Wolf's Hollow History
Wolf’s Hollow County Park is named after the 1789 land patent granted to James and David Sterrett. The first record of ownership was in 1733 when Philadelphia merchant Samuel Mickle requested a warrant of 1,000 acres, which included the current park property.
In 1682, William Penn received a grant from King Charles II, creating Chester, Bucks and Philadelphia - Pennsylvania’s original three counties. In 1729, the Octoraro Creek on the park’s western border became the eastern boundary for Pennsylvania’s fourth county, Lancaster.
Wolf’s Hollow is an apt name for this rugged stretch of land, which exchanged hands many times. In 1743, Samuel Mick issued a mortgage to John Dunn for a parcel located at the center of the park. After the War for Independence, the first President of Delaware briefly owned the land just prior to the Sterretts. During the 19th century, the rugged portion of the creek accessed by the Charcoal Trail may have supported a settlement and possible forges. Stone ruins along the trail where it passes closest to the Octoraro River suggest the remains of a long forgotten industrial enterprise.
Local historian Fred Kelso researched the iron industry in and around Wolf's Hollow Park. While some of the remnants are on private property, many of the features can be found within the park.
The Wolf's Hollow Ironmaking Community on the Octorara Creek in West Fallowfield Township, Chester County.