector. There will be battle re-enactments on both days. The Saturday engagement is slated for 2 p.m. and the Sunday one at 1 p.m. The times are approximate and could start earlier or later, depending on a number of factors. The public is encouraged to arrive early and enjoy all the activities being offered. During the 2017 event, a traffic jam took place just prior to the battles, and some spectators didn’t have time to park.
Brandywine 2022 will have activities for all members of the family. Food trucks will be offering meals.
“This will be an immersive historical experience,” Spackman said. “The sutlers will be selling time-appropriate goods. The vendors will have a historical connection. Colonial games for children will be played. We’ll have period music. Spectators will be able to visit the army camps. It will be an opportunity to walk back in time. You can’t do that very often.”
Historical presentations will be given by area authors and The Brandywine Battlefield Park will show a movie on Brandywine.
Officials of both Birmingham and Thornbury townships are supporting the event, along with Chadds Ford Historical Society and Thornbury Farm CSA. The liaison to the British troops is Paul Loane of the 43rd Foot, while Tom Bowen is the Continental forces liaison.
“Artists and authors will be taking part,” Spackman said. “Adrian Martinez, who produces wonderful paintings with historical themes, has just completed his second painting on Lafayette. We’re honored that members of the American Friends of Lafayette will join us, and author Bruce E. Mowday will talk about his book Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero. Bruce also wrote the first book on the history of the battle, September 11, 1777: Washington’s Defeat at Brandywine Dooms Philadelphia.
“This is our third re-enactment at Sandy Hollow,” Spackman said. “The first two were in 2014 and 2017. The first two were very successful. You won’t want to miss Brandywine 2022.”
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