On Strasburg Road (Pennsylvania Route 162) 0.1 miles west of Telegraph Road, on the right when traveling west.
On this site stood the Joseph Buffington House, c. 1821. A tenant house within the village of
Copesville and now the Taylor-Cope National Register Historic District. 1792 - Joseph
Buffington, a blacksmith from New Castle County, Delaware purchased . . . — — Map (db m192741) HM
On North Walnut Street at North Walnut Street & East Biddle Street, on the right when traveling north on North Walnut Street.
(East Side): Erected by the Surviving Members of the Ninety Seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers to the Memory of Its Dead. Dedicated October 29, 1887
(North Side): Field and Staff Officers at the organization of the . . . — — Map (db m41062) HM
On Birmingham Road, 0.2 miles east of S. New Street, on the right when traveling east.
The American Battlefield Trust is a nonpartisan,
nonprofit organization devoted to saving the hallowed
battlegrounds of America's first 100 years.
Since its founding in 1987, the American
Battlefield Trust has protected more than 50,000 . . . — — Map (db m194860) HM
On Barnard Street at South Church Street, on the right when traveling east on Barnard Street.
The National Registry of Historic Places
Denney Reyburn Senior Apartments
1841-1887 ~ Barnard Street Public School
First public school in West Chester
1887-1985 ~ Tag factory of S.L. Denney
First automatic tag manufacturing plant . . . — — Map (db m108804) HM
On Maple Avenue near Lincoln Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
Born here, the civil rights leader and pacifist organized the 1963 March on Washington. Head of A. Philip Randolph Institute, 1966-1979. Elected to Henderson High School Hall of Fame. — — Map (db m8243) HM
On Birmingham Road, 0.2 miles west of S. New Street, on the right when traveling east.
"General Howe will strain every nerve to possess Philadelphia,"
- General George Washington, September 9, 1777
You are facing northwest, towards the scene of some of the hardest
fighting of the Revolutionary War. On September 11, . . . — — Map (db m194865) HM
On Birmingham Road just east of S. New Street, on the right when traveling east.
You are facing northwest with Birmingham Hill immediately on the other side of the
tree line. Lord Stirling, with the New Jersey Brigade and 3rd Pennsylvania Brigade
along with Stephen's 3rd and 4th Virginia Brigades, and the remnants of . . . — — Map (db m194932) HM
On N. High Street near Market Street, on the left when traveling north.
One of Pennsylvania's three original counties, formed 1682 by William Penn. Name derived from Cheshire in England. West Chester, the county seat since 1788, was incorporated in 1799. County was the scene of important military activities in 1777-1778. — — Map (db m50505) HM
On North High Street at West Market Street on North High Street.
The first court house within the limits of the present County of Chester stood at this corner on a plot of ground 115 feet in front by 165 feet in depth
The building, begun in 1784 and completed in 1786, was used until 1846 when the present . . . — — Map (db m50499) HM
On West Market Street just west of High Street, on the left when traveling east.
Chester County Remembers World War II Veterans
Community Commemorative Committee of Chester County
(1991 – 1995)
November 11, 1995 — — Map (db m49253) HM
On North Matlack Street, on the right when traveling north.
David Townsend House
This Property Devised December 1951 by
Marion Hoopes Stevenson
To the
Chester County Historical Society
As a memorial
To her Great-Grandfather
DAVID TOWNSEND
1787 – 1858
Banker, Botanist,
Civic . . . — — Map (db m50314) HM
On West Market Street, on the left when traveling east.
To honor all disabled veterans of Chester County who served their country and were wounded or injured in the line of duty
DAV 90 — — Map (db m49144) WM
Near South High Street, on the left when traveling south.
Champion of human freedom, African American abolitionist, newspaper editor, U.S. Colored Troops recruiter, U.S. ambassador to Haiti, and orator, Frederick Douglass gave his last public address "Against Lynch Law" here on February 1, 1895. A frequent . . . — — Map (db m8135) HM
On E. Chestnut Street at N. Walnut Street, on the left when traveling west on E. Chestnut Street.
A West Chester chemist, he pioneered the mass production of penicillin, the world's first antibiotic. In 1943, with Wyeth Laboratories, his lab (a converted auto repair shop here) made & sent more penicillin to the Armed Forces than any other lab in . . . — — Map (db m8153) HM
On East Gay Street at North Adams Street & East Gay Street, on the right when traveling west on East Gay Street.
“We, A group of Veterans, their family and friends, have erected this memorial to Honor our Country’s Veterans, living and deceased, from the Greater West Chester area.” — — Map (db m49719) WM
On North Matlack Street, on the right when traveling north.
After visiting the Brandywine Battlefield on July 26, 1825, General Lafayette came to West Chester. From a point half a block west from here, he reviewed troops parading in his honor. — — Map (db m50265) HM
On East Gay Street, on the left when traveling west.
This Structure Has Been
recorded by the
HISTORIC AMERICAN
BUILDINGS SURVEY
of the United States Department
of the Interior for its Archives
at the Library of Congress — — Map (db m92811) HM
On W, Gay Street, on the right when traveling west.
Born in West Chester in 1888. Pippin occupied this house from 1920 until his death in 1946. A self-taught black artist, he painted while living here such notable works as "Domino Players," "John Brown Going to His Hanging," and the "Holy Mountain" . . . — — Map (db m8156) HM
On Creek Road at Allerton Road, on the right when traveling north on Creek Road.
Around 11am on Sep. 11, 1777, British Generals Howe and Cornwallis crossed the Brandywine River with approx. 11,000 Crown Forces here at Jefferis Ford. After marching 10 miles from Kennett Square, this was the second unguarded ford they needed to . . . — — Map (db m242870) HM
On N. Church Street at W. Lafayette Street, on the right when traveling south on N. Church Street.
Conservationist, father of the State Forest idea in Pennsylvania, lived in this house from 1876 until his death in 1922. He pioneered in the development of forest fire control, reforestation, and scientific forestry. — — Map (db m8240) HM
On W. Market Street, on the right when traveling east.
The first published biography of Abraham Lincoln was printed in this building on Feb. 11, 1860. It was prepared from Lincoln's own notes, and served to introduce him to the public as a potential presidential candidate. — — Map (db m184093) HM
On East Biddle Street at North Matlack Street, on the left when traveling east on East Biddle Street.
West Chester’s first public square, dedicated in 1848. Recognized in the late 19th century for having one of the best collections of trees and shrubs with 160 distinct species. Named in honor of Humphry Marshall (1722 – 1801), a world-renowned . . . — — Map (db m89945) HM
On Westtown Way just south of West Chester Pike (Pennsylvania Route 3), on the left when traveling north.
circa
1796
Part of the Ashbridge Sawmill, built on 771 acre
land grant April 7, 1685 to Francis Fincher
of Worcester England. In later years it became a
home to workers employed at Westtown School.
The Springhouse fell into . . . — — Map (db m192733) HM
On West Market Street at North High Street & West Market Street, on the left when traveling east on West Market Street.
[Left Plaque]
Erected by The County of Chester
In grateful commemoration of the heroism, sacrifices, and patriotism of her soldiers, sailors, and marines displayed during the late war of the rebellion for the preservation of the Union and . . . — — Map (db m48892) HM
Old Main Building, constructed in 1871, served as the principal dormitory and classroom facility for the West Chester Teacher's Normal School. In 1971, faced with prohibitive costs of a facility upgrade, Old Main was torn down by the PA Dept of . . . — — Map (db m8136) HM
On S. Church Street, on the left when traveling south.
Boyhood home of this composer of orchestral and vocal works, including the "Adagio for Strings" and Knoxville; Summer of 1915." Won Pulitzer Prizes in music, 1958 & 1963. Graduate, Curtis Institute. He wrote West Chester High's Alma Mater song. — — Map (db m8157) HM
On S. New Street, 0.1 miles north of Birmingham Road, on the right when traveling south.
Welcome to Sandy Hollow, part of the Brandywine Battlefield National Historic Landmark.
On September 11, 1777, the Continental Army was positioned here to stop the advance
of British forces intending to march to Philadelphia to capture the city. . . . — — Map (db m182873) HM
On East Washington Street, on the right when traveling west.
Simon Barnard Row
104-116 East Washington Street
227 North Walnut Street
These Row Houses were constructed about 1856 by Simon Barnard, local businessman, builder, realtor and Political Activist who was an advocate of the Anti-Slavery . . . — — Map (db m90315) HM
On W. Gay Street at N. High Street, on the right when traveling west on W. Gay Street.
(Turk's Head), built of logs, 1760. Used as a hospital for American wounded after the Battle of Brandywine, Sept, 1777. Some soldiers died and were buried here in the schoolyard. — — Map (db m8154) HM
Near West Gay Street at South High Street, on the right when traveling west.
Site of First Schoolhouse in West Chester (Turk's Head), built of logs, 1760. Used as a hospital for American wounded after the Battle of Brandywine, Sept, 1777. Some soldiers died and were buried here in the schoolyard. — — Map (db m92184) HM
On South Adams Street, on the left when traveling south.
An African American women's community service organization chartered 1865. A part of the United Order of Tents, J.R. Giddings and Jollifee Union, founded in 1847 and named for abolitionist Congressman Giddings and his law partner. — — Map (db m8241) HM
On East Market Street, on the left when traveling east.
Chartered by The State of Pennsylvania on April 22, 1890 this is the only Mutual savings bank in the County and is one of seven in the state. It is owned and operated for the benefit of the depositors. Previous locations of the bank were nearby on . . . — — Map (db m49388) HM
On East Market Street, on the left when traveling east.
This Bank occupies the site on which John Hoopes erected the Turk’s Head Tavern in 1769. Much of West Chester’s early history is associated with The Turk’s Head. For nearly 200 years, as tavern and hotel, it was an important center for military, . . . — — Map (db m49389) HM
On West Gay Street, on the left when traveling west.
Erected in 1812 for many years a flourishing classical and mathematical school stood on a site in the rear of this house the first president of the Board of Trustees was John Forsythe the first secretary was Dr. William Darlington. In 1869 this . . . — — Map (db m95982) HM
On N. High Street near Market Street, on the right when traveling north.
Physician, congressman, began a service of 33 years as president of Bank of Chester County, in this building, 1830. Especially noted for his many contributions to the science and study of botany in the early 1800's. He died in 1863. — — Map (db m8148) HM
On North High Street, on the right when traveling north.
Eminent Botanist
Member of Congress
Born in Birmingham Chester County 1792 Died
West Chester 1863
Began a service of thirty three years as President of The Bank of Chester County in this building – 1830 — — Map (db m62205) HM
On N. High Street at Evans Street, on the right when traveling north on N. High Street.
The first Woman's Rights Convention in Pennsylvania was held here, June 2-3, 1852, four years after the famous Seneca Falls, New York, Convention. It adopted resolutions promoting the legal, educational and vocational rights of women. — — Map (db m8149) HM
On West Street Road (State Highway 926) at South Birmingham Road, on the right when traveling west on West Street Road.
The British attack on the American right wing began here late in the afternoon. After heavy fighting, the defense line which Sullivan formed hastily near Birmingham Meeting House was forced to retreat to Dilworthtown, 2 miles SE. Reinforcements from . . . — — Map (db m39590) HM
Near South New Street, on the right when traveling south. Reported missing.
The American Right Flank Slows the British Advance
General Adam Stephen’s 3rd and 4th Virginia Regiments situated on the far right end of the American line on the crest of the present day Sandy Hollow Heritage Park held their positions . . . — — Map (db m242754) HM
On S. Birmingham Road south of Meetinghouse Road, on the right when traveling south.
The Battle of Brandywine was the largest and longest battle of the American Revolution. • At 4 am, September 11, 1777, British troops marched from Kennett Square towards the colonial capital of Philadelphia. • Gen. Washington positioned many of . . . — — Map (db m182829) HM
On South New Street at Birmingham Road, on the right when traveling south on South New Street.
Brandywine Battlefield A Commonwealth Treasure For all to protect and preserve as the site of one of the major battles in the colonists’ fight for independence — — Map (db m41299) HM
On Birmingham Road, on the left when traveling east.
Late afternoon, Crown Forces had successfully outflanked American defenses positioned on Brandywine Creek. In response, infantry and artillery of American Generals Sullivan's and Stirling's divisions quickly redeployed from along Brandywine Creek, . . . — — Map (db m242753) HM
On Old Wilmington Pike at Brintons Bridge Road, on the left when traveling south on Old Wilmington Pike.
Dilworthtown
The Battle of Brandywine,
September 11, 1777, ended a short
distance southeast of this place.
__________
Erected by
The Pennsylvania Historical Commission
and the Chester and Delaware
County Historical Societies . . . — — Map (db m183166) HM
Should days of brisk be forgot,
Although these days have fled.
Can we neglect the sacred spot,
Where Patriot Heroes bled?
An not those days of "old lang syne,"
We never can forget.
When with our sires to Brandywine,
Come gallant . . . — — Map (db m73844) WM
In memory of those who fell in the Battle of Brandywine Sept 11, 1777. Back of this in a common grave lay those who fell in this vicinity. — — Map (db m73830) HM WM
On this native stone rested one corner of the first Meeting House at Birmingham built cedar logs with a flintstone in center of it upon which they burnt charcoal to heat the meeting, erected 1721. — — Map (db m73829) HM
Near South New Street, on the right when traveling south.
The Battle of Brandywine involved 28,000 soldiers in combat and was the largest and longest battle of the American Revolution. • After marching 17 miles in 9 hours from Kennett Square, Gen. Howe’s army took a break for tea, to rest and refresh . . . — — Map (db m182869) HM
On South New Street, on the right when traveling south.
"You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together, the independence and liberty you possess are the work of joint councils and joint efforts of common dangers, suffering and success."
Washington's Farewell Address
Sept. 17, . . . — — Map (db m242756) HM
You are standing next to a Civil War era cannon. Its sister cannon is located at the corner of Birmingham and Wylie Roads. Each cannon weighs about 6,000 pounds. They were acquired by local Congressman Tom Butler from the War Department and arrived . . . — — Map (db m242757) HM
On S. Birmingham Road, 0.1 miles south of Meetinghouse Road, on the right when traveling south.
During the Battle of the
Brandywine, as the fighting
formations fell into disarray.
British soldiers rushed
forward with their bayonets.
Continental soldiers, not
familiar with using bayonets,
defended themselves with
the butts of their . . . — — Map (db m183630) HM
On Birmingham Road, on the right when traveling north.
Was established at this place about 1753. It was for many years under the care of John Forsythe, the First Head Master of Westtown Boarding School opened in 1799. Dr. William Darlington was a pupil at Birmingham. — — Map (db m8245) HM
On Birmingham Road, on the right when traveling north.
During the Battle of the Brandywine on September 11, 1777, the American Army used the walls of this Quaker Burial Ground in their first line of defense. Both armies used this meetinghouse of Quaker pacifists as a hospital. Behind the wall is the . . . — — Map (db m191732) HM
10am: George Washington was prepared to
defend the east side of the Brandywine Creek against the entire British Army. He concentrated his army around the largest crossing point on the river, Chads' Ford, and deployed men to six smaller . . . — — Map (db m242755) HM
On Allerton Road, on the right when traveling west.
The metal truss bridge that stands before you marks the location of Jefferis' Ford. The ford is named after the Quaker family of Emmor Jefferis, the Revolutionary War-era owner of Blue Rock Farm located at the intersection of Lucky Hill and Allerton . . . — — Map (db m242783) HM
Even small creeks are part of huge interconnected watersheds. Water from the East Branch Brandywine Creek, which meanders through Stroud Preserve, flows into the Christina River on its way to the Delaware Bay. The Brandywine-Christina water shed . . . — — Map (db m84973) HM
On West Strasburg Road (Pennsylvania Route 162) 0.5 miles west of Highland Road, on the left when traveling west.
Gilbert Cope, eminent genealogist and historian, was born in the house on this property. Author of a number of genealogies of Chester County families, he was dedicated to the preservation of Quaker records and of the archives of Chester County. . . . — — Map (db m42519) HM
Welcome!
This nature preserve is one of more than 40 owned and managed by Natural Lands Trust, a non-profit conservation organization serving eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey.
Since 1953, we’ve been building an extensive . . . — — Map (db m182864) HM
On Allerton Road, on the right when traveling west.
This location marks the approximate eastern boundary of the Worth / Jefferis Rural Historic District. The landscape that extends westward beyond the bridge before you exemplifies the formative character of Chester County's early 18th century era of . . . — — Map (db m242779) HM
Near Boot Road at North Chester Road (Pennsylvania Route 352), on the right when traveling east.
The Goshenville Blacksmith Shop is in its original location and was the center of village life for nearly 200 years. It has a working forge and a display of an early l800's Conestoga farm Wagon along with a collection of historic tools. The . . . — — Map (db m77078) HM
Near Paoli Pike, on the right when traveling east.
John H. Ware 3rd
August 29, 1908 – July 29, 1997
B.S. University of Pennsylvania; Chairman Penn Fuel Gas, Inc.; Former Burgess; Elected three terms to Pennsylvania Senate; Chairman, Republican Finance Committee of PA; Trustee, . . . — — Map (db m51111) HM
Near Boot Road at North Chester Road (Pennsylvania Route 352), on the right when traveling west.
This “Hall and Parlor” style house has a kitchen (Hall) and a living room (Parlor) on the first floor and two bedrooms upstairs. There are two angled fireplaces in the center-of the front wall similar to “Penn Plan” houses. It is constructed of sawn . . . — — Map (db m77079) HM
On South Wawaset Road, 0.2 miles north of Lenape Road (Pennsylvania Route 52), on the left when traveling north.
Born a Quaker, Barnard became a member of the Progressive Friends movement and upheld its active affirmation of the ideals of temperance, equality of women, and abolition of slavery. His farm became a station on the Underground Railroad. He and his . . . — — Map (db m42520) HM
On Locust Grove Road south of Corrine Road, on the right when traveling north.
Locust Grove was one of three public schools established in Pocopson Township following the Pennsylvania "Free Public School" Act of 1834. The earlier core of the building was enlarged in 1870 to its present configuration. This school served . . . — — Map (db m218936) HM
On Thornbury Road, 0.2 miles south of New Road, on the left when traveling south.
Late afternoon, in this vicinity, infantry and artillery of American General Stephen's division used the naturally high topography (still visible today) to their advantage, staving off a series of Crown Force attacks by Hessian and British soldiers. . . . — — Map (db m239339) HM
Near Cheyney Road, on the left when traveling south.
His Dream
While Washington's troops were encamped at Valley
Forge, Squire Cheyney claims he heard in a dream the words of what became known as "Squire Cheyney's
Dream." What it lacks in poetic quality it makes up in patriotic fervor. . . . — — Map (db m188594) HM
On Cheyney Road, on the left when traveling south.
Farmer, Patriot, Public Servant. Cheyney was born and lived at this homestead his entire life. During the Battle of the Brandywine, he warned Gen. Washington of a British flanking movement. As a delegate to Pennsylvania’s 1787 convention, he voted . . . — — Map (db m188674) HM
Near Cheyney Road, on the left when traveling south.
"Chester's Mother"
During the 1780s squabble over removing the county seat
to West Chester, both sides ranted in the newspapers. This
excerpt from the ditty, "Chester's Mother," satirises Chester
citizens who feared losing their public . . . — — Map (db m188213) HM
Near West Strasburg Road (Pennsylvania Route 162) at Northbrook Road, on the right when traveling west.
The Petition of Joseph Martin of the Township of West Bradford in the County of Chester Humbly Showeth
“That there is a Necessity for a Publick house for the Entertainment of Travellers in said Township, there being many Large roads Much . . . — — Map (db m194170)
On Northbrook Road at West Strasburg Road (Pennsylvania Route 162) on Northbrook Road.
Marshallton was named in honor of Humphry Marshall, noted 18th century scientist and stone mason, whose botanical garden and home are adjacent to the Center House property. Humphry’s name appears on many of the tavern license petitions, and he . . . — — Map (db m194230)
On West Strasburg Road (Pennsylvania Route 162) at Northbrook Road, on the right when traveling west on West Strasburg Road.
One of the first nurserymen in the nation and the author of the first book on North American trees and shrubs. Arbustum Americanum: The American Grove. Marshall is known as the Father of American Dendrology. He regularly supplied native . . . — — Map (db m194231) HM
On Brandywine Drive, 0.1 miles west of Northbrook Road, on the right when traveling east.
Beside the stream below by the Indians called Wawassan is “Indian Rock” whence ran the claim of the Lenni-Lenape to the source of the Brandywine — — Map (db m62056) HM
On West Strasburg Road at Broad Run Road, on the right when traveling west on West Strasburg Road.
The noted agriculturist purchased land just north of here in 1792 and named it "Como Farm". Here he conducted numerous experiments on crop rotation and maintenance of soil fertility. Bordley planned new devices for seeding and reaping wheat. His . . . — — Map (db m191424) HM
On West Strasburg Road (Pennsylvania Route 162), on the left when traveling west.
The Marshalton Inn
Licensed 1822
Has Been Placed on the
National Register of Historic Places
By The United States
Department of the Interior
Constructed c. 1793 — — Map (db m191789) HM
On West Strasburg Road (Pennsylvania Route 162) at Northbrook Road, on the left when traveling west on West Strasburg Road.
Major General John Sullivan sent a message to George Washington, stating that reports of a British attempt to cross the Brandywine north of the Continental Army were false. Sullivan met “Major Joseph Spear of the Militia who came (last night) . . . — — Map (db m194375)
Near Northbrook Road, on the left when traveling south.
The slave boy who helped Booth escape the night of Lincoln’s assassination, but told the Union soldiers the next day the direction Booth took, thus aiding in his capture. — — Map (db m62054) HM
What sort of food was served at the Center House?
To date, no specific food has been linked to this particular tavern, but Joseph Martin would probably have provided 18th century Anglo-Welsh American “country food,” best described as . . . — — Map (db m194417)
