The Hale-Byrnes House
The Hale-Byrnes house is a monument listed on the National Register of Historic Places, part of the nine-state Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail. It gained fame in 1777 when George Washington and his General's held a Council of War on September 6, three days after the battle of Cooch's Bridge. The Council of War determined how to best protect Philadelphia, then the Colonial capitol, from the invading British led by General Howe and eventually led to the Battle of the Brandywine on September 11, 1777. In one of the quirks of history the Council of War was held at a pacifist Quaker's home.
The Hale-Byrnes House was built by Samuel Hale in 1750, who later sold it to Daniel Byrnes in 1754. The service wing was built in 1773. The Hale-Byrnes House was the first building in Delaware to receive the State Heritage Plaque. (To read more about the history of the home, click here.)
The George Washington Witness Tree
The Hale-Byrnes House is also the location of the almost 300-year-old George Washington Witness Tree of Delaware. Believed to have been planted in 1732, the American sycamore shaded George Washington and his generals, including Nathaniel Greene, Henry Knox, "Mad" Anthony Wayne as well as the 20 year old Marquis de Lafayette and other Continental Army officers as they met to plan the defense of Philadelphia, still stands today.
While the Witness Tree observed Delaware for generations, the historic tree is now dying from various ailments but has been the subject of preservation efforts, including propagating new trees from its cuttings. (To read more about the history of the tree, click here.)
Prelude to Brandywine
Given the Witness tree’s condition, members of the Hale-Byrnes House raised money in early 2022 to commission a painting of the famous meeting held at the site. The painting, called “Prelude to Brandywine,” was commissioned by Bryant White, a painter of Revolutionary War-era scenes and a reenactor. The painting was unveiled at a special ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022 at the Hale-Byrnes House and has remained in the front room of the Hale-Byrnes House since it's unveiling.
Upcoming Events
Hale-Byrnes House Calendar
St. James Church Cemetery Symposium
St. James Mill Creek Episcopal Church, 2106 St James Church Rd, Wilmington, DE 19808
St. James Mill Creek Episcopal Church estimates that there are 33 Revolutionary War soldiers buried in their cemetery, although the precise location of many of these graves has not yet been determined. The church is holding a symposium to show parishioners and other members of the community how to clean gravestones so that the stones can be cleaned in time for a possible unveiling around Memorial Day weekend 2026
The Home with the Most Ties to the American Revolution
Hosted by the American Revolution Round Table of Northern DE at Hale-Byrnes House, 606 Stanton-Christiana Road, Newark, DE 19713
Dave Deputy’s new book, “The Spring Grove Mill House”, tells the story of the House and how it’s connected to the surprising people and events in American History. https://delawarelive.com/new-book-traces-how-a-delawares-spring-grove-mill-house-touched-americas-turning-points/
Our Address
The Hale-Byrnes House is located at 606 Stanton Christiana Road, Newark, DE 19713
Contact Information
You can contact us by Email at halebyrneshouse@aol.com
Or by phone at 302-543-5723 (NOTE: Call do NOT text)
Or you can reach us by clicking on our Contact Form
Open
The house is open the 1st Wednesday of every month from April through December 12:00 to 3:00 or by appointment. You can also request a visit by clicking on our Schedule a Visit with us Us Form
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Our Location
Unless otherwise indicated, our programs are held at the Hale-Byrnes House, 606 Old Stanton Christiana Road, Newark DE 19713 near the intersection of Routes 7 North and 4 East immediately left and downhill from White Clay Medical Center.