Sandy Flash Lecture
Known as ‘Captain Fitch’ to some and ‘Sandy Flash’ to others, James Fitzpatrick’s exploits terrorized the area and his actions became legendary, described in a fascinating new book “Sandy Flash and the Trail of History” by Gene Pisasale. The year is 1778. George Washington and his Continental Army recently suffered a humbling defeat at the Battle of the Brandywine. The war against England has been raging for three years with few victories to give Americans confidence they will prevail. One local citizen who had fought alongside Washington’s troops has changed sides, supporting the British, plundering local farms and bringing his wrath upon anyone who supports the Patriot cause. Large and muscular, he has become a highwayman, brutally robbing people at gunpoint wherever he finds them.
- Date:08/29/2026 12:00 PM - 08/29/2026 01:30 PM
- Location 1491 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, USA (Map)
- More Info:Brandywine Battlefield Park
Description
Sandy Flash Lecture
August 29, 2026, 12 PM – 1:30 PM
Location: Brandywine Battlefield Park, 1491 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford PA, 19317
FREE EVENT
The year is 1778. George Washington and his Continental Army recently suffered a humbling defeat at the Battle of the Brandywine. The war against England has been raging for three years with few victories to give Americans confidence they will prevail. One local citizen who had fought alongside Washington’s troops has changed sides, supporting the British, plundering local farms and bringing his wrath upon anyone who supports the Patriot cause. Large and muscular, he has become a highwayman, brutally robbing people at gunpoint wherever he finds them around southern Chester County. Known as ‘Captain Fitch’ to some and ‘Sandy Flash’ to others, James Fitzpatrick’s exploits terrorized the area and his actions became legendary, described in a fascinating new book “Sandy Flash and the Trail of History.”
For more information: https://www.brandywinebattlefield.org/events/
About Brandywine Battlefield Park
Brandywine Battlefield Park is preserved and operated through a partnership between the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) and the Brandywine Battlefield Park Associates (BBPA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. While PHMC oversees state management and site maintenance, BBPA drives public interpretation, historic preservation, and community fundraising across the 50-square-mile National Historic Landmark where over 30,000 soldiers fought during the American Revolution.
Our Mission - We bring the history of the Battle of Brandywine to life by delivering engaging public tours, educational programs, and events that highlight its significance within the American Revolution. Through strong partnerships with state and local organizations, we lead community efforts to interpret and preserve the historic 50-square-mile battlefield landscape across 15 local municipalities for generations to come.
The Brandywine Battlefield Park is open on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm and Sundays from 12 pm to 4 pm. Admission ($5-$8 per person) currently includes access to our 18 minute orientation film, museum, and a guided house tour of Washington’s HQ and the Gideon Gilpin House.