The small stone monument marking the actual spot where William Penn first set foot in the colony of Pennsylvania is located at the rear of a run-down park. Sadly, the surrounding grounds are strewn with litter and not well taken care of. Other than a State placed marker along E 2nd Street, nothing else explains the significance of this location. I doubt many people are even aware of this site's existence. It's a shame that the city of Chester does not do more to clean up and promote the William Penn Landing Site park.

Unkempt grass, discolored masonry, and a singular, unassuming concrete extrusion placed demurely off the side of the path. Much like the industrial labor that made Chester a veritable boomtown in the early-mid 20th century, any signs of vibrant life have long since skipped town, leaving only the despondent phantom of culture and community. Did the owners of capital whose factories shuttered in favor of overseas labor feel disdainful scorn towards the working families who were left sans-livelihood? Did William Penn feel similarly towards the indigenous population he ordered removed?

A few hundred feet away, in the parking lot of Chester City Hall, expensive and well-kept vehicles gossip amongst themselves, oblivious to their surroundings. In every nearby block, derelict homes are punctuated by piles of dumped industrial waste and overgrowth.

Four stars. Would recommend.

Not a very nice place, but a monument is there. If it was clean it would get more recognition and visits.

Excellent Experience Highy Recommended

It’s a shame that an important site is In the middle of a horrible place. Used as a dumping ground. Do Better America