The History of douglassville

Swedish pioneers were the first European settlers in present Berks County on land granted by William Penn. Swedish Lutheran Minister Andreas Rudman secured an order from William Penn on October 21, 1701 setting aside 10,000 acres (40 km²) up the Schuylkill, near Manatawny Creek, for members of his congregation. The boundaries of Amity Township are almost identical to the boundaries of the original area known as Swedes’ tract.

Morlatton Village, an early settlement which became part of what is now Douglassville, was Berks County’s first settlement site along the Schuylkill River. The settlement later became the location of Old St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church or Old Swedes, founded in 1720 as the oldest church in Berks County. The site also included the Mouns Jones House, built by Swedish settlers in 1716. The house is the oldest documented dwelling in Berks County.^[7]^[8]

Know The story

300+ Years Of history

“The more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future.”

Theodore Roosevelt

Daniel Boone

Daniel Boone’s life and legacy continue to be celebrated in the United States, and his name is synonymous with the exploration and settlement of the American frontier. His homestead and the trails he blazed remain important historical sites, preserving the history of westward expansion in the United States.

Morlatton Village

Morlatton Village stands as a tribute to the enduring legacy of its early settlers and their role in shaping the history of Amity Township and Berks County. It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to step back in time and explore the rich history of this historic settlement.

Brinton Lodge

Brinton Lodge is a 300-year-old landmark in Douglassville. The site’s unusual architecture, eccentric history, and local legends are now being preserved for the community to enjoy.

Want your business advertised here?

Getting your business seen

FAQ

Unveiling History: Questions about our past?

Where did douglassville get its name?

Douglasville, Pennsylvania, got its name from its founder, George Douglas. George Douglas was a local landowner and entrepreneur who established a village in Amity Township, Berks County, in the early 18th century. The town was initially known as “Douglas’ Cross Roads” because it was located at a crossroads where several major roads intersected.

Who were douglassvilles earliest settlers?

The earliest settlers of Douglassville, Pennsylvania were Swedish pioneers. They were the first European settlers in present Berks County on land granted by William Penn12. Swedish Lutheran Minister Andreas Rudman secured an order from William Penn on October 21, 1701, setting aside 10,000 acres up the Schuylkill, near Manatawny Creek, for members of his congregation12. This area is almost identical to the boundaries of the original area known as Swedes Tract.

What historic buildings, landmarks, or monuments are still standing in our town?

Brinton Lodge: This 300-year-old structure currently houses Hidden River Brewing, a small-batch, one-of-kind beer brewery offering on-site brewed beer, wine, and a locally sourced farm-to-table pub menu.
White Horse Inn: A historic inn and tavern located in Douglassville, Amity Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania. The building, originally built in 1765, is situated on the banks of the Schuylkill River.
Morlatton Village: This is Berks County’s first settlement site along the Schuylkill River. The site includes the Mouns Jones House, built by Swedish settlers in 1716, which is the oldest documented dwelling in Berks County .
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site: Established in 1938, this site preserves an 18th and 19th-century iron furnace complex.

When was douglassville founded?

Douglasville, Pennsylvania, got its name from its founder, George Douglas. George Douglas was a local landowner and entrepreneur who established a village in Amity Township, Berks County, in the early 19th century. The town was initially known as “Douglas’ Cross Roads” because it was located at a crossroads where several major roads intersected.

What was the original purpose of Douglassvilles founding?

Commercial Hub: Its location at a crossroads would have made Douglasville a natural site for businesses to establish themselves. General stores, inns, and other commercial enterprises would have been drawn to the area to serve travelers and the local population.
Transportation Center: Crossroads towns often served as transportation hubs, providing a place for travelers to rest, refresh, and change modes of transportation, whether by horse-drawn carriage, stagecoach, or later, automobiles.
Agricultural Support: Given the importance of agriculture in the region, Douglasville may have been founded to support local farmers by offering a marketplace for their goods and services.

More local history...

“Lizzie Lincoln” House – The Real Story

The “Lizzie Lincoln” House is a historic home located in Exeter Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania

Smilin’ Jack Airport

Smilin' Jack Airport in Douglassville, PA, played a significant role during World War II as a small airport, contributing to the war effort and local history.