Benjamin Ring House facts for kids
The Benjamin Ring House is a very old and important building located in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. It played a key role during the American Revolutionary War. General George Washington, who led the American army, used this house as his headquarters before and during the Battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777.
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History of the House
The Benjamin Ring House was built in 1731 by Thomas G. Clark. In 1777, it was owned by Benjamin Ring, a farmer and mill operator. Benjamin Ring was a Quaker, which meant he did not take part in the war.
The house was in an important spot. It was along the main road that connected Philadelphia to Baltimore. It was also about a mile east of a crossing point on the Brandywine Creek.
The Battle of Brandywine
In late August 1777, about 17,000 British soldiers landed in Elkton, Maryland. They began marching towards Philadelphia, which was a very important city at the time. General Washington had about 14,600 American soldiers ready to defend the area.
On September 9, Washington held a meeting with his officers at the Benjamin Ring House. They expected the British army to cross the Brandywine Creek at the main crossing point. However, on September 11, the British surprised them. Most of the British forces crossed the creek further upstream. They attacked the American soldiers from the north, which caught them off guard. The American army was overwhelmed by this surprise attack.
During the battle, a young French officer named Marquis de Lafayette was wounded. He was taken to a nearby house to recover.
After the war, Benjamin Ring turned his house into a tavern. Later, his son ran it as a hotel. There's a story that General Washington asked Benjamin Ring to help lead the American army's retreat after the battle. Benjamin Ring, being older and heavier, suggested William Harvey instead. William Harvey then helped guide the American army to safety. This story was shared by Benjamin Ring's grandson in a letter many years later. The Harvey family later bought the Ring House and continued to run it as a tavern.
The House as a Historic Site
On September 16, 1931, a fire badly damaged the Benjamin Ring House. Years later, in 1949, the area around the house became the Brandywine Battlefield Park. This park is now a Pennsylvania State Park. In 1961, the house was recognized as a National Historic Landmark, meaning it's a very important historical place.
The house was carefully restored to look just as it did in 1777. Today, it is open as a museum. Visitors can see furniture in the Quaker style and learn about the Battle of Brandywine. They can also discover more about General Washington's time staying at the house.
Images for kids
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The Benjamin Ring House, a historic building.
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The back of the Benjamin Ring House.
See also
- List of Washington's Headquarters during the Revolutionary War
References
