Chester, Pennsylvania
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| Chester, Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Chester |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | "The City of Brotherly Love's First Suburb" |
| Pushpin label | Chester |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Pennsylvania |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Delaware |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1644 |
| Established title1 | Incorporated (borough) |
| Established date1 | 1701 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated (city) |
| Established date2 | 1866 |
| Government type | Mayor-Council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Thaddeus Kirkland |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total km2 | 15.55 |
| Area total sq mi | 6.00 |
| Area land km2 | 13.49 |
| Area land sq mi | 5.21 |
| Area water km2 | 2.06 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.79 |
| Elevation ft | 69 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 32031 |
| Population density km2 | 2374.5 |
| Population density sq mi | 6150.3 |
| Timezone | EST |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 19013-19016 |
| Area code | 484 and 610 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 42-13208 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1213629 |
| Website | www.chestercity.com |
Chester, Pennsylvania. It is the oldest city in Pennsylvania, founded in 1644 as a Swedish settlement named Upland before being renamed by William Penn in 1682. Strategically located on the western bank of the Delaware River, it served as the county seat of Delaware County until 1851. The city has played a significant role in American industrial history, particularly in shipbuilding and automotive manufacturing.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Lenape people before becoming part of the colony of New Sweden in 1644, known as Upland. Following the English conquest of New Netherland, the settlement was renamed by William Penn in 1682, who held the first Provincial Assembly of Pennsylvania here. During the American Revolutionary War, the Battle of Brandywine was fought nearby, and the city later became a hub for early American industry. The 19th and 20th centuries saw explosive growth fueled by the Delaware River waterfront, with major facilities like the Sun Shipbuilding & Drydock Company and the Ford Motor Company's Chester Assembly Plant driving the local economy. The city's industrial decline in the latter half of the 20th century presented significant economic challenges.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.0 square miles, of which 5.2 square miles is land and 0.8 square miles is water. It is bordered by the Delaware River to the east, the borough of Eddystone to the north, the township of Chester Township to the west, and the borough of Upland to the south. The landscape is relatively flat near the riverfront, with gentle rises further inland, and the city is part of the Atlantic coastal plain.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 32,031. The racial makeup is predominantly African American, with smaller populations of White, Hispanic or Latino, and Asian American residents. The population density is among the highest in Delaware County. Historically, the city experienced major demographic shifts during the Great Migration of the early 20th century and again following deindustrialization.
Economy
Historically dominated by heavy manufacturing, the city's economy was centered on the Sun Shipbuilding & Drydock Company and the Ford Motor Company assembly plant. Following the closure of these major employers, the economy has diversified. Key institutions now include Widener University, Crozer-Chester Medical Center, and the Harrah's Philadelphia casino and racetrack. The Delaware River port facilities remain active for bulk cargo, and redevelopment efforts are focused on the waterfront area.
Culture and recreation
The city is home to several notable institutions, including Widener University and the PPL Park soccer stadium, home to the Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer. Cultural landmarks include the Thomas Leiper House, a National Historic Landmark, and the Chester Historical Preservation Committee. Annual events are held at Memorial Park. The Delaware River waterfront provides public access and hosts community festivals.
Government
The city operates under a Mayor-Council system. The current mayor is Thaddeus Kirkland. The city council consists of nine members elected from districts. As part of Delaware County, it is also subject to county-level governance. The city is located within Pennsylvania's 5th congressional district and is served by the Chester Police Department and the Chester Fire Department.
Category:Cities in Pennsylvania Category:Delaware County, Pennsylvania Category:Populated places established in 1644