PENNSYLVANIA - A state synonymous with American history, boasts a city that predates even Philadelphia's founding: Chester. Originally settled by Swedes in 1644 as "Upland," Chester holds the distinction of being Pennsylvania's oldest city, a place where the echoes of colonial life, industrial booms, and modern-day challenges intertwine.
Chester, Pennsylvania: A Journey Through Time in the State's Oldest City
This article explores the rich and multifaceted history of Chester, from its Swedish roots to its present-day struggles and enduring historical significance.
From Upland to Chester: Swedish Roots and Quaker Transformation: Chester's story begins long before William Penn's arrival.
- Indigenous Inhabitants: Before European settlement, the area was inhabited by the Lenape (Delaware) people, who called it "Meechoppenackhan."
- New Sweden (1644): In 1644, Swedish settlers, part of the New Sweden colony, established a settlement called "Upland," making it the first European settlement in present-day Pennsylvania (Source: Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, histories of New Sweden). This marked the beginning of a permanent European presence in the region.
- William Penn's Arrival (1682): In 1682, William Penn, the founder of the Pennsylvania Colony, arrived in Upland. He renamed the settlement "Chester" after the city of Chester in England, marking a significant shift in power and control (Source: Biographies of William Penn, colonial records of Pennsylvania). This was Penn's first landing in his new province.
An Industrial Powerhouse: Growth and Transformation:
The 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed Chester's transformation into a major industrial center.
- The Industrial Revolution: The 1850s ushered in a period of rapid industrial growth, with steel mills, shipyards, and textile mills becoming major employers and driving population growth (Source: Historical accounts of Chester's industrial development, Delaware County Historical Society).
- Population Boom: Chester's population surged from around 1,667 in 1850 to over 14,000 by 1870, and continued to climb, reaching 58,000 in 1920 and 66,000 by 1950, reflecting its industrial success.
Challenges and Decline: A City in Transition:
The latter half of the 20th century brought significant challenges to Chester.
- Deindustrialization: Like many American industrial cities, Chester experienced a decline in manufacturing, particularly the loss of shipyard and automobile manufacturing jobs in the 1960s and beyond.
- Population Loss: This economic downturn led to a significant decrease in population, presenting ongoing challenges for the city.
A Legacy of Historical Significance:
Despite its recent challenges, Chester's historical importance remains undeniable:
- First Landing Place: Chester holds the distinction of being the location where William Penn first set foot in the Province of Pennsylvania.
- New Sweden Outpost: It served as a vital outpost for the short-lived New Sweden colony.
- Revolutionary War Role: Chester played a role in supplying goods to the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.
Historic Landmarks: Echoes of the Past:
Chester boasts several significant historical sites:
- 1724 Chester Courthouse: The oldest public building in continuous use in the United States (originally the Chester Courthouse, then the Delaware County Courthouse).
- Old Main Post Office: A historic post office building.
- William Penn Landing Site
- Other National Register Sites:
- Chester Waterside Station of the Philadelphia Electric Company
- Delaware County National Bank
- Old Main and Chemistry Building
- Second Street Bridge.
Chester, Pennsylvania's oldest city, is a place of layered history, reflecting the diverse influences that have shaped the state and the nation. From its origins as a Swedish settlement to its rise as an industrial powerhouse and its present-day challenges, Chester's story is a microcosm of American urban development. Exploring its historic sites, learning about its past, and understanding its ongoing struggles and triumphs provides a valuable perspective on the complexities of American history and the enduring spirit of a city striving to redefine itself.
Sources:
- Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission
- Histories of New Sweden
- Biographies of William Penn
- Colonial records of Pennsylvania
- Historical accounts of Chester's industrial development
- Delaware County Historical Society
- City of Chester
- National Register of Historic Places