National Register Listings in
Delaware County, Pennsylvania

1724 Chester Courthouse Albertson, Henry, Subdivision Historic District Allgates Andrew Wyeth Studio and Kuerner Farm (Boundary Expansion and Additional Documentation) Booth Farm Brandywine Battlefield Brandywine Summit Camp Meeting Bridge in Radnor Township No. 1 Bridge in Radnor Township No. 2 Camp-Woods Chad House Chadds Ford Historic District Chamberlain-Pennell House Chester Creek Historic District Chester Heights Camp Meeting Historic District Chester Waterside Station of the Philadelphia Electric Company Cheyney, John, Log Tenant House and Farm Chichester Friends Meetinghouse Collen Brook Farm Concord Friends Meetinghouse Concordville Historic District Crosley-Garrett Mill Workers' Housing, Store and Mill Site Crozer, George K., Mansion Crozer, John P., II, Mansion Darby Meeting Delaware County National Bank Downtown Wayne Historic District Eden Cemetery Federal School Forge Hill Gilpin Homestead Glenays Grange, The Handwrought High Hill Farm Hood Octagonal School Idlewild Ivy Mills Historic District Kuerner Farm-Wyeth, Andrew, Studio Lansdowne Park Historic District Lansdowne Theatre Lazaretto, The Leiper, Thomas, Estate Llanerch Public School Lower Swedish Cabin Marcus Hook Plank House Massey, Thomas, House Media Armory Melrose Merion Golf Club, East and West Courses Morton Homestead Morton, Morton, House Newlin Mill Complex Newlin, Nicholas, House Nitre Hall North Wayne Historic District Ogden House Old Main Old Main and Chemistry Building Old Rose Tree Tavern Painter, William, Farm Penn, William, Landing Site Pennsylvania Railroad Station at Wayne Pont Reading Printzhof, The Pusey, Caleb, House Pusey-Crozier Mill Historic District Radnor Friends Meetinghouse Ridley Creek State Park Risley, Dr. Samuel D., House Rose Valley Historic District Saturday Club Second Street Bridge Sellers Hall Seventeen-hundred-and-four House South Wayne Historic District Square Tavern St. David's Church and Graveyard St. Joseph's Parish Complex Stonehaven Third Presbyterian Church Thompson Cottage Thornton Village Historic District Thunderbird Lodge Twaddell's Mill and House Twentieth Century Club of Lansdowne Tyler, John J., Arboretum Wayne Hotel West, Benjamin, Birthplace Westlawn Wolley Stille Woodcrest Wyeth, N.C., House and Studio
Pennsylvania was the site of the deadliest nuclear accident in U.S. history. In 1979, a partial meltdown occurred at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania random facts
Delaware County, located in southeastern Pennsylvania, has a rich history that spans centuries. The area was originally inhabited by the Lenape Native American tribe, who were the first to settle in the region. European colonization began in the early 17th century when Dutch and Swedish settlers established trading posts along the Delaware River. The Dutch were the first to claim the land, followed by the Swedes, who established the New Sweden colony in present-day Delaware County.

In 1682, Delaware County, along with the rest of Pennsylvania, became a part of the English colony founded by William Penn. The county's strategic location and natural resources attracted early settlers, leading to the establishment of numerous towns and villages. The region played a significant role during the American Revolution, as several major battles were fought in Delaware County and nearby Philadelphia. Valley Forge, located in present-day Montgomery County, served as the winter encampment for George Washington's Continental Army in 1777-1778.

The Industrial Revolution brought further growth and prosperity to Delaware County in the 19th century. Industries like textile mills, ironworks, and shipbuilding thrived, fueling economic development and immigration. The county's proximity to Philadelphia, along with the expansion of railways and trolley lines, facilitated the transportation of goods and people. The population continued to grow, and suburbanization accelerated in the 20th century as more people moved out of Philadelphia and into the surrounding areas, including Delaware County.

Today, Delaware County remains a vibrant and diverse community. Its historical landmarks, such as the Pennsylvania Military Museum, Civil War Library and Museum, and Swarthmore College, continue to highlight its heritage. The county also boasts a thriving economy, with a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Despite facing challenges, such as urbanization and population growth, Delaware County continues to adapt and evolve while preserving its rich historical legacy.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Delaware County, Pennsylvania.

  • 1643: The Swedes establish the first European settlement in the area, known as New Sweden.
  • 1664: The English take control of New Sweden and incorporate the area into the Province of Pennsylvania.
  • 1789: Delaware County is established as one of the original three counties of Pennsylvania.
  • 1807: The borough of Chester is incorporated, becoming the county seat.
  • 1831: The first railroad, the Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore Railroad, is completed in Delaware County.
  • 1864: The Battle of Chaffin's Farm takes place in Delaware County as part of the American Civil War.
  • 1870: The Pennsylvania Institute for the Deaf and Dumb is founded in Chester.
  • 1944: Sun Oil Company, now known as Sunoco, opens its first refinery in Marcus Hook.
  • 1995: Harrah's Chester Casino & Racetrack opens in Chester, becoming the first legal casino in the Philadelphia region.