Delaware County Marks 225th Year

Delaware County will celebrate its 225th birthday this weekend with a historical reenactment that harkens back to 1789.

“This will be a great day for our county and our residents. History is a vital part of the fabric of Delaware County and it’s important that all ages can embrace where we came from, and where we are headed,” said County Council Chairman Tom McGarrigle. “We are pleased that so many of our historic partners are contributing their time and talent to bring this era in history to life for our residents.”

Delaware County was originally part of neighboring Chester County, and the city of Chester was the county seat. However, as more and more people moved west, the county seat was moved west with them, to what is now West Chester.

But West Chester was simply too far to travel for those in the eastern part of the county, Delaware County said. And so a movement to separate began.

“In fact, armed forces from Chester actually marched out to West Chester to do battle,” Delaware County said. “That first conflict between the ‘removalists’ and the ‘Chesterites’ almost culminated in armed confrontation, but was ultimately settled ‘by a well-placed keg of whiskey.’ ”

The original county was divided into Chester and Delaware counties on Sept. 26, 1789.

The anniversary will be marked Saturday, Sept. 27, with “Colonial re-enactors, the sounds of fife and drum, and a vignette that recreates the drama that led up to Delaware County’s secession from Chester County,” Delaware County said.

The festivities are planned from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the historic Courthouse on Front Street.

“Building on our rich history, Delaware County continues to thrive in economic development, education, culture, commerce and quality of life,” McGarrigle said. “We hope that our residents, especially our young people, will come to our 225th celebration and relive a bit of the county’s great history.”

Find additional information about the anniversary here.