Darby, Pennsylvania

Darby, Pennsylvania
source
Name	Darby, Pennsylvania
Settlement type	Borough

Darby, Pennsylvania is a borough located in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, approximately 5 miles southwest of Philadelphia. The borough is situated near the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum and the Darby Creek, which flows into the Schuylkill River. Darby is also close to the Philadelphia International Airport and the Interstate 95 highway. The borough is part of the Philadelphia metropolitan area and is near the cities of Chester, Pennsylvania and Lansdowne, Pennsylvania.

Geography

Darby is located at the confluence of the Darby Creek and the Schuylkill River, near the Fairmount Park and the Bartram's Garden. The borough has a total area of 0.8 square miles and is bordered by the cities of Philadelphia and Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania. The geography of Darby is also influenced by its proximity to the Delaware River and the New Jersey Palisades. The borough is near the Tyler State Park and the Ridley Creek State Park, which offer outdoor recreational activities such as hiking and fishing. Darby is also close to the Brandywine Creek and the Brandywine River Museum of Art.

History

The history of Darby dates back to the 17th century, when it was settled by Swedish colonists and Quakers from England. The borough was named after Darby, Derbyshire, a town in England. Darby played an important role in the American Revolutionary War, with the Battle of Brandywine taking place nearby. The borough was also a major stop on the Underground Railroad, with many African American abolitionists, including Harriet Tubman and William Still, passing through the area. Darby is also near the Valley Forge National Historical Park and the Independence National Historical Park.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Darby was approximately 10,000 people, with a diverse mix of African American, White American, and Hispanic and Latino American residents. The borough has a high percentage of Democratic Party (United States) voters and is represented in the United States Congress by Mary Gay Scanlon and Brendan Boyle. Darby is also part of the Pennsylvania's 5th congressional district and is near the cities of Norristown, Pennsylvania and West Chester, Pennsylvania. The demographics of Darby are influenced by its proximity to the cities of Philadelphia and Wilmington, Delaware.

Economy

The economy of Darby is driven by a mix of small businesses, including restaurants, retail stores, and manufacturing facilities. The borough is also home to several major employers, including the Darby Borough School District and the Delaware County, Pennsylvania government. Darby is near the Philadelphia Navy Yard and the Boeing Company facility, which provide employment opportunities for residents. The borough is also close to the King of Prussia Mall and the Plymouth Meeting Mall, which offer shopping and dining options. Darby is part of the Delaware Valley region, which includes the cities of Trenton, New Jersey and Camden, New Jersey.

Education

The Darby Borough School District operates several public schools in the borough, including the Darby-Colwyn School and the Parkway Center City Middle College. Darby is also served by the Delaware County Community College and the Penn State Brandywine campus. The borough is near the University of Pennsylvania and the Drexel University campuses, which offer higher education opportunities for residents. Darby is also close to the Swarthmore College and the Haverford College campuses, which are part of the Tri-College Consortium.

Infrastructure

Darby has a well-developed infrastructure, with several major roads and highways passing through the borough, including Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 13. The borough is also served by the SEPTA public transportation system, which provides bus and train service to Philadelphia and other surrounding cities. Darby is near the Philadelphia International Airport and the Northeast Philadelphia Airport, which offer air travel options for residents. The borough is also close to the Delaware River Port Authority and the Port of Philadelphia, which provide shipping and cargo services. Darby is part of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission and is near the cities of Baltimore, Maryland and New York City. Category:Pennsylvania