Phoenixville was settled in 1732 and incorporated as a borough in 1849.

In its industrial heyday early in the twentieth century, it was an important manufacturing center.

It was the site of great iron and steel mills such as the Phoenix Iron Works, boiler works, silk mill, underwear and hosiery factories, a match factory, and the famous (and now highly collectible) Etruscan majolica pottery.

Like so many American towns and cities, Phoenixville owes its growth to its waterways.

It is not only situated on the broad Schuylkill River, an historic thoroughfare to Native Americans and early settlers alike, but it is bisected by the fast-flowing French Creek, which was quickly harnessed for water power.

Phoenixville has the largest registered historic district in Chester County. Many homes have been maintained and improved and are shown here. Many stores have retained their Victorian facades.

Special thanks to the Phoenixville Historical Society for these photographs and content.