History of Chester in Pennsylvania

This article is sponsored by the personal injury lawyers in Chester from Schuster Law, whose law office is located in the heart of Chester and enjoys educating readers on the city's historical significance. 

Located in Delaware County, Chester is a city near the Philadelphia Metropolitan Area and holds the largest population in the county. It is also the oldest city in Pennsylvania, being incorporated in 1682.

Early History

Chester's land was previously called Mecoponaca, an Indian name given by the Okehockings that owned the land before William Penn took over in 1702 along with other surrounding regions. The members of the New Sweden colony were the first Europeans that settled in Chester, what was then known as "Finlandia." After the settlement, the New Sweden colonists built a tobacco plantation in 1644 and became one of the most popular towns in the area. Shortly after William Penn claimed the land, he renamed it a similar English city, Chester.

Chester was a minor figure during the American Revolutionary War and provided a safe station for military forces from 1776 to 1777. Another significant time period in history was in 1777 when the Continental Army, directed by George Washington, marched its way through Chester for the Battle of Brandywine.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, Chester served as the county seat up from 1682 to 1788; during that time period, the Chester Courthouse was then constructed to provide a place to host the country's legal needs. Built in 1724, the Courthouse remains a historic landmark and is known as the oldest public building that still stands in the United States.

Throughout the centuries, Chester has held so much historical importance, making it a celebrated tourist destination for those who love learning about the rich history of our country. If you're interested in learning more, visit our upcoming blog on the neighboring borough of Eddystone.

Our Local Office

If you or someone you love has suffered injuries caused by a personal injury accident, you deserve an advocate to fight for your rights. At Schuster Law, our experienced Chester personal injury lawyers are prepared to pursue justice and compensation for your losses. Contact our legal team at Schuster Law to schedule your free case evaluation to learn more.