Where do you begin to tell the history of Castle Rock, once one of the most prominent places in Edgmont Township? Millions of years ago when the rock formation thrust above the surface? 12,000 years ago, when the first Native Americans set eyes on the formation jutting out of the earth perhaps 400 feet? Do we start with the early settlers of Edgmont who christened it with the name “Castle Rock” because it reminded them of English castles? Perhaps the tale of Sandy Flash, the Highwayman of Castle Rock? Though Sandy Flash is fictitious, his story is based upon an actual bandit, James Fitzpatrick, who terrorized the community during the American Revolution, and was ultimately captured at a farmhouse nearby.
The rock formation was an early tourist destination, so much so that the Philadelphia and West Chester Traction Company built a trolley line from 63rd Street out to an amusement park that they created at Castle Rock. A 1902 news article described what was there: “The cave and the rocks which were the hiding places and fortifications of Fitzpatrick during the long period of his depredations in the Revolutionary War have been made easy of access by shaded walks and are visited by thousands of curious persons. Fishing, dancing, merry go-rounds, shuffle boards and other games are delighting visitors. The Park has a fine restaurant. It is an enjoyable ride on the Philadelphia and West Chester trolley line to Castle Rock.”
Castle Rock amusement park, circa 1900
Newtown Square Historical Society
The outcropping, now about 325 feet in elevation, was taller in the past. The trolley company blasted the top of the formation for ballast to use in extending the line to West Chester. When the amusement park closed, a church group continued to hold picnics and religious services at the Rock. WW I veterans began camping there to escape from the city, and erected small camp buildings. A developer bought the land in the 1920’s and began building a model community, by fits and starts as the country entered the Great Depression.
Newtown Square Historical Society
The tight-knit community of Castle Rock continues today. The actual rock formation exists but no longer dominates the landscape. It is on private property and so not accessible other than to view it from Castle Rock Road. There are many chapters to its history – and in future issues we will be exploring Castle Rock and the other stories connected with the 300+ years of history of Edgmont Township.
By Doug Humes
