CHADDS FORD, PA – A Delaware County-based national land trust is seeking to save a piece of American history by acquiring a Revolutionary War battlefield and a historic house on the property, where famed artist N.C. Wyeth once painted.
And the land trust is seeking your help to protect the historic property.
North American Land Trust is participating in this year’s “Delco Gives” campaign on May 8-9 seeking donations to help conserve the Joseph Davis Tract in Chadds Ford Township and other conservation projects in region.
“We are a national land trust with conservation areas in 24 states, but Delaware County has always been our home,” said NALT President Steven Carter. “In fact, we plan to move our headquarters to the Joseph Davis House, and we look forward to being an active part of the Chadds Ford community.”
The Joseph Davis Tract, which is along Baltimore Pike (U.S. Route 1), sits at the center of the Continental Army’s main defensive line during the Revolutionary War Battle of Brandywine. On Sept. 11, 1777, the American forces engaged the British forces but ultimately had to retreat. American General Anthony Wayne’s Pennsylvania Division took up position on the Joseph Davis Tract, and a four-gun battery overlooking Chadds Ford was set up to the left of the property.
The historic Joseph Davis House, originally built in 1725, sits on the 16-acre property. According to the Brandywine Museum of Art, N.C. Wyeth and his family lived in the house from 1907 to 1911. Wyeth converted a former carriage house into his studio, adding a skylight to his workspace. There, he created some of his major artworks including his depictions of Native Americans and his illustrations for Robert Louis Stevenson’s adventure novel “Treasure Island.”
The Joseph Davis Tract would be the second historic property in Delaware County that NALT is protecting for future generations. In 2021, NALT raised funds to save a 71-acre historic battlefield – which was originally considered for development – and opened a public preserve to be enjoyed by community members, outdoor enthusiasts, and history lovers.
At Brinton Run Preserve, visitors can hike the trails and view the rolling hills where George Washington’s troops crossed while retreating from the English forces in the 1777 Battle of Brandywine.
For those reasons, Carter and his team of conservation experts are happy to be part of the 2025 Delco Gives Day on May 8th and 9th. The annual fundraiser, hosted by The Foundation for Delaware County, is a community-wide celebration to benefit hundreds of nonprofits.
Through an online giving platform, Delco Gives encourages donors to support nonprofits in Delaware County, including environmental and conservation organizations like NALT.
North American Land Trust is a non-profit 501(c)(3) that accepts donations from individuals and organizations. As a conservation land trust, NALT also accepts eligible land donations from families or businesses and permanently protects the land from development.
In 2024, NALT received the “Seal of Excellence” from the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations for completing the association’s rigorous Standards for Excellence Program.
To learn more about NALT and opportunities to support its mission, please visit the Ways to Give section of our website.
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