History of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania

Upper Darby Township, located in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, boasts a rich history that reflects the broader narrative of American development. From its early indigenous inhabitants to its current status as a diverse suburban community, Upper Darby's geography and evolution offers insight into the cultural and industrial transformations of the region.

Indigenous Roots and European Settlement

Prior to European colonization, the area now known as Upper Darby was inhabited by the Lenape tribe for thousands of years. The Lenape, part of the larger Woodland culture, lived in longhouses and birch bark homes, practicing agriculture that featured companion planting of the Three Sisters: winter squash, maize, and beans.

The first permanent European settlers arrived in late 1653 with a group from New Sweden. Soon after, in 1655, New Sweden was taken over by the Dutch, and then came under English rule in October 1664 as part of England's overall conquest of New Amsterdam. The region was controlled as a possession of the English king until it was included in a large land grant to William Penn in 1681. Upon Penn's founding of the colony of Pennsylvania the next year, the area was designated as part of the municipality of Darby Township, in Chester County. It was subsequently part of the eastern section of that county which was split off on September 26, 1789, to form Delaware County.

Industrial Development

The abundance of creeks and streams in the area favored the development of mills, and it was in Upper Darby that some of the first mills in Delaware County could be found. Notable examples include the Cardington Mills in the Cardington section of the township and the Kent Mills in the Kellyville section. The site of the former Kent Mills is now a recreation area and dog park known as Kent Park. One local mill-owning family, the Garretts, operated mills along the Darby Creek.

Abolitionist Activity and the Underground Railroad

Reflecting the Quaker tradition of its early English settlers, Upper Darby played a significant role in the antislavery movement. Prior to 1830, at least one abolition society existed, and it sent a delegation of twelve notable men to the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society’s conference in Philadelphia in 1830. Many homes in the neighborhood served as Underground Railroad stations, including Hoodland, the home of abolitionist Thomas Pennock, which was later donated to the township’s public library and still contains the children’s library, attached to a much larger new facility that houses the Main Branch.

Twentieth-Century Growth and Diversity

The early 20th century saw significant residential development in Upper Darby, particularly after the completion of the 69th Street Terminal in 1907, which became a hub of transportation connecting subway and elevated trains from Philadelphia with trolley cars serving Delaware County. This development continued after World War I and into the post-World War II era, with communities such as Drexel Hill, Havertown, and Springfield experiencing substantial growth.

Today, Upper Darby is celebrated for its diversity, with over 100 ethnic cultures represented throughout the township. This multiculturalism is reflected in the variety of landmarks, from the Tower Theatre music venue, constructed in the 1920s, to historic sites associated with the Underground Railroad.

From its indigenous origins and early European settlement to its industrial growth and role in the abolitionist movement, Upper Darby's history is a tapestry of cultural and economic evolution. Its development into a diverse and thriving community underscores the dynamic nature of American suburban landscapes.