National Register Listing

Phoenixville Historic District

Roughly bounded by Penn St., RR tracks, Fourth Ave., and Wheatland St., Phoenixville, PA
Local significance of the district:
Industry; Commerce; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The first U.S. Navy submarine, the USS Holland, was built in Philadelphia in 1900.
Pennsylvania random facts
Chester County, Pennsylvania, has a rich and fascinating history that traces back to the early days of European settlement in America. The county was originally inhabited by the Lenni Lenape Native American tribe. In the early 17th century, Dutch, Swedish, and English explorers made their way to the area. The first permanent European settlement was established by Dutch traders in 1623 at New Sweden, located near present-day Chester.

In 1681, William Penn was granted a charter to establish a colony that would later become Pennsylvania. Penn actively encouraged settlement in the area, and Chester County quickly grew as English Quakers and other European immigrants flocked to the region. Agriculture played a prominent role in the county's early development, with farmers cultivating wheat, barley, and corn.

The American Revolutionary War had a significant impact on Chester County, as the area witnessed several crucial battles. The battle of Brandywine, fought in 1777, saw General George Washington's troops clash with British forces. Although the Americans lost the battle, it marked a turning point in the war and led to their eventual victory.

In the 19th century, Chester County experienced significant industrial growth. The rise of the railroad brought increased commerce, as factories and mills sprouted up throughout the county. The county's population grew, and towns such as West Chester, Phoenixville, and Coatesville thrived. Today, Chester County is known for its historical landmarks, charming small towns, and beautiful countryside. It continues to attract visitors and residents alike with its unique blend of history, natural beauty, and modern amenities.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Chester County, Pennsylvania.

  • 1682 - Chester County is established by William Penn as one of the original counties of Pennsylvania.
  • 1683 - The first county courthouse is built in Chester County in the town of Chester.
  • 1713 - The Great Valley Presbyterian Church, one of the oldest Presbyterian churches in the United States, is founded in Chester County.
  • 1777 - During the American Revolutionary War, the Battle of Brandywine takes place in Chester County, resulting in a British victory.
  • 1786 - The village of West Chester is officially incorporated as a borough in Chester County.
  • 1791 - The construction of the first bridge over the Schuylkill River, known as the Parker Ford Bridge, is completed in Chester County.
  • 1863 - During the American Civil War, Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart's cavalry passes through Chester County during the Gettysburg Campaign.
  • 1950 - The population of Chester County surpasses 100,000, marking a significant increase from its early settlement days.
  • 1963 - Valley Forge National Historical Park is established in Chester County, preserving the site of the Continental Army's winter encampment during the Revolutionary War.
  • 2000 - Chester County becomes one of the fastest-growing counties in Pennsylvania, with a population exceeding 400,000.
  • 2018 - Chester County continues to thrive and develop as a diverse and vibrant community in southeastern Pennsylvania.