| '''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. |