Eddystone

The land where Eddystone stands was once called “Tequirassy” by the Native Americans. In 1641, Olof Persson Stille, a New Sweden settler, arrived here. He was a millwright and, after the Dutch conquered the colony, he became a judge. This small borough, named after the Eddystone Lighthouse in England, was incorporated in December of 1888. It was a challenging process due to the financial issues that arose. William Simpson, who loved the Eddystone Lighthouse, named the town after it.
The borough grew up around the Eddystone Print Works, established by William Simpson & Sons in 1873. This factory became the largest print works in the US. It was known for its innovative dyeing techniques, which were particularly vibrant and beautiful.
During World War I, the borough became a center for military production. The Eddystone Ammunition Corporation, a subsidiary of Baldwin Locomotive Works, built artillery shells. Sadly, on April 10, 1917, an explosion at the plant killed 133 workers, most of them women. A monument in the Chester Rural Cemetery commemorates the unidentified victims.
Eddystone has a rich history of heavy industry. The borough’s residents worked diligently in these factories, playing a vital role in the country’s industrial growth. Today, even though many factories are gone, the spirit of industry and resilience that defined Eddystone still lives in its people. The borough, a mix of history and community, is a valuable part of Delaware County, Pennsylvania.