Downing's Town: A Brief History of Downingtown

I grew up in a decent size town in Chester County known as Downingtown. While many people do not know much of Downingtown, its history is anything but short. Even though many people are unaware of the great past of Downingtown, this small town has a very lengthy history which includes some of the biggest names and triumphs known to Pennsylvania.

Downingtown was originally known as Milltown until it became Downing's Town, later changed to Downingtown. Downingtown progressed through the French and Indian War, the creation of mills, building of bridges, whiskey rebellion, turnpike, and so much more. Between events just listed as well as the industrial revolution, immigration, and both pre and post war issues, Downingtown definitely has an extensive history (Davidson).

In 1681, William Penn acquired land in the new world from King Charles. This land was named after his father, being called Pennsylvania. Many people began buying land in the New World before even setting foot on it. Because of the long journey to the New World, Downingtown was not technically founded until 1706 (Downingtown Historical Society). However, the first building appeared in 1700; that building is now known as the Downingtown Log Cabin, which is still standing (Downingtown Log Cabin).

Downingtown was originally known as Milltown, due to the presence of several mills in the vicinity. Milltown was then renamed Downing's Town, after Thomas Downing. Over the years, Downing's Town became Downingtown, obviously still named after Mr. Downing (Mowday).

Perhaps one of the greatest trials Downingtown faced was the French and Indian War. Pennsylvania itself was not affected by the war upon France until 1750s, when the war raged across western region. The Ship Inn, on the outskirts of Downingtown, became a rendezvous point for Chester County, and Colonel Bouquet traveled east to meet with various people there (Davidson).