On this day in Delaware History – September 2nd
In 1609 Henry Hudson poked around the mouth of the Delaware Bay and finding it to not be the Northwest passage, continued on to the islands at the mouth of what is now known as the Hudson River. He’d eventually follow the river up to what is now Albany, then head back to Europe having established Dutch land claims from the Chesapeake to Newfoundland.
Back in England…The King’s Men, including William Shakespeare, became part owners in the Blackfriars theatre. The roofed Blackfriars became the winter home of acting company.
Another thing going on in Delaware on this day in 1777 was the gathering of forces of tens of thousand of soldiers in New Castle County: General Washington’s Continentals up in Stanton and half of General Howe’s troops advancing toward Newark through Summit under Hessian General Knyphausen. The other half of the British army was heading to Delaware from the Head of Elk, Cecil County under Cornwallis.
The next morning, American marksmen picked for Maxwell’s Brigade set upon the British on march from Aiken’s Tavern (Glasgow) through Cooch’s Bridge to the Welsh Tract Baptist Church.
Happy 240th Anniversary for the Battle of Cooch’s Bridge!
In my world it isn’t Pumpkin Spice, but “back to school” season. Thanks Nancy.
You worry about stupid kids of history. Don’t you know that in September 1 2017 is when harry potters son enrolled at hogwarts?!?!
Cool bit of history. My wife & I will be taking the ferry from Cape May to Lewes Wednesday. It’ll be fun to think about Hudson on the trip. I saw some tall shops out there several years ago. Replicas of the Nina and Santa Maria. No sign of the other one…
@Nancy We lost the battle, having to withdraw from Iron Hill and the bridge. Washington explained the loss as the difference between the two forces. The British and German troops did outnumber the Americans. In addition, the British had 3 pieces of artillery, the Americans had none. I think Washington was right, keeping his forces to fight another day until he won.
RE Vanella Will you visit the Cannonball House in Lewes? From the was of 1812, but who’s quibbling over the “right” war?
Unfortunately, no. We’re actually just traveling midweek from a family place on the Jersey shore to see friends in Fenwick. It’s the most direct & pleasant way to get there.
I like Lewes. Had many a fishing excursion out of there.