Plagues & Pestilence: A Walking Tour

Explore West Chester’s Dark Medical History on this Fascinating Walking Tour

In the early 1800s West Chester billed itself as elegant and healthful, but the reality was very different. Cholera, typhoid, diphtheria, rabies, and smallpox struck fear into every West Cestrian’s heart. Treatments were almost worse than the diseases–bloodletting, blistering, and mercury were common practices.

This tour explores how diseases impacted families, changed burial practices, and how the borough’s medical minds worked to overcome the King of All Fears–Death. The 2025 tour features a slightly different route and diseases than the 2024 version.

Tour Details:

• 90-100 minutes, 1.5 miles walking
• Arrive 10 minutes early to check in
• Subject matter may not be appropriate for younger audiences
• Service dogs welcome; pets not permitted
• Tickets: $16 per person (members receive 20% discount)
• Rain or shine, nonrefundable
• Small groups, likely to sell out

Historical tours like this showcase West Chester’s rich heritage and vibrant cultural scene. With its beautifully preserved downtown, walkable historic district, and year-round community events, West Chester offers both small-town charm and sophisticated amenities. If you’re interested in homes for sale in West Chester or surrounding Chester County areas, The Cyr Team specializes in helping buyers discover neighborhoods with the character and amenities that matter most.