Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
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| Kennett Square, Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|
| Name | Kennett Square |
| Settlement type | Borough |
| Pushpin label position | left |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | U.S. state |
| Subdivision name1 | Pennsylvania |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Chester County |
| Government type | Borough |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Matthew Fetick |
| Established title | Settled |
| Established date | 1682 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | 1855 |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total km2 | 2.20 |
| Area land km2 | 2.20 |
| Area water km2 | 0.00 |
| Area total sq mi | 0.85 |
| Area land sq mi | 0.85 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.00 |
| Elevation ft | 302 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 6003 |
| Population density km2 | 2728.64 |
| Population density sq mi | 7062.35 |
| Timezone | EST |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 19348 |
| Area code | 610 and 484 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 42-39408 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1178441 |
| Website | https://www.kennett-square.pa.us/ |
Kennett Square, Pennsylvania is a borough in Chester County, Pennsylvania, United States. Often celebrated as the "Mushroom Capital of the World," it is a central hub for the agaricus mushroom industry and is located within the Philadelphia metropolitan area. The borough is known for its historic downtown, vibrant community events, and its location in the scenic Brandywine Valley.
History
The area was originally part of a land grant from William Penn to members of the Society of Friends, with early settlement beginning around 1682. The community developed around a crossroads tavern and was named after the village of Kennett in Wiltshire, England. During the American Revolutionary War, the Battle of Brandywine was fought nearby in 1777, and the area saw significant troop movements. The borough was officially incorporated in 1855. The rise of the mushroom industry began in the late 19th century, pioneered by local Quakers like the Phillips family, transforming the local economy. The Underground Railroad was active in the region, with local abolitionists providing aid to freedom seekers.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 0.85 square miles, all of it land. It is situated in the Brandywine Creek watershed. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills typical of the Piedmont region. Kennett Square is bordered by Kennett Township and New Garden Township. Major roads include U.S. Route 1 and Pennsylvania Route 82. The climate is classified as humid continental climate.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 6,003. The racial makeup was predominantly non-Hispanic White, with growing Hispanic or Latino and African American communities. The population density is high for the region. The median age is below the national average, and a significant portion of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher. Many residents are employed in professional, scientific, and management occupations.
Economy
The economy is famously dominated by mushroom farming, with numerous farms and related businesses in the surrounding area. Major industry players include Phillips Mushroom Farms and To-Jo Mushrooms. The borough is home to the American Mushroom Institute. Beyond agriculture, the economy features healthcare, with the Kennett Square Medical Center, retail, and professional services. Tourism is significant, driven by events like the annual Kennett Square Mushroom Festival and heritage tourism related to the Brandywine Valley. The Longwood Gardens complex, a major regional attraction, is located just outside the borough in adjacent East Marlborough Township.
Culture and attractions
The borough hosts the renowned Kennett Square Mushroom Festival every September, attracting visitors from across the Mid-Atlantic states. Historic sites include the Kennett Square Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Cultural institutions include the Kennett Symphony of Chester County and the Historic Kennett Square organization. The nearby Longwood Gardens, founded by Pierre S. du Pont, is a world-class horticultural display. Other attractions include Anson B. Nixon Park, the Kennett Square Farmers Market, and proximity to Brandywine River Museum of Art and Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library.
Government
Kennett Square operates under a borough form of government with a seven-member elected Borough Council and a Mayor. The current mayor is Matthew Fetick. The borough provides services including police through the Kennett Square Police Department, public works, and planning. It is part of Pennsylvania's 5th congressional district, represented in the United States House of Representatives by Mary Gay Scanlon. At the state level, it lies within the Pennsylvania Senate's 9th district and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives' 158th district.
Category:Boroughs in Pennsylvania Category:Populated places in Chester County, Pennsylvania