The township's original name was Birmingham, which was given to it by William Brinton in remembrance of the town of the same name in England.

On September 11, 1777, the house owned by George Gilpin was occupied by General Howe of the British Army during the Battle of Brandywine.

Brandywine Creek forms the western boundary of both the township and of Delaware County.

[4] The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally cool to cold winters.

Average monthly temperatures in the village center of Chadds Ford range from 31.5 °F in January to 75.9 °F in July.

[12] U.S. Route 1 (Baltimore Pike) runs through the northern part of the township and intersects U.S.