Willowdale, Pennsylvania

Willowdale is a small, unincorporated community located in East Marlborough Township, in southern Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Willowdale, Pennsylvania
Unincorporated community
Willowdale Post Office and General Store
Willowdale
Location in Pennsylvania
Willowdale
Location in United States
Coordinates: 39°52′27″N 75°43′04″W
CountryUnited States
StatePennsylvania
CountyChester
TownshipEast Marlborough
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)

It is named after a grove of Willow trees that grew in the general area when it was originally settled.

Several businesses, shopping centers and residential developments in the general area of the crossroads are named for Willowdale.

Geography

Willowdale is located at 39° 52' 27" North, 75° 43' 5" West.

It is located at the crossroads of Pennsylvania Routes 926 and 82, between Kennett Square and Unionville, Pennsylvania. In addition, it is very close to Longwood Gardens and a 20-minute drive from downtown Wilmington, DE.

Education

Willowdale is located in the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District.

History

Lord Charles Cornwallis' flanking movement on General Washington at the Battle of Brandywine went directly through Willowdale. Originally the rural area was called Taggarts Crossroads on land owned by the Taggart family. In the later 19th century a post office, general store, Greenhouse, Wheelwright and blacksmith shop, and church were built, consequently was named Willowdale for the Willow trees that prospered around the area and that Willow branches were shipped and used in the making of black powder at the Du Pont company because of how easily they can be turned into charcoal.

Local attractions

Willowdale Steeplechase: The Willowdale Steeplechase Races are sanctioned by the National Steeplechase Association and attract some of the best racehorses and top jockeys from around the world. Set in a natural amphitheater the course features traditional European hedges, post, and rail fences and a spectacular water jump.

Longwood Gardens (About 5 minutes from Willowdale): 1,050 acres (4.2 km2) of gardens, woodlands, and meadows; 20 outdoor gardens; 20 indoor gardens within 4 acres (16,000 m²) of heated greenhouses; 11,000 different types of plants; spectacular fountains. An international garden destination.

Brandywine Battlefield (About 15 minutes from Willowdale): The Battle of Brandywine and the American Revolution are presented in the Museum which is part of the park's modern Visitor Center. A permanent interpretive exhibit and an audio-visual presentation graphically tell the story of the battle and its relation to the Philadelphia Campaign of 1777. Changing exhibits cover other topics of interest pertaining to the American Revolution and offer something new for the frequent visitor.

References
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