Tools and Resources
discover the location of
the Grimly and Keely Farms
and other landowners using
“Mapping West Philadelphia 1777”
A Website Hosted by the University of Pennsylvania
Tutorial Prepared by the Goschenhoppen Historians
Move the slider to see the 1777 property map and the current Google satellite view.
If you have been reading the “Recollections of Maria Keely” you are probably wondering exactly where she lived. Both the Grimly and Keely farms were in the area we now call Schwenksville, on opposite sides of the Perkiomen Creek.
The colorful 1777 Property Map above and at right is from “Mapping West Philadelphia 1777”. This incredible free resource was researched and prepared by J.M. Duffin and is hosted by the University of Pennsylvania Archives. Don’t be confused by the name, the area we now know as Montgomery County was part of Philadelphia County until 1784.
How to use
Mapping West Philadelphia
for your own research
Click this link
Mapping West Philadelphia 1777
Find the search box on the left side and enter “Grimly”
We now see that Maria’s grandfather Solomon purchased 99 acres in 1734. It appears he later purchased an additional 50 acres in 1756 but her grandfather passed away in 1750 so we can assume this purchase was made by his son (Maria’s father), also named Solomon who inherited his father’s land.
By clicking “highlight” you will be taken to the appropriate part of the map and will see the two properties outlined in red. Note – consider turning off “Jurisdiction Borders”, they are indicated with a similar red outline.
Now you can play with the different views. Experiment with the sliders in the left column and the options in the white top bar (Terrain Streets Full Detail Satellite)
Note: The comparison slider in the image at the top of this page is a website feature created for this post, it is not part of Mapping West Philadelphia 1777.
Quick Links to Sections
and Home Pages
A 250th Anniversary History Series
by the
Goschenhoppen Historians