History of Chester, Pennsylvania, USA

1682 - October 29 - William Penn lands at what is now Chester Pennsylvania
1682-12-04 - 1st General Assembly in Pennsylvania (Chester)

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1854 - Chester
Chester, a post-township in the S. part of Delaware county, Pennsylvania, on the Delaware river, 15 miles S. W. from Philadelphia. Population, including Chester borough, 3219.
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.

1887 - KILLED BY A ROCKET. TERRIBLE ACCIDENT TO AN UPLAND LADY.
Chester, Pa. - The wagonload of fireworks accidentally exploded and a flying missile does terrible work among the spectators, a horrible death.

The Fourth of July celebration which began yesterday morning so auspiciously, ended last night with a tragedy that has thrown a gloom over the entire city.

The sad accident happened while the fireworks were being displayed in J. P. Eyre's field, just north of his residence on Seventh Street. A large number of people gathered near the ridge on which the pyrotechnics were placed, while many others were scattered in groups over the intervening space towards Seventh Street, while still more observed the display from the street, and others remained on the high ground on the eastern bank of Chester Creek.

Lin Bagshaw, a gentleman of long experience in the preparation of explosives and pyrotechnics, had charge of the display and for safety placed all the fireworks in a wagon and kept the vehicle at a safe distance.

While one piece was in... Read MORE...

1895 - Chester
Chester, a city of Delaware co, Pa., on the Delaware River, 15 miles below Philadelphia, and on the Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore Railroad, 14 miles N.E. of Wilmington. It is also on the Philadelphia & Chester and Chester & Delaware River Railroads. It was settled by Swedes in 1643, and is the oldest town in the state. Its original name was Upland. It contains 20 churches, the Pennsylvania Military Academy, 3 national banks, 1 other bank, a national hall, a high school, and printing-offices which issue 2 daily and 3 weekly newspapers, and 2 monthly periodicals. It has increased rapidly in recent times, and derives its prosperity chiefly from manufactures of cotton and woollen goods, iron steamships, engines, boilers, &c. The city contains 41 incorporated manufacturing companies, and innumerable private manufacturing concerns, and has a Board of Trade. Chester was incorporated in 1866. Pop. in 1860, 4631; in 1870, 9485; in 1880, 14,997; in 1890, 20,226; of the township, 578... Read MORE...

1914 - The City of Chester
Chester is located on the Delaware river, fifteen miles below Philadelphia, and fourteen miles from Wilmingon, Delaware. As Upland it was settled by the Swedes in 1643, and is the oldest town in he state. In 1644. the present site of the city was a tobacco plantation occupied by servants in the employ of the Swedish company. The Swedish government granted to Jörankeen a patent for land one and a half miles inland, following the right bank of Chester creek above its mouth and extending along the Delaware as far as Ridley creek. The land on the west bank of Chester creek, extending along the river to Marcus Hook, was granted by Queen Christina of Sweden to captain John Amundson Besh, "his wife and heirs," by patent dated August 20, 1653, Captain Besh, however, never entered into possession, as (lie land included In this vast tract seems to have been claimed and held by Armgart Papegoya, daughter of the first Swedish governor Printz. In 1645 Upland is still reported a tobacco plantation, ... Read MORE...

1916
Chester, a city of Delaware co., Pa., on the Delaware River, 15 miles below Philadelphia, and on the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore and the Baltimore and Ohio Rs., 14 miles NE. of Wilmington. It is also connected by electric road with Philadelphia. It was settled by Swedes in 1643, and is the oldest town in the state. Its original name was Upland. It is the seat of the Pennsylvania Military Academy and the Crozer Theological Semi nary. The city has grown rapidly in recent times, and derives its prosperity chiefly from manufactures of cotton and woollen goods, iron steamships, engines, boilers, castings, furnaces, steel tubes, cutlery, etc. Its ship-yards include one of the largest in the United States. The harbor is good and the city, which has a board of trade, has considerable commerce. Chester was incorporated in 1866. Pop. in 1880 14,997 ; in 1890, 20,226 ; in 1900, 33,988.
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

1918 - race riots in Chester (PA), five killed

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1928 - TWO MEN ARE KILLED, ONE HURT IN EXPLOSION AT WESTINGHOUSE PLANT. CHIEF INSPECTOR JOHN T. SNYDER, SWATHMORE, FOREMAN WILLIAM C. COGLEY, PROSPECT PARK, VICTIMS OF TURBINE BLOW-UP - LIVES BLOTTED OUT DURING TEST OF FINISHED PRODUCT.
Two men were instantly killed and one injured by the explosion of a steam turbine in the erection shop of the Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing plant at Chester at 8 o'clock this morning. The shop, in which more than 200 men worked, was thrown in a turmoil as the turbine was shattered by a blast which flung the two men to their death.
The dead are WILLIAM G. COGLEY, 50 years old, of 916 Eleventh Avenue, Prospect Park, and JOHN SNYDER, 52 years old, of Rutgers Avenue, Swarthmore.

CLARENDON SOUTHMAYD, 22 years old, of 910 Lincoln Avenue, Prospect Park, was injured. He is in the Taylor Hospital suffering from shock and bruises.

COGLEY was the foreman of the erection shop, while SNYDER was the chief inspector of the section. Both men were veterans in the plant service.

The explosion occurred as the two men were inspecting a steam turbine which had recently been constructed and was ready for shipment.
COGLEY and SNYDER were leaning over a portion of the powerful engine.... Read MORE...

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Chester:
Harrah's Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack:

Test your luck at the casino or enjoy live horse racing at Harrah's. They also have various dining options and entertainment.

Talen Energy Stadium:

Catch a Philadelphia Union soccer game at this state-of-the-art stadium. The atmosphere is electric, especially during major league matches.

Chester Waterside Station:

Explore the Chester Waterside Station, a historic building that once housed the city's water pumping station. It offers a glimpse into the city's industrial past.

Chester City Hall:

Visit Chester City Hall, an impressive building with architectural significance. It often hosts events and community gatherings.

Ridley Creek State Park:

If you enjoy the outdoors, Ridley Creek State Park is a short drive away. It's a beautiful place for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying nature.

Chester Park:

This park is a local favorite for picnics, walks, and recreational activities. It provides a peaceful escape... Read MORE...