Battle of Cooch's Bridge

The Battle of Cooch's Bridge on September 3, 1777 is historically significant as the only battle of the Revolutionary War fought in Delaware and is sometimes credited as the first occasion where the Stars and Stripes battle flag was flown in combat, though this claim is disputed by historians. General Maxwell's light infantry attempted to slow Cornwallis's advance guard as Howe's army moved toward Philadelphia.

Maxwell's men fought a skirmishing action through the woods along Iron Hill, inflicting casualties before being pushed back. The terrain heavily favored the defense, and the Americans used it effectively, retreating in good order after accomplishing their mission of slowing the British advance and gathering intelligence. About 30 Americans were killed or wounded against similar British casualties.

The engagement was part of Washington's strategy of harassing the British advance with light infantry while gathering his main force for the larger battle at Brandywine Creek. Maxwell's performance at Cooch's Bridge was considered satisfactory — he had not lost his command and had imposed a delay on the British timetable.