At the Battle of Brandywine, 28,000 soldiers fought in the largest and longest battle of the American Revolution. After marching 17 miles in 9 hours from Kennett Square, Gen. Howe’s army paused for tea and rest near Osbourne Hill, allowing Gen. Washington to reposition many of his troops from the eastern side of Brandywine Creek into a defensive line near Birmingham Meeting. Around 5pm at Sandy Hollow, after the first line of Colonial defense broke in confusion under heavy fire, the most significant fighting took place along Birmingham and Wylie Roads near Birmingham Meeting and Sandy Hollow. The Continental Army reformed on high ground in a wavering but often courageous defense described as disputed muzzle to muzzle, and the line gave way five times before reforming and being pushed back farther. The high ground at Sandy Hollow marked the sunset stand as the Colonials were slowly driven back by overwhelming forces and firepower, with dusk closing in, ammunition running low, and many three- and four-pounder cannons lost. Exhausted by long marches and a nearly two-hour battle, both sides suffered substantial casualties, and after the Continental left flank finally gave way, Greene’s men held the Sandy Hollow area while a fighting retreat began toward Dilworthtown. Many of the dead on both sides were buried near where they fell and in the Birmingham burying grounds. Although the battle was a significant loss for Washington’s army, it became a turning point in the war by strengthening the Continentals’ resolve to continue the fight for freedom.