September 11, 1777

Howe Defeats Washington at the Battle of Brandywine

In one of the fiercest battles of the War for Independence, British forces under William Howe attack Washington's troops on several fronts at Brandywine Creek, in southeastern Pennsylvania, leading to considerable confusion in the American ranks. At the end of the day, it is the best that Washington can do to organize an orderly retreat, even though his artillery is overrun. The Americans lose more than 1,200 men and, crucially, leave the path to Philadelphia clear for Howe to capture it.