Traditional Inhabitants

The Brandywine Valley was long inhabited by an Algonquin Indian tribe called Lenape (len-ah’-pay), meaning “common people.” The tribes were known to stay along the banks of the river and preferred hilltop locations for their longhouses. After consulting with several local historians it is highly likely the property would have been inhabited by the Lenape.

John Hope Plantation (1702-1802)

Before America was a nation, the property was part of the John Hope Plantation. John Hope purchased 200 acres of land from William Penn’s land grant in the 1680’s. The JunXion Farm property served as the Northeast corner of the property, a point marked by the original stone obelisk used to designate property lines at that time.

The Hope home was built near the intersection of Route 1/Baltimore Pike and what is now Hickory Hill Rd. Part of the original structure still stands today. The JunXion Farm property would have been a field during these early days.

Battle of the Brandywine (1779)

The John Hope House is mentioned in one of the earliest accoutns of the Battle of the Brandywine. Continental troops were situated around the house when they fired shots at the Queens Rangers and Captain Ferguson’s troops as they marched from Kennett Square toward the Brandywine River. A significant skirmish took place between the American militia and the British forces on the property. Working with a local treasure hunting expert we have recovered musket parts.

Joseph Lancaster Estate (1850)

Joseph Lancaster owned the property at this time and went back and forth with the township on using the property for community events including use as a tavern. This area of the Brandywine Valley was active as part of the Underground Railroad during this time. Like many other homes, the Lancaster home had a trap door into the basement to help throw off the authorities. Once slaves reached the Pennsylvania state line, just a few miles south of the property, they had reached freedom. It is highly likely the property was traversed by those who had just reached freedom.

Bruhin’s & Pennsaxum Farm (Late 1900s)

The property changed ownership several times with the main home moving from private residence and a bed and breakfast. Meanwhile, the larger farm estate was sold off with the Bruhin family purchasing a 50 acre parcel. That parcel was divided into three smaller parcels, one for the children, and then a granddaughter. The children operated a horse farm they called Pennsaxum Farm, meaning “Penn’s Rock,” as a homage to the stone obelisk marker on the corner of the property and the rich history.

JunXion Farm (2019)

The Derfler Family initially moved into the home at the generosity of the Ralph Family, who offered their home to stay as they built a community magazine originally named Chadds Ford JunXion. The name came from a rail station, the Chadds Ford Junction, built in 1909, was a pivotal development for Chadds Ford and the surrounding area as it enabled new people and resources to come to the area.

Ryan Derfler, an Eagle Scout, began hosting community events on the property including for a local Christian school, Innovate Academy, and the Boy Scouts of America. During the pandemic in 2020, the Derflers launched a cafe business in one of the structures built by Joseph Lancaster to advance their community mission.

Realizing the rich natural ecosystem on the property, the Derflers began to host foragers and publish articles to educate the community on how best to enjoy and preserve the environment. The property is rich with flora and fauna, including foxes, deer, bog turtles, and pileated woodpeckers.