Gozaic of the Week: West Chester, Pennsylvania

Why is everyone talking about West Chester, Pennsylvania? This town of just 18,000 was named a Distinctive Destination by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and a Preserve America Community by the National Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Frommers voted it one the Top Ten Best Small Downtowns and Philadelphia Magazine called it a Best Shopping District. Richard Moe, former president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, praised West Chester as “a real, living, dynamic town that appreciates and capitalizes on its rich past, while keeping a watchful eye on the future."

Intrigued? Read on to discover all this southeastern Pennsylvania gem has to offer.

History
West Chester knows how to pack a punch. Within the borough’s 1.8 square miles, there are more than 4,200 structures and sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located 45 minutes outside Philadelphia, the town has seen its fair share of history. It was originally known as “The Turk’s Head,” after an inn built in the area in 1769, along Philadelphia Pike. Between that time and 1799, when the borough of West Chester was incorporated, it was a pivotal Revolutionary War location where many soldiers lost their lives and were buried. It was in West Chester that Abraham Lincoln began his campaign for presidency and the first women’s rights convention in Pennsylvania took place. Home to West Chester University, today the town has a youthful vibe, but its red brick sidewalks and beautifully time-worn buildings speak to its past.

Architecture
There are quite a number of green buildings in West Chester, and you might wonder why. The hue is actually a result of serpentine, a sandstone-like mineral with a mottled, green coloring that is found in plentiful quantities in the Brandywine Valley. It’s one of the few places in the world where the mineral is found in such heavy deposits, and it’s been quarried in this region for more than 100 years.

Experiencing the borough’s architecture is a big draw for visitors. Keep your eyes peeled for structures like the historic courthouse, designed by Thomas U. Walter, who also designed the dome and wings of the U.S. Capitol. Other stylish and historic buildings include the Farmer’s and Mechanic’s Building, John Smith Futhey House and The Lincoln Building.

What to Do
This southeastern Pennsylvania town has plenty to keep you busy. Aviation enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the American Helicopter Museum, home to the country’s largest helicopter collection. If the weather permits, try picnicking in Marshall Square Park, which dates back to 1820 and is bordered by 19th century mansions. Neighboring Chadds Ford offers Brandywine Battlefield Park and the Brandywine River Museum, the former a major Revolutionary War site and the latter an American art museum famed for its Wyeth collection. Within the borough, browse through whimsical boutiques and galleries and take your pick from a wide assortment of fantastic restaurants.

Have you visited West Chester? Write a review or share photos on Gozaic.

Gozaic (go-ZAY-ik). Noun. 1) The name of a website, Gozaic.com. 2) The fusion of “go,” for travel and the mosaic of heritage and culture. 3) The mosaic of images to illustrate the dimensions of a featured heritage or cultural destination.