Cooch's Bridge

Cooch's Bridge is located on the Old Baltimore Pike in Newark, Delaware. The only reason the bridge is mentioned is due to a September 3, 1777 battle. The Battle of Cooch's Bridge was of historical importance for the American Revolutionary War. The battle was fought in Delaware and it was the first time the Stars and Stripes flag was flown in a battle.

The battle was between British and Hessian troops. The troops were led by Generals Cornwallis Howe, Knyphausen and for the colonials George Washington. Events leading up to the battle began on August 30th about two miles south of the bridge. Americans tried to force the British Army back with tactics learned from the Native Americans.

The battle contained only 700 colonials, who were also outgunned. The British forced the American troops back to Cooch's Bridge. Unfortunately, the battle did not go too well since the American troops depleted their ammunition and had to retreat. The property including the bridge was taken by the British who burned many buildings. Cornwallis set up headquarters in Cooch House in order to regroup for another battle.

About 30 American soldiers were killed during the battle. General Howe was defeated on September 11 in the Battle of Brandywine.