British Position - Delaware Public Archives

NC-42:

2024 TEXT:

On September 3, 1777, soldiers of the Hessian Field Jaeger Corps were attacked by American troops in the woods and fields along this road leading from Aikentown (Glasgow) to Cooch’s Bridge. The British deployed two infantry battalions, aiming to outflank American troops, who included Continental soldiers, Delaware militia and militia from other colonies. Intense fighting followed, at times hand-to-hand, leading to each side suffering numerous casualties. After American forces fell back, British forces camped between Aikentown and Iron Hill for five days.

2008 TEXT:

On the morning of September 3, 1777, soldiers of the Hessian Field Jaeger Corps encountered American light infantry positioned in the woods and fields along this road, which led from Aikentown (Glasgow) to Cooch’s Bridge. The Americans attacked the Hessians, forcing the British army to deploy two light infantry battalions in an attempt to outflank them. Fighting was intense and at times hand-to-hand. The Hessian and British soldiers eventually forced the American troops back to a final position at Cooch’s Bridge. Each side engaged at Cooch’s Bridge is believed to have suffered approximately forty causalities. Following the battle the British army encamped for five days in the area between Aikentown and Iron Hill.

1932 TEXT:

British and Hessian regiments were advancing along this road September 3, 1777, when “pretty smart skirmishing” occurred between them and the Americans. British and Hessian armies progressed until their lines extended from Aiken’s Tavern (Glasgow) to Iron Hill and across the Christiana, where they remained for five days.

Installed in 1932. Reinstalled in 2024.