National Register Listing

Thompson Cottage

a.k.a. James Marshall Cottage

SE of Westchester on Thornton Rd., Westchester, PA
Local significance of the building:
Black; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

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.

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.