William Penn Landing Site

William Penn Landing Site is a granite monument in Chester that marks the arrival of William Penn in Pennsylvania. The memorial displays the Penn family crest and sits near Chester Creek and the Delaware River.

William Penn arrived at this location on October 28, 1682, and immediately renamed the existing settlement from Upland to Chester. This landing marked the start of a new era in Pennsylvania's development.

This site marks where multiple European groups met and began shaping Pennsylvania's future. Swedish and Dutch communities were already established here before Penn's arrival, creating a mixed cultural foundation for the region.

The monument is located at the intersection of East 2nd Street and Penn Street with free parking available on both streets. The site is easy to reach and offers straightforward access to the memorial.

The original waterfront location has shifted dramatically due to industrial growth, and the monument now sits surrounded by manufacturing buildings and railroad tracks. This transformation reveals how Chester evolved from a landing point into an industrial hub.

Location: Chester

GPS coordinates: 39.84399,-75.36130

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:04