Daytime Hours Only
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The Hale-Byrnes House is a historic home once owned by Quakers who certainly didn't hold to the methods of the Revolution against the British Government. Nevertheless, in 1777, the Byrnes family found themselves between the British and American armies. General Howe's British troops had landed in Maryland and marched across land in Maryland and Delaware heading for Philadelphia, the capital of the young nation. On September 6, 1777, three days after the Battle of Cooch’s Bridge, George Washington held a war council at the Hale-Byrnes House to plan the defense of Philadelphia. In attendance were George Washington, Nathaniel Greene, Anthony Wayne, Henry Knox, and the Marquis de Lafayette in addition to other officers of the Continental army. A celebration is now held near Lafayette's birthday (cache date published is in his honor) since it was the same day as the beginning of the war council.
Warwick Hale and Samuel Hale originally owned the property. The house was built c 1750. Daniel Byrnes, a miller from Brandywine Village purchased the property and added a two-story service wing. The house was a great location for business, being on the main road which connected Philadelphia and Baltimore as well as along the White Clay Creek flowing into the navigable Christina River. Daniel, his wife Dinah and four children lived here. They were active in the Society of Friends, participating in efforts to bring back to the folds of Quaker pacifism those who had taken up arms.
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- Hale-Byrnes house is a current residence in addition to serving as a museum, so all finds must be done during daylight hours. You may park inside the wall, but respect the privacy of the residents. The caretaker lives there and is welcoming of geocachers visiting the property.
- Logging Requirements:
1. Email or message the CO with the answer to two questions:
a. Find the small metal plaque, front of house on the far left. Tell us the words.
b. Look inside the wall for an old outbuilding. Describe the features of this building. (Could be the materials, openings, size)
2. Post a photo in your log of yourself, a personal item or a paper with your geocaching name. It must include a view in the background of either the house or the historic marker. Logs with spoilers for requirement #1 may be deleted.
You can read more information and history on the Hale-Byrnes House web site.
Virtual Rewards 4.0 - 2024-2025
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.