National Register Listing

Newtown Historic District

a.k.a. See Also:Half-Moon Inn;Friends Meeting House;Newton Downtown

PA 413 and PA 332, Newtown, PA
Local significance of the district:
Commerce; Agriculture; Military; Transportation; Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

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.

Audiobooks about the history of Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania was home to the first all-volunteer firefighting company in America, which was established in Philadelphia in 1736.
Pennsylvania random facts
Bucks County, Pennsylvania, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The county is located in the southeastern part of the state and is one of the three original counties established by William Penn in 1682. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Lenni Lenape, who lived off the land and established settlements along the Delaware River.

In the 17th century, European settlers began to arrive in Bucks County, primarily from England, Wales, and Germany. These settlers were attracted to the fertile land and natural resources of the area. They established prosperous farming communities and built mills along the county's many creeks and rivers, utilizing water power to grind grain and saw lumber.

During the American Revolution, Bucks County played a significant role. It was the site of several important battles and skirmishes, including the Battle of Crooked Billet in 1778. The county's strategic location along the Delaware River made it a crucial crossing point for troops and supplies.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Bucks County underwent significant economic and social changes. Industrialization brought new opportunities, and the county experienced growth in sectors such as manufacturing and textiles. The development of transportation infrastructure, including railways and canals, further propelled the county's economic progress. Bucks County also became a popular destination for artists and writers seeking inspiration in its picturesque landscapes and quaint towns.

Today, Bucks County continues to thrive as a vibrant and diverse community. Its rich history is preserved in numerous historical sites and museums, attracting tourists and residents alike. The county remains an important cultural and economic hub in Pennsylvania, offering a blend of rural charm and modern amenities.

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

  • 1682 - William Penn receives land grant for Pennsylvania from King Charles II.
  • 1682 - Bucks County is established as one of the original counties in Pennsylvania.
  • 1684 - First courthouse in Bucks County is built in Fallsington.
  • 1711 - Bucks County's first jail is constructed in Bristol.
  • 1776 - Bucks County residents play a significant role in the American Revolution, with the Battle of Trenton fought nearby.
  • 1812 - The Doylestown Courthouse is built, which becomes the county seat.
  • 1827 - The first steam-powered mill is constructed in Bucks County.
  • 1850 - The Delaware Canal is completed, connecting Bucks County to Philadelphia.
  • 1893 - The first electric trolley line is established in Bucks County, revolutionizing transportation.
  • 1938 - Bucks County Playhouse opens in New Hope, becoming a renowned theater venue.
  • 1979 - Washington Crossing Historic Park is established, commemorating George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River.
  • 1989 - Bucks County Community College opens its Upper Bucks Campus in Perkasie.