Fox Chase Inn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Fox Chase Inn
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Fox Chase Inn, January 2011
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 613 Swedesford Rd., West Whiteland Township, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 4.3 acres (1.7 ha) |
| Built | 1700 |
| Architectural style | Georgian, Penn Plan-Double door |
| MPS | West Whiteland Township MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 84003253 |
| Added to NRHP | September 6, 1984 |
The Fox Chase Inn is a very old building in West Whiteland Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania. It used to be a busy inn and tavern. An inn was like a hotel where travelers could stay. A tavern was a place where people could eat, drink, and meet.
This historic building was first built around 1765. That's over 250 years ago! It was an important stop for people traveling a long time ago. Today, it is recognized as a special historical place. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
Contents
What is the Fox Chase Inn?
The Fox Chase Inn started as a simple stone building. It had two stories and was built in a style called the "Penn Plan." This plan was common for homes in Pennsylvania back then. It meant the house had a special layout.
Over time, the inn became bigger. It was expanded to have four bays and two entrances. This new look was in the "Georgian style." This style was popular in the 1700s and early 1800s. It often featured balanced and grand designs. The inn also has a wide front porch. This porch would have been a welcoming spot for travelers.
Life at an Old Inn
Imagine traveling in the 1700s. There were no cars or trains. People traveled by horse or horse-drawn carriage. Journeys were long and tiring. Inns like the Fox Chase Inn were very important. They offered a place to rest and get fresh horses.
Travelers could find a warm meal and a bed for the night. The tavern part of the inn was a lively place. Local people and travelers would gather there. They would share news, stories, and enjoy food and drinks. The Fox Chase Inn served as an inn and tavern until about 1800.
Architectural Style
The Fox Chase Inn shows two interesting building styles. The first part was built in the "Penn Plan." This was a common way to design houses in early Pennsylvania. It usually meant a central hallway with rooms on either side.
Later, the inn was expanded in the "Georgian style." This style was named after the British kings named George. Georgian buildings often look very balanced and proper. They usually have:
- Symmetrical windows and doors
- A grand entrance
- Simple, strong shapes
The Fox Chase Inn's stone walls and classic design show these features. It helps us understand how buildings looked in the past.
Why is it a Historic Place?
The Fox Chase Inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is an official list kept by the United States government. It includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important to American history.
When a place is on this list, it means it has special historical value. It might be important because of:
- Its age
- Its unique architecture
- Events that happened there
- People who lived or worked there
The Fox Chase Inn is important because it shows us what travel and community life were like in early Pennsylvania. It helps us remember the past. Protecting these places helps future generations learn about history.
