Chester, Pennsylvania

Chester is located on the Delaware river, fifteen miles below Philadelphia, and fourteen miles from Wilmingon, Delaware. As Upland it was settled by the Swedes in 1643, and is the oldest town in he state.

Throughout World War II and the Post-War era, the city was an important manufacturing center, thanks largely to its location on the Delaware River. However, it fell into decline as businesses relocated or expired, and today, large parts of the city are poverty-stricken and crime-ridden.

Chester is home to a number of area institutions. The former Pennsylvania Military College, now Widener University, rests within its borders. The school has joined forces with the city and local community groups to revitalize the immediate vicinity, particularly along Providence Road. Additionally, the Crozer-Chester Medical Center, a key healthcare establishment in the area, has its headquarters and main hospital in the city.

The Harrah's Chester Casino and Racetrack was the first gambling establishment in the county and one of only two gaming areas in southeastern Pennsylvania (the other being Philadelphia Park Casino and Racetrack in Bensalem). Future plans for the city include a mixed-use soccer stadium which, like the casino-racetrack, will be located along the waterfront.

The city is served by Interstate 95, U.S. Routes 322 and 13, and Pennsylvania Routes 352, 320, and 291. The Commodore Barry Bridge, the only such Delaware River Port Authority structure not to terminate in the Philadelphia city limits, also serves the city, carrying lanes of U.S. Route 322 over the Delaware River and into Gloucester County, New Jersey.

The Southeast Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA) serves the city via a number of bus lines as well as the R2 Regional Rail line; the Chester Transportation center serves as a key hub in southern Delaware County.

www.chestercity.com/

www.oldchesterpa.com/

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