Linda Finnan

Kennett Square, PA Area Guide

History of Kennett Square
Settlements, Townships, and Boroughs

Prior to the arrival of European settlers, the Kennett Square area was inhabited by the Lenni-Lenape Indians. A settler named Francis Smith came to the region in 1686 and named it Kennett, after his home village of Kennett in Wiltshire, England. By 1810 Kennett Square consisted on eight residences, and in 1853 the citizens petitioned the Court of Quarter Sessions on Chester to establish Kennett Square as a borough. After several rejections, the area was finally incorporated and held its first official elections in 1855.

In the coming years, the residents here would play a major role in the Underground Railroad in the hopes of securing freedom for runaway slaves from the south. A variety of inventions also originated here, including the grain drill, the first four-wheel road machine, the hay knife, the asbestos stove plate, and a brick making machine. Businesses that grew out of these technological improvements are the American Road Machinery Company (formerly S & M Pennock & Sons) and the Fibre Specialty Manufacturing Company (now NVF Co.).

Antebellum Kennett was an important region in the Underground Railroad, and many prominent citizens of Kennett Square and the surrounding region played an important role in securing freedom for runaway slaves. Famous Kennett Square residents include Bayard Taylor (nineteenth century author, poet, journalist, and diplomat), and Herbert Jefferis Pennock (a pitcher in the American League who won five World Series games and never lost one).

PARKS & RECREATION

Anson B. Nixon Park
http://www.ansonbnixonpark.org/
Located on North Walnut Street, Nixon Park consists of 106 acres of historic woodlands, ponds, winding streams, and a beech grove. There are a variety of events that take place here throughout the year including the annual Easter Egg Hunt, Trout Rodeo, Family Fun Day, and the Harvest Hayride and Marshmallow Roast. Outdoor concerts, dance performances, and educational nature programs also take place here.

Longwood Gardens
http://www.longwoodgardens.org/
Longwood Gardens is the legacy of Pierre S. du Pont, a great enthusiast of garden design, horticulture, education, and fine arts. The facility offers diverse educational programs, horticulture research, environmental exhibits, and promotes cultural and community involvement.

Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site
Chadds Ford, PA 19317 • 610-459-3342
http://www.ushistory.org/brandywine/
The Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site illuminates the largest battle of the Revolutionary War which was fought on September 11, 1777. Washington’s headquarters and the Gilpin House are both located on the grounds, in addition to a visitor center, a museum, and a gift shop.

Winterthur Museum & Garden
http://www.winterthur.org/about/garden_estate.asp
This 1,000-acre country estate was founded by Henry Francis du Pont, and features majestic plants from all over the world with a carefully coordinated blooming schedule from January to November. In addition to the exotic plants, the Garden also includes rolling hills, streams, meadows, and scenic forests to explore.

Hagley Museum and Library
http://www.hagley.lib.de.us/
Located on the banks of the Brandywine River, the Hagley Museum and Library is the original site of the gunpowder works created by E. I. du Pont in 1802. This well-preserved example of early American industry features restored mills, a worker’s camp, and the beautiful home and gardens of the du Pont family. Collections inside the museum aim to illustrate the effects technology has had on American life over the years.

Brandywine Valley Wine Trail
http://www.bvwinetrail.com/
The Brandywine Valley Wine Trail offers eight unique wineries complete with tasting rooms and barrel-aging cellars to explore. Pack a picnic lunch, gather your friends, and come visit us for a wine tasting experience!

Kennett Underground Railroad
http://undergroundrr.kennett.net/
By following the Kennett Underground Railroad, visitors can “meet the people, hear the legends, and learn the facts” about this important part of American history.