History of Chester, PA
Civil Rights History of Chester, PA
Historic City slogan at 6th & Crosby Streets
Fun Facts
Chester, PA has played a major role in the development of the Northeast and America as an industrial and economic hub in history. And, yes, times have changed. However, what has not changed is the commitment of the community to work towards a revitalization that will improve the standing of the city for future generations. It is worthwhile to remember and reflect on our city’s rich history.
Where did William Penn first step foot in the New World? CHESTER! In 1682, Mr. Penn arrived at what is now the foot of Penn Street.
What was the first city in Pennsylvania? CHESTER! The first city in the state of PA was not Philadelphia.
Where was the material made that was used for the uniforms of the Union Army in the Civil War? CHESTER! The woven material, Chester Blue, was produced in the mills of Chester.
Where is the oldest public building of continuous use in the United States? CHESTER! The old courthouse building in Chester holds this honor.
At one point, over 60% of the entire world’s supply of toilet paper and paper towels was made here…where? CHESTER! Scott Paper was the manufacturing king of all that wiped.
Where did Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. attend seminary? CHESTER! Dr. King attended the Crozer Theological Seminary, now a part of the buildings at Crozer Hospital and he did his internship at Calvary Baptist Church.
Where was the original “county seat” of Delco?….Where “all main roads of the county end.” CHESTER!
~Courtesy of Joe’s Building and Plumbing Supplies
Located at 2nd & Penn Streets
Ethel Waters Park, Chester, PA
The singer and actress was born in Chester, Pennsylvania on October 31, 1896
Calvary Baptist Church is a Baptist Church founded in 1879 in Chester, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, United States. Martin Luther King Jr. attended Calvary Baptist church while he studied at the Crozer Theological Seminary from 1948 to 1951.
Dr. King’s dorm room is located at the upper left window.
Crozer Theological Seminary
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. attended the Seminary from 1948-1951.
Old Chester Courthouse
412 Avenue of the States
Chester, PA
This Pennsylvania structure is the oldest public building in the United States that is still in use. The building dates back to an era when the land that now comprises Delaware County in southeastern Pennsylvania was part of Chester County. At that time, the small town of Chester was the county seat and this building served as the courthouse for Chester County from 1724-1786. The building has long been part of Delaware County and as a result, it served many functions including the county seat of Delaware County. The building later became the Chester City Hall and is now home to the Delaware County Historical Society. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
Old Swedish Burial Ground
Interment of John Morton
A Signer of the Declaration of Independence
Located on Route 291 between
Welsh Street and Avenue of the States
![The Third Presbyterian Church was a historic Presbyterian Church founded in 1872 in Chester, Pennsylvania. It was located at 9th and Potter Streets. The church was the location of the first summer bible school in 1912. The congregation closed in 1986 and was thereafter owned by the Chester Historical Preservation Committee.[3] It was a stone Gothic Revival building designed by the noted Philadelphia architect Isaac Pursell. The church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in November 2019 but severely damaged by a five-alarm fire on May 28, 2020.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60184226c67bcc4e1b11af58/1624148263646-MS8LT9OCU6XW320JXFXC/third+presby.jpg)
The Third Presbyterian Church was a historic Presbyterian Church founded in 1872 in Chester, Pennsylvania. It was located at 9th and Potter Streets. The church was the location of the first summer bible school in 1912. The congregation closed in 1986 and was thereafter owned by the Chester Historical Preservation Committee.[3] It was a stone Gothic Revival building designed by the noted Philadelphia architect Isaac Pursell. The church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in November 2019 but severely damaged by a five-alarm fire on May 28, 2020.