Barbadoes Island (Pennsylvania) facts for kids
The southeast end of Barbadoes Island as seen from the Norristown High Speed Line
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Schuylkill River |
| Coordinates | 40°06′49″N 75°21′24″W / 40.1135°N 75.3566°W |
| Area | 90 acres (36 ha) |
| Administration | |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Montgomery County |
| Township | West Norriton Township, Pennsylvania |
| Demographics | |
| Population | None |
Barbadoes Island is a small island located in the Schuylkill River. You can find it in West Norriton Township, which is south of Norristown. This area is part of Montgomery County in the United States.
The island is about 90 acres in size. That's like 68 football fields! Part of U.S. Route 202 and some train tracks cross over the eastern tip of the island. However, there are no exits from the highway directly onto the island. The only road access is a private bridge called the Haws Avenue bridge.
History of Barbadoes Island
Barbadoes Island has a long and interesting history. It has changed hands many times and been used for different purposes over the centuries.
Early Days: The 1700s
Barbadoes Island was originally part of the land given to William Penn. He was the founder of Pennsylvania. Later, in the 1700s, the University of Pennsylvania became the owner of the island.
The name "Barbadoes Island" might come from a trade connection. There was a lot of trade between Philadelphia and Barbados. Barbados is an island in the West Indies that was once controlled by the British. Wealthy families from Barbados would often send their children to Philadelphia for school.
Life on the Island: The 1800s
In the early 1800s, a man named John Markley bought Barbadoes Island. He cleared many trees to create farmland and built a home there. The island became a popular spot for fun events.
Fun and Games on the Island
Before 1820, people often gathered on the island for exciting activities. These included horse races and parades by local military groups. It was a lively place during the summer months.
Businesses and Baths
Later in the 1800s, a businessman from Philadelphia named Lewis Schrack opened a boat and fishing tackle shop. He also built "floating baths." These were wooden structures with stone floors that let river water flow in and out. People could enjoy swimming in these unique river baths.
Steamboats and Celebrations
Between 1840 and 1910, steamboats would carry people to the island. These boats also traveled further up the river to Phoenixville. They would leave from a dock in Norristown. In August 1849, a big celebration was held on the island. This event marked the end of a worldwide cholera outbreak.
Farming Wheat
In 1880, Isaac McHorse leased 80 acres of land on the island. He planted a large field of wheat. To harvest his crop, he brought a steam thresher to the island by ferry. This was a big machine used to separate grain from stalks.
The 20th Century: From Park to Power Plant
The island continued to be a "pleasure park" for kids and adults. This was especially true between 1910 and 1920. People would often reach the island using small boats called skiffs.
A New Purpose: Power Generation
In 1922, Counties Gas and Electric Company bought the island. This company later joined with Philadelphia Electric Company, now known as PECO. They had a new plan for the island.
A large power plant was built on the island in 1926. After World War II, different types of power plants operated there. These plants used gas, coal, and oil to create electricity.
America's Largest Gas Turbine
In 1961, PECO built the largest gas turbine in the United States on the island. It was made by Westinghouse Electric Corporation. This turbine was a huge machine that could produce 22,000 kilowatts of power. It was also controlled remotely, meaning it could be operated from a distance.
The plant first used coal for power. Then, in the 1970s, it was changed to run on diesel fuel. The Philadelphia Electric Company ran this plant until 1997.
The 21st Century: Demolition and Storage
In recent years, the PECO facility on the island was used for other purposes. It stored equipment, hosted company training, and served as an electrical substation.
However, on February 16, 2009, the old power plant was demolished by Exelon. Today, the island continues to be a unique part of the Schuylkill River landscape.
Images for kids
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The southeast end of Barbadoes Island as seen from the Norristown High Speed Line
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The private Haws Avenue bridge is the only road access to the island. (US 202 crosses the island but has no exit)
