Chester County History
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Map of West Chester The detail from a larger map shown here shows the sparsely developed area occupied by West Chester University today. |
Chester County was one of the original three counties of Pennsylvania. Its origins date to the 17th century and its rich heritage of culture, science, business, education, and more have helped shape the nation. The county was a center of Quakerism and has been heavily influenced by the religion’s ideals. The Underground Railroad, the suffragist movement, the Battle of the Brandywine, and the Brandywine School of art are just some of the significant events and movements rooted in the county.