(From a press release)
Blacksmith shops, a strange Civil War prison, Hessian Troops looEng, mansions for millionaires, and an Underground Railroad stop are just part of the 300+ year history of one of the original townships in Chester County.
On Saturday, June 22nd at 10 am a free public talk will be given by local historian David Walter. The presentation will be at the Westtown Township Building, 1039 Wilmington Pike, West Chester, PA 19382.
Walter is a member of the Westtown Historical Commission, as well as other Chester County-focused history groups.
“Westtown’s story goes all the way back to William Penn and the Lenape Indian tribes that lived here,” Walter explained. “In many ways, Westtown’s history reflects the legacy of Chester County’s growth. Veterans of the Revolution and Civil Wars are buried here, we had a hospital for epileptics, an historic Black church, and one of the first female postmistresses in the US.”
Westtown has an interesting history of integrated and co-ed schools, and a rich agricultural background that continues to this day. This free talk is part of a series presented by the Westtown Historical Commission.
Photos: WesOown’s Oakbourne Mansion and students of Pleasant Grove School, circa 1904.
