View source for Brandywine Springs

:''This article in MyWikiBiz [[Help:Main Space|Main article]] space is published with "all rights reserved" by the component contributor(s) to the article.  You must obtain [[Directory:Gregory J. Kohs|express written permission]] to copy or re-use this article.''
<br>

[[Image:Brandywine Springs landscape.jpg|thumb|350px|right|A watercolor by the architect]]'''Brandywine Springs''', an historic geographical feature near [[Directory:Newport, Delaware|Newport]], [[Directory:Delaware|Delaware]] in northern [[Directory:New Castle County, Delaware|New Castle County]] along the [[Red Clay Creek]], has a fascinating, multi-century story.  Its history traces from pre-colonial Native American times and early European settlers' interest in the iron-rich spring water as a medicinal cure.  The site was then briefly the focus of a military encampment of about 12,000 Continental soldiers and militia led by General [[George Washington]].  In 1827, work began on what would later be designed as an elegant hotel on the property.  An 1830s design of an expansive spa resort was executed by [[Thomas Ustick Walter]], the fourth architect of the U.S. Capitol Building.  After burning down in 1853, the hotel was rebuilt and continued operation for a number of decades.  A new owner in 1886 began to add [[tennis]] courts, boating, a [[merry-go-round]], and a primitive roller coaster, and soon the Brandywine Springs had become a popular [[amusement park]] which would draw crowds until 1924, when it was shut down.  Today, the Friends of Brandywine Springs preservation society encourages archeological digs and historical interest in the site.