Chadd's Ford, Likely Site of British Attack  The American
defense was centered at Chadd's Ford, which comprised two
crossing points, the ford itself and Chadd's Ferry about 300
yards to the south. Washington was fairly confident that Howe
would press his troops directly at Chadd's Ford, since that ford
was situated on the Great Nottingham Road, one of only three
major roads to cross the creek on the way to Philadelphia.  At
each of the eight fords along the creek, Washington posted
defenders. The fords farthest north had the fewest defenders
since Washington did not believe they would be attacked. The
troops there would serve as safeguards by holding off any
British advance and warning Washington of attack. To the south,
the fords were thickly wooded and hard to get to. Regardless,
Washington posted militia at the southernmost crossing, Pyle's
Ford, as a precaution.  The topography around the Brandywine was
also a factor in Washington's decision to make his defense
there. The hills above the slopes of the cre