Where Beautiful Landscapes Inspire Art
The Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway in Central mid-Atlantic, just northwest of Wilmington, Delaware, is a hotbed for historic sites, picturesque villages, and cultural experiences along the shimmering Brandywine River in Pennsylvania. The route travels through the state of Delaware and into Pennsylvania, making a figure 8 shape. Take Highway 52 north to North Creek Rd, then to Route 162 and to West Chester. Loop back to Creek Rd and head south to the Delaware state line, just south of Chadds Ford. Pennsylvania is your host for 25 miles of the 37.3 total miles of the Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway.
The rolling hills, picturesque villages, and manicured estates will draw you in as it has for artists throughout the years. Brandywine School of Art, an art colony started in Wilmington, DE and Chadds Ford, PA was started by Howard Pyle. His student, N.C. Wyeth (1882-1945) was one of America’s foremost illustrators famous for his images of swashbuckling pirates, armor-clad knights, and hard-riding cowboys. He stimulated the imaginations of readers for generations. Visit the Brandywine Museum of Art in Chadds Ford to view his and other artists’ works.
These hills and the lush Brandywine River valley contain physical evidence of the early settlers and showcase their agricultural patterns and structures that remain yet today. Longwood Gardens, a now world-famous garden, was bought by Pierre duPont in 1906 and he improved it to make it into the beauty it is today. Look for other prominent houses, barns, and outbuildings as you travel through the green rolling hills and agricultural land.
Follow George Washington’s Footsteps
The Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway is steeped in history. George Washington battled the British here in September 11,1777 in The Battle of Brandywine, the largest troop engagement of the Revolutionary War. Retrace the United States’ history in the museums and historic sites that line the byway. Some of buildings of note are the Barns-Brinton House (1714), John Chads House (1725), Birmingham Meeting House (1722) (used as a hospital during the Revolutionary War), and the Gilpin House (1754) (General Howe’s home after the battle.)
You can also canoe the same glistening Brandywine River that George Washington and his troops traveled.
Sharing the Road with the Underground Railroad
Parts of the Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway and Highway 52 are also part of the Harriet Tubman Byway. The state line between Delaware and Pennsylvania was the dividing line between free and slave states. Harriet Tubman used this same route after she found freedom by traveling at night alone and hiding in the daytime only to return 13 times to Maryland, through Delaware, and obtain freedom in Pennsylvania for more than 70 people, including family and friends. The Quakers (Society of Friends) in the state of Pennsylvania were sympathetic to the cause and hid freedom seekers in plain sight as fellow workers with them on farms. The bounty hunters did not know if they were already freed African Americans living in the area or escapees from the south. It is reported that 30,000 to 100,000 freedom seekers were helped through the Underground Railroad. Stop at the many markers and learn more at interpretive sites.
Visit the Longwood Meeting House (1854) at the entrance of Longwood Gardens where abolitionists like Frederick Douglas found a forum to advocate for freedom seekers and end slavery. The Longwood Meeting House is now home to the Chester County Visitor Bureau,
Take Your Time on the Brandywine
This short route in Pennsylvania is filled with history and scenic views. Please allow plenty of time to leisurely visit the historical museums and sites, art museums, and taste the offerings at the many restaurants and pubs, breweries, wineries, distilleries, and cideries along the route. Or yet, make it a longer stay in one of Brandywine’s quaint inns or chain hotels. Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway also offers opportunities to hike, bike, canoe, tube, picnic, golf, and even offers Civil and Revolutionary War reenactments. See you soon!
More Information
https://nsbfoundation.com/nb/brandywine-valley-scenic-byway-pa/
https://www.brandywinevalley.com/