The September 11, 1777, battle of Brandywine, a defeat for General George Washington, is too often forgotten by historians. Brandywine was one of the most important engagements of the war, also the largest land battle. Lafayette began his rise to an American hero that afternoon when he shed his blood for American freedom. Artist Karl J. Kuerner and author Bruce E. Mowday grew up near the main battlefield. Karl received instructions by world-known artist Andrew Wyeth. Karl uses his artistic talents to depict Brandywine landscape and Bruce writes about the history.