The courthouse bell, which is cradled in its original clocktower located at the corner of High and Market Streets, is the oldest sound in West Chester, writes Malcolm Johnstone for the County Lines Magazine.
The bell rings at the top of every hour, as it has been doing since it was first in operation, starting on Sept. 2, 1838.
The bell tower was originally on top of the 1786 courthouse, until that building was replaced in 1848 by the larger courthouse that is still in use.
In its early days, the courthouse clock held great importance, as not many were able to afford personal clocks and watches. It kept time for town residents who had appointments, for the start of school classes, and for train departures. It was also used to signal an emergency or a special occasion.
One of the most dramatic events in its history took place on April 10, 1865, when the bell started ringing nonstop at sunrise. Townspeople quickly gathered at the courthouse to hear the news that Confederate General Robert E. Lee had surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant and that the Civil War was effectively over.
Read more about the West Chester courthouse bell in the County Lines Magazine.
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