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Pennsylvania Counties

Chester County

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Chester County is one of Pennsylvania's three original counties (Bucks County and Philadelphia County are the other two). Although created in November of 1682 by Pennsylvania's founder, William Penn, it wasn't until 1789 when Delaware County was created from it that Chester became an inland county. Many of the county's early settlers came from Chesire, England (thus, Chester). The county seat since 1788 and incorporated on March 28, 1799 is West Chester. It was named after it's former county seat, Chester, which is now located in Delaware County.

Click here for a more detailed early history of Chester County (to 1900)
Looking to further your research in Centre County? Try these book titles below.
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Did you know? America suffered perhaps its worst defeat of the Revolutionary War in Chester County at the Battle of Brandywine. Thousands died and General George Washington was forced to retreat which opened the gates that allowed the British to capture the city of Philadelphia. Of course, we all know that America was eventually victorious in its War of Independence. That war's worst day perhaps gains irony by recent history.
The date: September 11th, 1777! Click here for Brandywine Battlefield's official Website.

Other Useful Chester Co. Links

  • Elk Township History

  • Elverson Borough Official Website

  • Fallowfield Twp. History (East and West)
  • Genealogy Queries (Cousin Connect)

  • Honey Brook Borough Official Website

  • Honey Brook Township Website

  • Hoopes Family Tree (Chester Co. connection)

  • Kennett Square Official Website

  • List of Boroughs and Townships w/origins

  • Longwood Gardens

  • Malvern Borough Official Website

  • Map (1780), Chester Co. Townships

  • Map (modern), Chester Co. Townships

  • Municipalities Incorporation Dates
     (PDF - requires Acrobat Reader)

  • National Register of Historic Places, Chester Co.

  • National Register Eligible Properties, Chester Co.

  • Nantmeal Twp. History, East and West

  • Nottingham Twp. History (East and West)

  • Oxford Borough History

  • Parkesburg Borough Official Website

  • Phoenixville Official Website

  • Rootweb Chester Co. Genealogy

  • Sandy Hollow Heritage Park

  • South Coatesville Official Website

  • Tri-County Heritage Society

  • West Chester History to 1865

  • West Chester University Library

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