Kennett Square is a borough in Chester County, Pennsylvania, USA. It is known as the mushroom capital of the world because the cultivation of mushrooms in this region produces over 500 million pounds of mushrooms a year, which is half of the mushroom crop in the United States. To celebrate this heritage, Ken's Nett Square hosts the annual Mushroom Festival, during which the city closes down to host a parade, visit mushroom farms, and buy and sell food and other merchandise. It is also home to the headquarters of Genesis HealthCare, which operates the aged care facilities. Local Kennett High School. According to the 2010 census, its population was 6,072 people.
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| Kennett Square Pennsylvania |
History
The area, called Kennett Square, was originally inhabited by Lenape Native Americans. After colonization, the city was named Kennett Square, with the name "Kennett", England, and "Square", due to an initial grant of one square mile land from William Penn. General Sir William Howe passed through Kennett to the Battle of Brandywine during the American Revolution. It was also known as an important part of the Underground Railroad, which helped the slaves flee north. Many of his prominent townspeople helped slaves escape the Underground Railroad. In 1853 the group was asked to include Kennett Square, and by 1855 elections were held there.
The founder of Kennett Square is credited with introducing mushroom cultivation in the area. He was growing carnations, a popular local commodity around 1885, and wanted to use the empty space under the tall beds. He imported caviar from Europe and began experimenting with growing mushrooms.
Kennett Square is the plot and setting of The Kennett Story, written by the 19th century American writer Bayard Taylor, who lived nearby in Cedarcroft.
Geography
Kennett Square is located at 39 ° 50′39 ″ N, 75 ° 42′38 ″ W / 39.84417 ° N, 75.71056 ° W / 39.84417; -75.71056 (39.844104, -75.710654).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the area has a total area of 1.1 square miles (2.8 km), all land except for two small lakes.