Old Swedish Burial Ground
Chester, Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Site of first St. Paul's Episcopal Church, built in 1702. The grave of John Morton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, is located just south of here.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
This ground in Chester marks the site of the first St. Paul's Episcopal Church, built in 1702 in one of Pennsylvania's oldest settlements with roots in New Sweden. Just south lies the grave of John Morton, the Pennsylvania delegate whose vote helped tip the colony toward independence and who signed the Declaration of Independence.
Why it matters
As the resting place of a signer of the Declaration, the old burial ground connects a colonial immigrant community to the founding of the nation.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer12.9 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Hill-Physick House13.0 mi away · 321 South 4th Street
- Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial13.0 mi away
- Congress Hall13.1 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Hall13.1 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philosophical Hall13.1 mi away · PA
Attractions
- Commandant's Quarters10.2 mi away
- American Bandstand10.9 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo12.2 mi away
- Italian market12.4 mi away · Christian Street
- One Liberty Observation Deck12.4 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge12.4 mi away
Food & drink
- Talula's Garden12.9 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily12.9 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon12.9 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cafe Walnut12.9 mi away · 703 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Maya's Pizza & Grill12.9 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Munchie’s Cafe12.9 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City12.4 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City12.5 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites12.5 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Alexander Inn12.5 mi away · 301 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express12.6 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City12.7 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · John Morton
Related events
- · Signing of the Declaration of Independence
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
Morton Homestead
Prospect Park, PA · est. 1966
This riverside homestead was begun around 1654 by Morton Mortonson, part of the Swedish and Finnish settlement of New Sweden along the Delaware, and it is among the oldest European-built structures in the region. The family line ran forward to John Morton, the Pennsylvania delegate who cast a decisive vote and signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
St. David's Church
Radnor Township, PA · est. 1947
Built in 1715 by Welsh Episcopalians who had come to Penn's colony in search of land and religious freedom, St. David's Church became one of the enduring landmarks of Pennsylvania's "Welsh Tract." Its weathered stones and quiet churchyard so moved Henry Wadsworth Longfellow that he immortalized the place in verse. The churchyard is also the final resting place of General "Mad" Anthony Wayne, the fiery Revolutionary War commander whose remains were carried here from Erie in 1809, years after his death.
Washington House
Chester, PA · est. 1954
Raised in 1747 as the "Pennsylvania Arms," this was a well-known stopping place on the old Post Road that carried travelers and news along the colonial seaboard. It gained its lasting name after George Washington paused here in the anxious days following the Battle of Brandywine in September 1777, when the British advance on Philadelphia threw the region into turmoil. The building survived more than two centuries before it was taken down in 1952.
Colonial Courthouse
Chester, PA · est. 1954
Raised in 1724 in a restrained Georgian Colonial style and restored in 1920, this Chester landmark served as a courthouse for Chester County until 1786 and then for Delaware County from 1789 to 1851, later doing duty as City Hall. It is celebrated as the oldest public building in continuous use in the United States.