The Battle of Cooch’s Bridge, also known as the Battle of Iron Hill, was the only Revolutionary War battle fought in the state of Delaware. A British army, led by General Sir William Howe, landed in Maryland intent on capturing Philadelphia. Their route of march took them through Delaware. General George Washington dispatched the newly-created Corps of Light Infantry, led by General William Maxwell, to contest the British advance outside Wilmington. General Maxwell, whose unit had been formed just a few days earlier, positioned his men along the main road to Wilmington where it crossed Christina Creek.
On September 3, 1777, a company of the American light infantry met a group of dragoons led by Captain Johann Ewald, who summoned reinforcements. The Americans conducted a fighting retreat against German jaegers (light infantry) onto Iron Hill, where they were attacked by German and British troops. The fighting lasted for several hours, but eventually the Americans, running low on ammunition, were forced to retreat over Cooch’s Bridge across the creek and fall back towards the main body of the Continental Army. Eight days later, the two armies collided in the Battle of Brandywine.
Head over to the Friends of Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site website to plan your visit.
