While Yardley, PA may only have a total area of just over one square mile, this small village on the shores of the Delaware River has played a big role in the history of the region and in the nation. The origins of what is now the borough of Yardley began in 1682, when an English Quaker minister named William Yardley (originally spelled Yeardley) decided to pursue his dream of coming to America to seek religious freedom. After purchasing a 519-acre tract of land from William Penn for 10 pounds of sterling, Yeardley, his wife, three sons, and a servant settled in the area and built what became known as “Prospect Farm”. For more than 150 years, the Yardley family occupied the land, and in the early 1800s, the area began to develop into a village.

Honoring the History of Yardley While Looking Towards the Future

By 1828, the area settled by the Yardley family had several industrial establishments and a post office under the name of “Yardleyville”. After the completion of the Delaware Canal in the 1830s, development in the area boomed. When the Civil War began, Yardley played an integral role as a station for the Underground Railroad. Hiding places throughout the town were found in the eaves of the Continental Hotel (now the Continental Tavern), in warehouses on the Delaware Canal, and in the General Store.

Historic Sites for Tourists and Residents

Eventually incorporated as Yardley Borough in 1895, modern-day Yardley is known for being a place that honors the region’s history. The majority of the buildings that exist in the historic district today are found on South Main Street, and many have been converted to commercial use—while still maintaining a historic, small-town feel. While exploring Yardley, you can take a step back into the past by vising:

  • The Yardley Grist Mill: Built in 1769, this large-scale industrial building has been converted to retail shops and offices.
  • Joshua Van Horn House: A Federal style building built in 1795, this home is located on South Main Street and features dormers with segmental arches and interior gable end chimneys.
  • The Yardley Public Library: As a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture, this building was built in 1878 and is now the headquarters of the Yardley Historical Association.
  • Saint Andrews Episcopal Church: Built in Carpenter Gothic style in 1890, this church is immediately adjacent to the Library and contains a cemetery with markers from the mid-19th century to present day.

Building the Future of Yardley with Expert Moving Solutions

Whether it is the rich past, beautiful scenery along the Delaware Canal, or the family friendly atmosphere that draws you to Yardley, moving in and around this area isn’t a task that you should have to take on alone. With a legacy that dates back over 90 years, O’Brien’s Moving & Storage provides professional services at an affordable, honest price. With our long track record of success, we have built a reputation as a local Yardley moving company that puts the needs of our customers first. Whatever the size of your relocation, we offer:

  • Local and long distance moving solutions as an Allied Van Lines agent
  • Free, in-home cost estimates and consultations
  • Flexible short-term and long-term storage services
  • Packing, crating, and unloading for a seamless experience
  • Highly competitive pricing with written cost estimates

When it comes to professional movers, Yardley PA residents rely on O’Brien’s Moving & Storage to deliver customized moving solutions that fit the needs of their situation. With all that Bucks County has to offer, we can help you enjoy every stage of your next household move—so call or fill out our online form today to get connected with our experienced Yardley movers!