History
The area was originally known as Turk's Head, after the Inn of the same name located in what is now the center of the borough.

West Chester is a town that has been the seat of government in Chester County since 1786, although it wasn't incorporated until 1799. West Chester was settled in the early 18th century, principally by members of the Society of Friends. In the heart of town is its courthouse, a classical revival building designed in the 1840s by Thomas U. Walter, one of the architects for the Capitol in Washington, DC. West Chester today is part of the rapidly growing suburban complex surrounding Philadelphia.

Demographics
As of the censusGR2 of 2000, there were 17,861 people, 6,265 households, and 2,662 families residing in the borough. The population density was 9,703.3 people per square mile (3,747.9/km²). There were 6,541 housing units at an average density of 3,553.5/sq mi (1,372.6/km²). The racial makeup of the borough was 75.44% White, 17.08% African American, 8.94% Hispanic or Latino, 3.64% from other races, 1.46% Asian, 0.31% Native American, 0.07% Pacific Islander, and 2.00% from two or more races.

There were 6,265 households out of which 19.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 26.8% were married couples living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 57.5% were non-families. 35.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the borough the population was spread out with 13.4% under the age of 18, 37.7% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 13.3% from 45 to 64, and 9.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 25 years. For every 100 females there were 88.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.7 males.

The median income for a household in the borough was $37,803, and the median income for a family was $51,018. Males had a median income of $35,540 versus $30,819 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $19,073. About 9.8% of families and 21.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.5% of those under age 18 and 9.2% of those age 65 or over.

Notable Residents

• Humor columnist Dave Barry got his start in journalism reporting for the borough's The Daily Local News.
• The famous Irish patriot and martyr Theobald Wolfe Tone briefly lived here.
• Birthplace of guitarist John Lilley of rock band The Hooters
• Birthplace of professional golfer Jim Furyk
• Classical composer Samuel Barber was born in West Chester in 1910.
• Actor Claude Rains made his home here at the corner of Church and Dean Streets.
• Murdered hostage Nick Berg
• Birthplace of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin who has a West Chester school named after him.
• Decorated war veteran and later anti-war activist Smedley Butler
• American artist Horace Pippin
• Thomas U. Walter, the architect of the United States Capitol dome, designed seven buildings, including the Courthouse, a church, and the old prison (now gone), in West Chester.
• Skateboarder and Jackass co-founder Bam Margera and several other CKY Crew members including Brandon DiCamillo, Ryan Dunn, Chris Raab, Brandon Novak, Rake Yohn, Phil Margera, April Margera, Jess Margera and Vincent Margera. The town and various local businesses have been featured in Jackass, Viva La Bam, Haggard: The Movie and the CKY videos.
• Birthplace of Jewish reggae musician Matisyahu.
• Birthplace of actor Matthew McGrory (AKA "Bigfoot"), named as having the largest feet in the world (size 29 1/2) by the Guinness Book of World Records in 1992. McGrory acted in such films as Bubble Boy, Men in Black II, House of 1000 Corpses and Big Fish. He was also a member of the "Wack Pack" on The Howard Stern Show.
• Glen Osbourne, professional wrestler
• Houston Texans QB Matt Schaub attended West Chester East High School.
• Musical act Plow United who penned a tribute to the town in their song "West Chester Nuclear Winter."
• CKY band members Deron Miller, Chad I. Ginsburg and Jess Margera.
• Birthplace of pitcher Jon Matlack who pitched for the New York Mets and the Texas Rangers.
• Episcopal Bishop of Rhode Island Geralyn Wolf was a native of West Chester and attended West Chester University
• Birthplace of American actor Kyle Gallner, who has acted in such shows as Veronica Mars and Big Love
• Taking Back Sunday's guitarist Fred Mascherino
• Professional golfer Sean O'Hair currently resides in West Chester.
• Professional Baseball Player Cole Hamels currently resides in West Chester
• American artist Tom Bostelle
• Author Joseph Hergesheimer lived in West Chester and is buried in its Oaklands Cemetery. He was visited frequently by H. L. Mencken while he lived here
• Showman Buffalo Bill Cody also resided in West Chester in house on East Washington Street

External Links
Borough of West Chester

Map of West Chester, PA