Discover the Rich History of Chestnut Hill, PA

The personal injury lawyers in Chestnut Hill, PA, at Justice Guardians invite you to get to know the historical landmarks throughout the neighborhood.

Chestnut Hill

The neighborhood of Chestnut Hill is located within the Northwest Philadelphia region of the city of Philadelphia in the state of Pennsylvania. The community makes up the 19118 ZIP code. Neighboring communities include Laverock, Mt Airy, Roxborough, and Lafayette Hill. Cresheim Creek flows along the neighborhood's southern edge, while Wissahickon Creek flows along the western border. 

History

The area was part of the German Township established by Francis Daniel Pastorius. It slowly incorporated the settlements initially known as Sommerhausen and Crefeld and parts of Cresheim. It became a gateway between Philadelphia and many of the nearby farms.
During the American Revolutionary War, the community was a top summer vacation spot due to its higher elevation and cooler temperatures. The town has remained one of the more wealthy sections of the city even though many residents have lower to middle-class incomes.

In 1854, the community combined with many neighboring towns and farmlands to create the City of Philadelphia. The Chestnut Hill Railroad, East Line, opened during the same year, allowing residents and visitors to commute to and from Center City. The community quickly became a railroad suburb and by the mid-19th century was known as a bedroom community. 

Historical Landmarks

The Chestnut Hill Historic District was officially recognized in 1985. There are as many as 1,987 contributing structures and properties across the 1,920-acre area. Some of these include:

• 1883 - The Anglecot - designed by Wilson Eyre
• 1883–86 - Druim Moir Historic District - has Romanesque Revival mansion designed by G. W. & W. D. Hewitt
• 1883 - Graver's Lane Station - designed by Frank Furness
• 1922 - John Story Jenks School - designed by Irwin T. Catharine
• 1883–84 - Wissahickon Inn (now Chestnut Hill Academy) - designed by G. W. & W. D. Hewitt
• 1850 - Inglewood Cottage - designed by Thomas Ustick Walter
• 1961 - Esherick House - designed by Louis Kahn
• 1962–64 - Vanna Venturi House - designed by Robert Venturi

Demographics

The population in the community was 9,710 residents that made up 4,085 households. Most of the residents were born in the country, but 1.4% were born in other countries. 

The neighborhood is predominantly a wealthy community with a median income of $101,200. Some of the occupations held by the working population include: 

• 14.5% Management
• 12.4% Education
• 8.6% Administrative
• 8.2% Healthcare
• 7.8% Business
• 6.6% Sales and Related
• 6.0% Legal
• 5.0% Entertainment

Learn more about the next neighborhood: An Introduction to the History of Roxborough, PA 

Our Local Office

The Chestnut Hill, PA, personal injury lawyers at Justice Guardians offer legal services for victims of car accidents, slip and fall injuries, workplace accidents, and more. Call today to learn how they can help you with your legal needs.

Justice Guardians
352 Church Ln
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(445) 200-5285