Charlestown...

Charlestown was established in 1682 by entrepreneur, Charles Pickering, who came to the new world in search of riches with William Penn.

Following the Schuylkill River, in search of quick riches, Charles Pickering followed the tributary some 30 miles upstream (near what we now know as Moorehall). He found sparkling particles and was convinced he had found traces of valuable minerals. He returned to Philadelphia and secured a grant of 5,358 acres from his personal friend, William Penn, in 1683.

Confiding in an experienced miner by the name of Tinker, Pickering returned to the site and in a hillside along the tributary he and Tinker dug a cave which became their home (the first Europeans in the area). From it they conducted their search for precious metals. Successful, they returned to Philadelphia and sent samples back to England for assay.

Impatient for results, Pickering was soon arrested in Philadelphia for counterfeiting silver money. According to Samuel Pennypacker's "History in Phoenixville", Pickering was tried and acquitted when it was found that his counterfeits contained as much silver as the King's. Later he served in the Pennsylvania Assembly. Later he died in a drowning accident on the way back to England.

The exact location of the cave has never been determined, but many readers today know whereto find Tinker Hill. In the late 1800's it was the site of a flourishing mineral industry, sufficient testimony to the knowledge and skills of Pickering and Tinker.

Charlestown, alongside Phoenixville, played a large role in creating history during the Revolution. Today, visitors can get a rare look into a 18th century settlement.

Visit the Chapel of the Four Chaplains, a national memorial honoring the heroic Four Chaplains of World War II and all those who have exhibited selfless service. The original Chapel, dedicated by President Harry Truman in 1951 in Philadelphia, was vacated in 1990 and will be replaced by a striking new building on 4.5 acres adjacent to Pickering Reservoir. Call (610) 933-3596.

Charlestown isn't all history -

There is also Swiss Pines Gardens, where visitors can meditate in a peaceful stone garden and enjoy the serene beauty of shaded walkways boasting myriad's of horticultural specimens. Call (610) 933-6916.

For more interesting info about Charlestown, check out their web site.

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