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- Introduction
- Histories of Newark
- The Spirit of Newark
- "Our Town"
- Geography
- Natural Setting
- Protecting Our Environment
- Transportation
- Ties to the American Revolution
- Early Religious Heritage
- Early Landholders: The Lewis Family
- The Academy
- The University: Its Men, Women, Spirit
- Education
- Agriculture
- Early Manufacturing
- Early Industries
- Chrysler
- Change
- Shops and Trades
- Commerce
- Architecture
- The Johnsons: Louise Staton Johnson and her husband, Everett C. Johnson
- Residential Growth
- Mapping Growth
- Post-WWII Growth
- Growing Pains
- Clubs and Organizations
- Protective Services
- The Arts
- Music
- Conclusion
Ties to the American Revolution
The only battle from any American war fought on Delaware ground occurred just south of Newark, near Cooch's Bridge, on September 3, 1777. British troops commanded by Lord Cornwallis and Sir William Howe, on the way to the Battle of the Brandywine, skirmished with the revolutionaries, then passed through Newark on their way north. The legend that Betsy Ross's flag first flew over battle at Cooch's Bridge is unsubstantiated.
Cooch's Bridge in the Revolution,
original pen and ink sketch by Andrew Wyeth.
Christopher Ward papers.
original pen and ink sketch by Andrew Wyeth.
Christopher Ward papers.
The Cooch House, located just beyond the bridge, has been in continuous family ownership since it was built by Thomas Cooch in 1760, after his return from the French and Indian War. Cornwallis occupied the Cooch House as his headquarters and his army sacked and destroyed local grist mills. When the British passed through Newark on September 8, they found it quite deserted.
Art work of Delaware / published in twelve parts. [Chicago] : Charles Madison Co., 1898.
Cooch's Bridge in the Revolution / original pen and ink sketch by Andrew Wyeth for an illustration in The Delaware Tercentenary Almanack (1937) by Christopher Ward.
Christopher Ward papers.
Gift of Mrs. Christopher Ward
The Robert Kirkwood Society, Children of the American Revolution, was a healthy chapter during the late 1930s, celebrating local history with many activities centered around ties to the 1777 Battle of Cooch's Bridge. Virginia Cooch and her neighbor Frazer Jones were both active members.
Postcard of Monument Coach's [sic] Bridge,
September 3, 1777.
Delaware Postcard collection.
September 3, 1777.
Delaware Postcard collection.
Postcard of Monument Coach's [sic] Bridge: Sept. 3, 1777.
Delaware Postcard collection.
Yearbook, 1938-1939.
Frazer Jones papers related to the Robert Kirkwood Society, Children of the American Revolution.
Gift of Virginia Cooch Hardwick
Photograph of a storefront display on Main Street, October 1958.
Frazer Jones papers of the Robert Kirkwood Society, Children of the American Revolution.
Gift of Virginia Cooch Hardwick
