Townships and Borough

The Chamber of Commerce of Greater West Chester serves businesses in the six West Chester Townships, Borough and beyond.

West Chester Borough

Serving as the county seat of Chester County, West Chester borough is known for its energetic, charming downtown area, which offers cutting-edge cuisine, boutiques and galleries virtually exploding with cultural excitement. The Cultural Center at the Chester County Historical Society is located just to the north of the downtown area, a few miles from West Chester University, whose 12,000 students bring additional vitality to the town. Visit www.west-chester.com or www.downtownwestchester.com

East Bradford

Established in 1731, when Bradford Township was divided into two municipalities. Located south west of the Borough of West Chester, East Bradford covers approximately 15 square miles. Residents elect three supervisors and three auditors to a six year term of office, and one tax collector to a four year term. As of 2000, there were 9,405 residents. www.eastbradford.org

Westtown Township

Established in 1685, Westtown Township claims to be the second oldest Township in the County. In 1810 the population was 790 residents. As of the 2000 census the population was 10,352. The first settlers were English Quakers and the 1850 census showed that the activities of the Township were mostly agrarian. Westtown School, a private institution, was established in 1799. Oakbourne Park is the Township’s major recreation center located on S. Concord Road. The park’s historic Oakbourne Mansion is available for rent for weddings and other events. Please view the Township website www.westtownpa.org for further information.

East Goshen

Located one mile east of the West Chester borough, East Goshen Township is a 14-square mile area that was part of a larger tract purchased from William Penn in Wales in September 1681. Settlers named the area Goshenville, or “Land of Goshen.” The Township, now home to approximately 17,000 residents, was incorporated in 1817 when Goshen was divided, forming East and West Goshen Townships. Visit www.eastgoshentownship.org

West Goshen

12-square miles, east of borough in 1817, the Township divided into East and West Goshen Townships. At the time of the 1820 census, West Goshen’s population numbered 757. West Goshen was primarily a farming community in its early history. Before long, many different businesses began to appear, including several women-owned enterprises. Trades such as cabinet-making, tailoring, weaving, clock-making, and wool-making characterized the area, The completion of railroads in the 1830’s and 1850’s facilitated the delivery of goods and services to the Township, and marked the migration of many Philadelphians seeking country residences. By 1930, West Goshen’s population had risen to 1,958. The farming community had grown into a suburban neighborhood. In 1950, the population was 3,500. The Township experienced its most explosive growth during the 1960’s and 1970’s, and today boasts over 20,000 residents and a balanced mix of residential, business, office, retail, and industrial uses. www.wgoshen.org

Thornbury

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 3.9 square miles As of 2000, there were 2,678 residents. Thornbury Township was organized in 1687 with the appointment of Hugh Durborrow as constable and received its name from Thornbury, in Gloucestershire, England. www.thornburytwp.com

Birmingham

Is the oldest township in Chester County and was the site of the Battle of the Brandywine during the Revolutionary War. According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 6.5 square miles composed mainly of farmland and rolling hills with several small communities. As of 2000, there were 4,221 residents. www.birminghamtownship.org