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'''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, an elegant hotel was built on the property.  This spa resort was designed by [[T.U. Walker]], the 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.

'''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, an elegant hotel was built on the property.  This spa resort was designed by [[T.U. Walker]], the 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.

* '''1925-1939''' - The park falls into disrepair, is picked clean by scavengers, and is progressively overtaken by weeds and brush.

* '''1925-1939''' - The park falls into disrepair, is picked clean by scavengers, and is progressively overtaken by weeds and brush.

* '''Today''' - The upper park serves the community with baseball diamonds, and the lower park presents visitors with various challenging hiking trails.

* '''Today''' - The upper park serves the community with baseball diamonds, and the lower park presents visitors with various challenging hiking trails.

==External links==

==External links==

* [http://www.fobsde.org/ Friends of Brandywine Springs] preservation society

* [http://www.fobsde.org/ Friends of Brandywine Springs] preservation society