authored by Laura Sylvester
In the spring of 2025, North American Land Trust (NALT) acquired sixteen acres of land located in the heart of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania with the help of valued partners American Battlefield Trust and Chadds Ford Township, grant funders, and community support. Nestled in the middle of the property, on which part of the Battle of the Brandywine was fought, sits the stunning Joseph Davis House and storied carriage barn, which was for a time used as one of N.C. Wyeth’s studios. There is a lot of history packed into so few acres, and NALT is eager to share that with the public.
With so much history embedded in the land and the buildings, a suitable name for the preserve proved to be a greater challenge than originally thought. While many names were suggested, tested, and debated, the final name was inspired by the Joseph Davis House, which will be the future headquarters of North American Land Trust. Embedded in the middle of the brick floor of the oldest section of the house is a brick with the year “1755” carved into it. This brick is a tangible piece of the history of the structure, as well as a touchpoint in the ongoing story of the land, inspiring NALT to finally settle on the name 1755 Preserve.
Steven Carter, President of North American Land Trust, said “the first year at 1755 Preserve has been about laying the groundwork, both literally and figuratively, for a preserve that will thoughtfully connect history, conservation, and community. We are proud of the progress we have made, including new trails, signage, and pollinator plantings, and we are deeply appreciative of partners like Chadds Ford Township who have supported these early improvements. While public access is still limited as we work through important infrastructure improvements, we are building toward a long-term vision that honors the land’s history and expands opportunities for the community. With this being NALT’s second preserve within the Brandywine Battlefield National Historic Landmark, and at a time when our nation is reflecting on its 250th anniversary, it makes this work all the more meaningful.”
While finding the right name for the preserve was a small challenge, the larger challenge by far has been providing safe access to the property by the public. 1755 Preserve is located on the fast-moving and heavily trafficked US Route 1. In order for the preserve to be fully open to the public, NALT must ensure that access to and from the property is safe. The planning and design phase of that access has been ongoing since shortly after acquiring the property and is nearing completion. Once that hurdle is successfully overcome, the next phase will involve construction required to alter the former private driveway to the residence into a safe and user-friendly entrance, exit, and parking lot. Until then, 1755 Preserve will not officially open to the public. However, if you find yourself enjoying the cuisine offered at Brandywine Prime or taking in the delights of the Chadds Ford Barn Shops and fancy a walk through a burgeoning pollinator meadow, NALT encourages you to take a stroll on the trails already delineated throughout the preserve. The kiosk at the trailhead, located close to the parking lot near Oso Sweet Bakery, contains maps showing the existing trails throughout 1755 Preserve and where the pollinator meadows will be, which were seeded this past winter.
Another milestone that NALT has achieved at 1755 Preserve has been the successful recording of a conservation easement with Chadds Ford Township as the holder, securing the future of this land as protected greenspace in perpetuity. Not only is this milestone something both NALT and Chadds Ford Township can be proud of, but it is a prime example of NALT carrying out its most vital mission: to permanently conserve and steward natural and cultural resources through innovative land preservation partnerships.
The future of 1755 Preserve is secure and bright, and NALT looks forward to sharing the next milestones with you!
authored by Laura Sylvester
