Visiting the William Penn Landing Site in Pennsylvania

The Historic Moment: Penn Arrives in Upland (1682)

After a perilous Atlantic voyage marked by a smallpox outbreak, William Penn's ship, the Welcome, sailed up the Delaware River. His first stop was New Castle (now in Delaware) to formally take possession of the "Lower Counties." Shortly after, on October 28th or 29th, 1682, the Welcome anchored near the existing Swedish settlement of Upland. It was here, in the only established town within his new province, that Penn first stepped ashore. Legend holds that he promptly renamed Upland "Chester," after the English city, at a companion's suggestion. This landing marked the physical beginning of Penn's governance in Pennsylvania.

The Landing Site Today: A Monument Amidst Industry

Today, the William Penn Landing Site is officially located at the intersection of Penn Street and East 2nd Street (PA 291) in Chester.

• The Monument: The centerpiece is a five-foot-tall granite monument erected in 1882 to mark the bicentennial of Penn's landing. Designed by John Struthers, it features Penn's coat of arms and inscriptions detailing the historical event.
• The Park: The monument sits within a small park area, less than an acre in size. A Pennsylvania state historical marker also stands nearby.
• Setting and Condition: Visitors must note that the site's surroundings are heavily industrial. Due to changes in the riverfront over centuries (both natural and man-made), the park is now situated about 100 yards inland, separated from the Delaware River by railroad tracks and adjacent to industrial properties, including junkyards. Recent visitor accounts suggest the park itself, while historically significant, may appear somewhat neglected, with potentially overgrown paths or empty flagpoles. There is no direct access to the water from the park.

The Visitor Experience: A Moment for Reflection

A visit to the William Penn Landing Site is primarily an act of historical pilgrimage and reflection.

• What to Do: Visitors can view the 1882 monument, read the historical marker, and contemplate the significance of standing near the approximate location where Pennsylvania's founder began his colonial venture.
• Setting Expectations: No extensive exhibits or visitor facilities are directly at the landing site monument itself. The experience is about connecting with the location's history despite its modest modern presentation.

Why Visit?:

Despite its current state, the William Penn Landing Site offers a unique opportunity. It's a chance to stand (approximately) where the founder of Pennsylvania began his "Holy Experiment." Connecting with the starting point of Pennsylvania's colonial history under Penn can be a powerful experience for those deeply interested in the state's origins.

Planning Your Visit

• Location: Intersection of Penn Street and East 2nd Street (PA 291), Chester, PA 19013. Coordinates: approximately 39.844111, -75.361500.
• Hours: Access is generally available at a small, open park site from dawn to dusk.
• Cost: Free.
• Nearby Sites: Consider combining a visit with other historical landmarks in Chester, such as the 1724 Chester Courthouse (America's oldest public building in continuous use), located nearby on the Avenue of the States.

The William Penn Landing Site in Chester may be a modest park surrounded by modern industry, but its historical significance is immense. It marks the approximate location where the founder of Pennsylvania first arrived, launching his "Holy Experiment." While the site might lack grandiosity, it offers a unique and poignant opportunity for those interested in American colonial history to connect with the very beginnings of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

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Sources:

• William Penn Landing Site – National Register of Historic Places Documentation
• Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) Historical Markers
• Delaware County Historical Society
• Historical Accounts of William Penn's Arrival
• City of Chester Historical Information