Dilworthtown Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Dilworthtown Historic District
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Dilworthtown Inn, Dilworthtown Historic District, December 2009
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Jct. of CR 15199 and 15087, Dilworthtown, Birmingham Township, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 15 acres (6.1 ha) |
| Built | c. 1700 |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001601 |
| Added to NRHP | January 18, 1973 |
The Dilworthtown Historic District is a special place in Birmingham Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania. It's like a time capsule, preserving old buildings from hundreds of years ago. This district includes eight important buildings that show what life was like long ago.
The most famous building is the Dilworth House, also known as the Dilworthtown Inn. It has been a place for travelers to stay and eat since the late 1700s. This historic area was also a key spot during a very important event in American history, the Battle of Brandywine, which happened in September 1777.
In 1973, the Dilworthtown Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as a significant historical site in the United States.
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Discovering Dilworthtown's History
Dilworthtown Historic District is a fascinating area where you can explore buildings that are centuries old. It helps us understand how people lived and worked a long time ago.
What is a Historic District?
A historic district is a special area that has been set aside because of its important history or unique architecture. It's like a protected zone for old buildings. These buildings are kept safe so future generations can learn from them.
- When a place is named a historic district, it means its buildings and surroundings tell a story.
- The goal is to keep the area looking much like it did in the past.
- This helps us remember and appreciate the history of a community.
Important Buildings of Dilworthtown
The Dilworthtown Historic District has several buildings that are very old and important. They each have their own story.
The Dilworth House Inn
The Dilworth House, also called the Dilworthtown Inn, is the heart of the district. It was built in different stages, starting around 1758.
- For many years, it served as an inn and a tavern.
- An inn was a place where travelers could find a bed and a meal.
- A tavern was a public place where people gathered to drink and socialize.
- Imagine people stopping here after a long journey by horse and buggy!
Other Historic Structures
Besides the inn, other buildings in the district tell us about the past:
- A stone house from 1820.
- The Dilworthtown Lyceum or meeting hall, built around 1850. A lyceum was a place for public lectures and discussions.
- The Dilworthtown Store, built in 1858, where people bought supplies.
- Two tenant houses from around 1850, where workers or renters lived.
- A two-story log cabin, which might be as old as 1686 or the early 1700s. This is incredibly old!
Dilworthtown and the Battle of Brandywine
Dilworthtown played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War. It was right in the middle of the action during the Battle of Brandywine.
- This battle took place in September 1777.
- It was one of the biggest battles of the war.
- Soldiers fought near and through the town.
- The Dilworth House Inn likely saw a lot of activity during this time.
Nearby History
Just a short distance from Dilworthtown, you can find another important historical site.
- The William Brinton 1704 House is about half a mile south.
- This house is a National Historic Landmark.
- It's another amazing example of early American architecture and history.
