Released: December 27, 2024
Delaware County Council and the Delaware County Planning Department joined Chester City Mayor Stefan Roots, Senator John Kane, Representative Carol Kazeem, Chester City Councilmembers, residents, and students from Chester-Upland High School on December 11 for a historic celebration. Together with Julien Icher of Lafayette Trail, Inc., they unveiled a Lafayette Trail Marker and commemorated the 300th anniversary of the 1724 Chester Courthouse, the oldest public building in continuous use in the United States.
The Lafayette Trail Marker honors General Lafayette's visit to Chester on October 5, 1824, during his Farewell Tour. As part of a network of markers highlighting Lafayette’s contributions to American independence, it pays tribute to his legacy as a champion of liberty.
Lafayette played a critical role in the American Revolution, serving as a key military leader and trusted ally of General George Washington. He was wounded during the Battle of Brandywine, just miles from Chester, and his bravery and strategic acumen earned him a revered place in the fight for independence. Decades later, President James Monroe invited Lafayette to tour the United States in 1824 to celebrate the nation’s 50th anniversary, cementing his legacy as a symbol of the enduring bond between France and America.
His visit to the 1724 Chester Courthouse during that tour further highlights the site’s historical significance and the pivotal moments it has witnessed in the birth of the nation.
“The inclusion of the Lafayette Trail Marker is a testament to the global significance of our local history,” said Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer. “It honors both the enduring legacy of General Lafayette and the importance of preserving our shared heritage. The trail marker ensures that future visitors will gain a deeper understanding of Chester’s rich history and the pivotal events that unfolded here, shaping the birth and growth of our nation.”
Julien Icher, President of Lafayette Trail, Inc., traveled to Chester for the ceremony to unveil the new Lafayette Trail Marker, part of a growing network of over 100 markers across the United States. Supported by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, these markers commemorate General Lafayette’s role in the American Revolution and highlight his enduring impact on American history.
“This marker, along with the others across the country, tells the story of Lafayette’s remarkable contributions to the Revolution,” said Julien Icher. “Thanks to the support of the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, we are using these markers to ensure that the American people recognize Lafayette’s pivotal role in securing independence and shaping American democracy. Each marker represents a chapter in a larger narrative that binds France and the United States through shared ideals of liberty and justice.”
Built in 1724, the Chester Courthouse initially served as the county courthouse for Chester County and later for Delaware County, before becoming Chester City Hall. Within its historic walls, early American ideals of justice and democracy were shaped, and pivotal moments were witnessed, including the public reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 1776.
“It’s rare in this country to reach 300 years, and it’s worthy of celebration,” said Gina Burritt, Director of the Delaware County Planning Department. “This milestone reflects not just the rich history of this courthouse but also the dedication of so many people who have worked tirelessly to preserve it. I want to thank Chester City officials and the Chester Public Works Department for their invaluable contributions, as well as my team, particularly Kate Clifford, for their leadership and commitment. This achievement was made possible by the support of local and state officials and the many advocates within the historical community.”
The courthouse’s tricentennial celebration also highlighted the preservation efforts that have safeguarded its history. Thanks to a $523,000 National Park Service grant, significant renovations are in the process of being made, including restoring the exterior stonework, replacing windows, updating second-floor walls and floors, modernizing building systems, and adding updated bathrooms and a kitchenette. These improvements will ensure the courthouse remains a vital part of the community for generations to come.
The ceremony also featured letters from Governor Josh Shapiro and Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, who could not attend but sent heartfelt messages recognizing the 300th anniversary of the courthouse. Their letters, read aloud during the event, emphasized the historical importance of the courthouse and the ongoing efforts to preserve its legacy.
“This courthouse is more than just a historical site; it is a living monument to the strength and spirit of our community,” said Council Member Christine Reuther. “It is a tangible reminder of the principles that shaped our nation and a beacon for future generations.”
By the time of the semiquincentennial, celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary in 2026, renovations to the courthouse will be completed, and the building will reopen as a historic site and museum. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore Delaware County’s rich heritage and appreciate the enduring legacy of this 300-year-old structure.
The Lafayette Trail Marker and the courthouse’s tricentennial celebration serve as lasting reminders of the history, resilience, and civic pride of the Chester community.