Take a Walk through History with a Visit to Marshallton

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Take a trip through history with a visit to the Marshallton district of West Bradford township.--photo via Unionville TImes.

If you are looking for a real sense of the rich history of Chester County then a trip to Marshallton, one of the three historic districts in West Bradford township, should be on your list, writes Gene Pisasale for The Unionville Times.

Named after one of America’s first botanists, Humphry Marshall, the town was originally home to Quaker farmers, some of whom became unexpectedly entwined in the Revolutionary War during the Battle of Brandywine in 1777.

On the main street of Marshallton stand the remains of Martin’s Tavern. It was host to militia members John Hannum and Thomas Cheney the night before they witnessed a large British force marching towards Chadds Ford. To warn George Washington, they both rode at full gallop to get this vital piece of information to the young commander in time for him to avoid being ambushed.

Also in the heart of the town is the Marshalton Inn, spelt with only one “l” due to a typo on a deed transfer. Built in 1750, its well preserved Colonial-era architecture is on the National Register of Historic Places. The inn has had over 25 owners over the centuries, including Tom Baldwin, owner of Baldwin’s Book Barn and its stables have since been converted into the Four Dogs Tavern which provides excellent food and live music.

The nearby cemetery, which is home to the remains of Nathan Sims the young black boy who held the reins of John Wilkes Booth’s horse as he assassinated Abraham Lincoln, is just another of the stunning pieces of history that can be found during a visit to this beautiful, scenic town.  

Read more about the rich history of Marshallton at The Unionville Times here.

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