History of Bristol, Pennsylvania, USA

1697 - Bristol is founded

1854 - Bristol
Bristol, a pleasant post-borough of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, on the Delaware river, nearly opposite Burlington, 19 miles above Philadelphia, and 116 miles E. by S. from Harrisburg. It was the first seat of justice in Bucks county, and it is still the largest town. The railroad from Philadelphia to New York passes through this place, and the Delaware branch of the Pennsylvania canal terminates here. The town is neatly built, and contains several churches, a town hall, a bank, and a mineral spring. It communicates daily with Philadelphia by steam boats. Founded in 1697. Population, 2570.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1895 - Bristol
Bristol, a post-borough of Bucks co., Pa., on the Delaware River, nearly opposite Burlington, and on the New York division of the Pennsylvania Railroad, at the terminus of the Delaware Canal, 20 miles above Philadelphia. It is the largest town in Bucks co., and contains 7 churches, a national bank, 2 newspaper offices, a foundry, a machine shop, rolling-mill, worsted-mill, flour-mill, gas-works, and extensive manufactories of felt, hosiery, furniture-trimmings, and sash and blinds. Pop, in 1890, 6553.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1896 - Big Hosiery Mill Burned.
Bristol, Pa., March 4. - The loss by the burning of the Providence Hosiery mill yesterday is now estimated at $125,000, but this is fully covered by insurance. About 400 hands are thrown out of work by the fire.
Middletown Daily Argus
Middletown, New York
March 4, 1896

1900 - A Gasoline Explosion.
A gasoline stove exploded in the house of William Strobele, on Otter street, Tuesday noon and set fire to the kitchen room. Councilmen Headley and Rothengerger, who were near, extinguished the flames before any material damage was done.
The Bucks County Gazette
Bristol, Pennsylvania
August 2, 1900

1910 - Father and Child Nearly Drowned.
Herbert Hedrick, of Burlington, and Allee, his 3 year old daughter, were rescued from the icy waters of the Delaware river on Monday night. The baby was saved by Stanley Page, of Burlington, and Hedrick was pulled out through the combined efforts of four men, who formed a life line.

Hedrick had been visiting his wife's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dean, of Bristol. He placed the baby in a box on runners, which he pushed before him as he skated. The river has been covered with skaters the last few days, but it is necessary to take a circuitous route in order to travel from one town to the other.

While Hedrick was crossing, Frank Heitzman, John Sackville, Frank Hellings and Miss Ethel Townsend, all of Bristol, and Stanley Page, of Burlington, left the Jersey shore. They saw Hedrick, with his head down for protection from the cold, near the southern point of Burlington Island, skating directly for open water, caused by the meeting of cross currents of the divided... Read MORE...

1916
Bristol, a post-borough of Bucks co., Pa., on the Delaware River, nearly opposite Burlington, and on the New York division of the Pennsylvania R., at the terminus of the Delaware and Lehigh Canal, 20 miles above Philadelphia. It has machine-shops, rolling- and worsted-mills, and extensive manufactories of hosiery, paper-hangings, oar- pets, patent-leather, etc. Pop. in 1890, 6553 ; in 1900, 7104.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Bristol:
Grundy Museum: Start your visit with a journey back in time at the Grundy Museum. Housed in the historic Grundy Mansion, this museum showcases the life and times of the Grundy family, who played a significant role in the town's development.

Bristol Riverside Theatre: If you're a fan of the performing arts, catch a show at the Bristol Riverside Theatre. They host a variety of productions, from musicals to dramas, that are sure to entertain.

Bristol Wharf: Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Bristol Wharf. It's a scenic spot to take in views of the Delaware River and relax by the water. You can also watch boats go by or do some bird watching.

Mill Street: Explore Mill Street, which is the heart of Bristol's historic district. It's lined with beautifully preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings that house various shops, restaurants, and cafes. It's a great place to take a walk and do some shopping.

Lions Park: For some outdoor fun, head to Lions Park. This green space offers... Read MORE...