Nearly a century before the Revolutionary War and the birth of the American Nation, Chester County was already well established in eastern Pennsylvania. One of three Colonial counties set up by William Penn, new territories were quickly defined as large populations moved inland from the coast.
     Here in West Chester, cobblestone streets were in place long before the Revolutionary War skirmishes shook the town. The county courthouse, first located on the Delaware River, was relocated to West Chester in 1786. The High Street courthouse, designed by Thomas U. Walter, is one of 3000 historic structures in West Chester. Today, it's an easy walk through downtown, where guests will find a pleasant old-town atmosphere, an array of boutiques, fine restaurants, sidewalk eateries, and picturesque streets. Noted with plenty of appeal, West Chester gained the attention of the Philadelphia Inquirer, receiving praise as one of the World's most perfect small towns.
     This early evening scene, with its row of charming homes and brightly colored azaleas, captures one of West Chester's well kept streets. Set off by the thick green foliage of the hosta, this beautiful fence line has stopped many passersby, in awe of nature's show. Following a long, cold winter, azaleas are known to break out all at once with blooms lasting only a few weeks. It's hard to predict the time of spring's bloom as azaleas depend more on temperature rather than the time of year.