It’s official. The Davis Tract, a 16-acre property that was once the home of N.C. Wyeth is now preserved and will become the headquarters for NALT, the North American Land Trust, which now owns the property, but Chadds Ford Township will hold the permanent conservation easement.
In addition to N.C. Wyeth, the property was later owned by Walter and Shirley Winther who owned the former Chadds Ford Gallery, and by Dean and Diane Camp after the Winthers.
In addition to its significance in art history, the 16-acre tract was also the site of the Continental Army’s defensive line during the Sept. 11, 1777, Battle of Brandywine. American Gen. Anthony Wayne’s Pennsylvania Division took up position on the Joseph Davis Tract and a four-gun battery overlooking Chadds Ford was set up to the left of the property.
“We are proud to honor both the natural and cultural legacy of this land and community,” said Carter. “This project represents the very heart of our mission – preserving the landscapes that shape our nation’s history and future,” said NALT President Steve Carter in a press release.
In a follow-up email, Carter added “We own this remarkable property — our second acquisition within the Brandywine Battlefield — we are excited to begin the transformation of its landscape and buildings into a safe, welcoming, and accessible resource for the community.”
NALT had to raise more than $3 million to acquire the land, and Carter thanked a number of entities that helped secure the funds, including Chadds Ford Township. The Route 1 property — just east of the Barn Shops — is the second acquisition NALT has made in the township. The other is Brinton Run Preserve along Oakland Road.
NALT is developing a pollinator habitat at Brinton Run and Carter has said they will do the same at the new property.
In a statement regarding the purchase, Supervisors’ Vice Chairman Kathleen Goodier said, “We are proud to celebrate the preservation of the historic Joseph Davis Tract property. As a former member of both the Open Space Committee and Planning Commission, and now as a township supervisor, it is incredibly rewarding to see this acquisition reflect the township’s long-standing preservation goals...We’re thrilled to welcome North American Land Trust as they relocate their headquarters to the Joseph Davis House, further strengthening our shared mission to protect the landscapes, history, and cultural heritage that define our community.”
The main house on the property, which is planned to be the new NALT headquarters building, was built in 1725. N.C. Wyeth lived and worked there from 1907-1911. He converted an old carriage into a studio and it. was there where he did the illustrations for “Treasure Island.”
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
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