Osborne Hill Farm gets protected status

With the 241st anniversary of the Battle of Brandywine Creek fast approaching, it was announced that a portion of the overall battlefield area that was endangered by possible encroaching development had been placed under permanent protection.

Natural Lands, the regional land preservation organization, said that it had been able to secure a conservation easement that would block the 88-acre Osborne Hill Farm, a property that straddles Birmingham and Westtown and was the site from which British General William Howe

watched his troops do battle with American Revolutionary forces on Sept. 11, 1777.

“It’s hard to imagine such a peaceful, beautiful spot being at the epicenter of the Revolutionary War’s longest and largest battle,” said Natural Lands President Molly Morrison in a press release announcing the move to protect the farm. “Natural Lands is thrilled and honored to have helped ensure this historic property will have a future free of development.”

The easement was purchased with local, state and federal funds, according to the release.

Protecting the farm, with its quintessential Chester County countryside of rolling fields, early 19th century buildings, and pastures, comes at a time when other parcels in the battlefield area are under development threat. Later this month, Toll Brothers, the Horsham-based housing developer, is scheduled to argue its case against a decision by the Westtown Board of Supervisors blocking its attempt to build a largescale subdivision on the historic Crebilly Farm along Route 926.

The Osborne property contains farm fields and pasture, a stone farmhouse built in 1809, and about 30 acres of woodlands. Osborne Hill Farm was named

for former owner Samuel Osborne who purchased the property in 1727.

Osborne Hill Farm is among nearly 500 battlefield acres that have been protected within Chester County alone. The battlefield, however, measures 35,000 acres. In a 2007 report to Congress on the status of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 battlefields, the National Park Service identified the Brandywine battle field area as a national priority for preservation because of its historic significance and opportunities to preserve intact battlefield landscapes.

The conservation easement was made possible with a $1.3 million grant from the American Battlefield Protection Program’s Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants, which are funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund and administered by the National Park Service; American Battlefield Trust members; Chester County – Preservation Partnership Program; the Mt. Cuba Center; the state Department of Community and Economic Development, with funds from the Marcellus Legacy Fund; the Virginia Cretella Mars Foundation; and a donation from the landowner, who was not identified in the release.

In a joint statement, Chester County Commissioners Michelle Kichline, Kathi Cozzone, and Terence Farrell said, “Yet again, partnership has played a

great role in the preservation of this historic landmark. We thank Natural Lands for its leadership in pursuing the conservation easement for Osborne Hill Farm and are pleased to be part of it.” Others agreed. “The American Battlefield Trust appreciates the opportunity to work with Natural Lands and other partners to preserve Osborne Hill, from which British and German troops launched their major attack in the Battle of Brandywine,” battlefield trust President Jim Lighthizer said. “We applaud the landowner’s willingness to protect in perpetuity this sacred place where future generations can understand and appreciate the sacrifices made to secure our independence.”

“It is wonderful news that the Osborne Hill property, part of the historic Brandywine Battlefield landscape, will now be preserved forever,” said Ann Rose, president of Mt. Cuba Center. “Mt. Cuba Center is appreciative of the work that Natural Lands has done to bring together a variety of partners to secure this important conservation achievement.”

“One of the most enduring tributes to those who made history at Osborne Hill Farm is to preserve its rolling hills and natural features for generations to come,” said U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello, R-6, of West Goshen. “This collaborative effort led by Natural Lands demonstrates how the federal

Land and Water Conservation Fund continues to deliver significant and lasting results for Chester County. From my first day in Congress, I have strived to protect local historic gems, irreplaceable open space, and vital watersheds through unyielding support of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Moments such as this remind me how fortunate I’ve been to work side by side with Natural Lands and other conservation allies while fighting to protect this critical federal funding source.”

Said state Sen. Tom Killion, R-9, “Saving Osborne Hill Farm is critical to preserving both our history and our land. Future generations will now be able to experience this beautiful landmark. Natural Lands is a leader in our regional conservation efforts, and we are immensely grateful for their decades of important work.”

“Molly Morrison once said preserving land is like assembling a complicated puzzle,” said state Rep. Carolyn Comitta, D-156. “I want to thank Natural Lands together with the many individuals and nonprofits, local, county, and state agencies who have devoted time and resources to add their key piece to the preservation of this heritage landscape — beautiful historic open space preserved for posterity.”