Fought in 1777 with George Washington leading the Continental Army, The Battle of Brandywine was the largest engagement of the Revolutionary War. The battle covered more than ten square miles; however, the modern park only covers 50 acres which served primarily as the Continental encampment the two days prior to the battle. The battle was a decisive victory for the British and cleared a path directly to the rebel capital of Philadelphia. Brandywine Battlefield Park became a Pennsylvania State Park in 1949 and a National Historic Landmark in 1961.