A Revolutionary Treasure: Delaware's Hale Byrnes House

I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to tour the historic Hale-Byrnes House in Delaware as part of a trip to Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley.

The “First State” is known for its rich colonial history and Revolutionary War landmarks, but the Hale-Byrnes House stands out as a true treasure, offering a unique glimpse into historic events that occurred during our nation’s founding.

Ready to uncover a piece of American history that most travelers overlook? Let’s dive into why this historic home deserves a spot on your Revolutionary War bucket list.

Past Lane Travels contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read our disclaimer for more information.

The Hale-Byrnes house is a two story brick structure with white window frames. There is a brick gate and brick walkway in front. — The street view of the Hale-Byrnes house.

What Is The Hale-Byrnes House?

The Hale-Burnes House is an 18th-century home that was used by George Washington for a council of war in 1777, before the Battle of Brandywine.

Where Is The Hale-Byrnes House?

This historic home is located at 606 Stanton-Christiana Road, Newark, DE, and is open for tours from April to December.

Off-The-Beaten-Path, But Easy To Find

Traffic rushes by this unassuming brick house that sits along Stanton-Christiana Road in Newark, with most people not giving it a second glance. That’s amazing given the amazing historical events that took place within its walls.

The Hale Byrnes House was the site of a pivotal meeting between General George Washington and his trusted commanders during the turbulent days of the Battle of Brandywine in 1777.

A painting of the Hale-Byrnes house with the gathering of officers. The house is a two story brick structure. — A painting of the council of war at the Hale-Byrnes house. The old Sycamore tree still stands.

History of the Hale-Byrnes House

On 23 Nov., 1749, millwright Warwick Hale left his property on the south-west bank of the White Clay Creek to his son, Samuel, but Samuel soon sold the property to David Finney of New Castle.

Whether the existing c 1750 house was built by Samuel Hale or by David Finney is unclear, but the inscription of “A. Finney” on a brick on the second story back wall may be a clue.

A brick in the Hale Byrnes house is inscribed with A Finney. — A brick on the back wall of the house is signed with “A. Finney.”

In January of 1773, David Finney sold the house to Daniel Byrnes, a Quaker preacher and miller from Brandywine Village and his wife Dinah Hicklin Byrnes.

The Byrnes’s family added the two-story service wing with its large walk-in fireplace.

Related Story: Celebrate America 250 in June of 2026 during the Separation Day festivities in New Castle, Del.

A Council Of War

On Sept. 6, 1777, three days after the nearby Battle of Cooch’s Bridge, General George Washington held a war council at the Hale Byrnes House. All of the major figures that we read about in history books were there, including George Washington, Nathaniel Greene, Henry Knox, the Marquis de Lafayette and others.

This meeting occurred just days before the fateful clash at Brandywine Creek, which would prove to be one of the largest battles of the Revolutionary War.

Related Post: Visit the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia.

A reflection in the mirror showing a chandelier and a portrait of George Washington in the Hale-Byrnes house that used for a council of war during the Revolutionary War. — A mirror in the Hale-Byrnes house showing the reflection of a portrait of George Washington.

💡 Quick tip: Save money while exploring top historical attractions by booking with Viator or Get Your Guide.

Strategic Location

At the time of the Revolutionary War, Daniel Byrnes, a Quaker miller owned the house. Despite his pacifist beliefs as a member of the Religious Society of Friends, Byrnes allowed the Continental Army to use his home for this critical war council.

The house was an ideal gathering point because of its proximity to military sites. Within its walls, Washington and his officers debated tactics, and prepared for what would become a defining moment in the fight for independence.

Among those present was the young Lafayette—newly arrived from France. This meeting marked one of his earliest contributions to the Revolution, setting the stage for his legendary partnership with Washington.

Although the Battle of Brandywine ended in a tactical loss for the Continental Army, the Hale-Byrnes House remains a touchstone to the determination of the Revolutionary leaders.

Related Post: Explore the history of the country with this tour of New Castle, DE.

A colonial dress hangs in a corner along with period artwork. One of the paintings shows a young boy and a young girl. — Visitors to the Hale-Byrnes house can see period artifacts.

A True Historic Treasure

The historic Hale-Byrnes House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the southern anchor of the federally-designated Wild and Scenic White Clay Creek. It is also an important site on the nine-state Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail.

The living room of the Hale Byrnes house has a fireplace with green paint and a large red rug. — This room has items from the colonial period for children to see and touch.

Get your tickets to the American Revolution Museum in Philadelphia ahead of time. Don’t stand in line!

Plan Your Visit

The Hale-Byrnes House is open seasonally, starting in April and ending in December.

Location: The street address is 606 Stanton-Christiana Road (Old Route 7 just south of Stanton, Delaware, near the intersection of Route 4 East and Route 7 North).

The Hale-Byrnes house with the same Sycamore tree that stood during the American Revolution. The house is brick and the tree trunk is white. — You can see the same Sycamore tree that stood during the Revolutionary War remains in front of the house.

Visiting Wilmington? Check out this 2-hour and 20 minute e-bike tour! Learn about landmarks and history!

Why Travelers Should Visit

Walk in the Footsteps of Revolutionary Leaders
Visiting the Hale-Byrnes House is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of the American Revolution. Stand in the very room where George Washington, Lafayette, and other prominent leaders strategized during a critical moment in the fight for independence.
Experience Authentic Colonial History
The Hale-Byrnes House has been meticulously preserved to retain its colonial charm. From its original brick exterior to period-appropriate furnishings, the house offers a tangible glimpse into the 18th century.
Educational and Inspiring
Whether you’re a student of history, a teacher, or simply curious about America’s past, the Hale-Byrnes House provides an engaging educational experience. It’s not just a visit—it’s an inspiring lesson in patriotism and perseverance.

Ready for a Vacation? How about a 4-day Family Ranch Getaway in Marion, Montana?

An old spinning wheels sits along the wall in the Hale Byrnes house. The floors are wood and walls are green. — An old spinning wheel sits along the wall in the house.

If you enjoy touring old houses, make sure you look at my posts on Houses and Plantations that are open for tours, including Revolutionary War-era houses like the Burgwin-Wright House in Wilmington, N.C.

You can also find some amazing historic houses to tour in the charming port town of Wilmington, N.C.

Practical Information for Visitors

Location and Accessibility
The Hale-Byrnes House is located at 606 Stanton-Christiana Road, Newark, DE. (Exit 4B of I-95. Take Route 7 North and turn right immediately after the Morgan-Christiana Bank Center.) The house is easily accessible from Philadelphia, Wilmington, and other nearby cities, making it a perfect stop for a day trip or part of a longer Revolutionary War itinerary.
Visiting Hours: Open April through December the first Wednesday of each month from noon-3 pm. Closed Jan, Feb, Mar. (Also available for rent for small meetings).
Special Events and Programs
Throughout the year, the Hale-Byrnes House hosts special events such as living history demonstrations and educational workshops. These events offer unique opportunities to experience the history of the house in a dynamic and interactive way.
Nearby Attractions and Dining Options
Pair your visit to the Hale-Byrnes House with other historical sites in the area, such as the Brandywine Battlefield or Wilmington’s Old Swedes Church. After exploring, enjoy a meal at one of the charming local restaurants offering a mix of contemporary and colonial-inspired fare.

Have you heard the interesting story about the tornado that saved the White House during the Battle of 1812?

Need A Place To Stay in Newark?

Tips For An Enjoyable History Adventure

Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring a notebook or journal if you enjoy jotting down interesting historical facts or personal reflections.

Don’t forget your camera or smartphone for capturing the picturesque exterior and any unique artifacts inside the house.

Nearby Attractions to Enhance Your Trip
Extend your journey into Revolutionary War history by visiting the Brandywine Battlefield Park, just a short drive away. Other nearby highlights include New Castle’s historic district, where you can grab a meal at the historic Jessop’s Tavern.

Suggestion for your Revolutionary War Bucket List is the historic Hanover Tavern and Hanover Courthouse, just outside Richmond, Va.

Wrap-Up Of the Hale-Byrnes House

The Hale-Byrnes House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is part of the nine-state Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail and is also the southern anchor site of the federally-designated Wild and Scenic White Clay Creek.

This historic home was the first building in Delaware to receive the State Heritage Plaque.

For history enthusiasts, a visit to the Hale-Byrnes House is not just a journey into the past—it’s an opportunity to stand in the very place where the fate of a nation was deliberated by some of its most iconic leaders.

Planning A Trip?

🛌 Find the perfect accommodations with Booking.com. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly options, they have a room for every preference, including pets and pools.

🎡 Discover the best tours and activities with Viator or Get Your Guide. Explore iconic landmarks, take guided tours and immerse yourself in history.

🚗 Rent a car with Discover Cars and enjoy the freedom to explore the town at your own pace. Discover hidden gems, explore the countryside and make the most of your trip.

✈️ Need a flight? Check FareDrop for the best deals.

A Revolutionary Treasure: Delaware’s Hale Byrnes House