Many African Americans, including the principal and teachers at Finley School, lived in East Chester.

[7] While being transported to Richmond, Virginia, for his trial for treason, former Vice-President Aaron Burr passed through Chester.

Burr "flung himself from his horse and cried for a rescue, but the officer commanding the escort seized him, threw him back like a child into the saddle, and marched on.

"[8] The large stone he stood on has been inscribed and is preserved in the town center, and is known locally as the Aaron Burr Rock.

[9] The Catholic Presbyterian Church, Chester City Hall and Opera House, Chester Historic District, Colvin-Fant-Durham Farm Complex, Fishdam Ford, Kumler Hall, Lewis Inn, and McCollum Mound are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.3 square miles (8.5 km2), all of it land.

[16] Although a small town, Chester suffers higher crime rates than the national average in all categories.

[18] It was nominated for three prime-time Emmy awards, and featured a star-studded cast including Charlton Heston, Keith Carradine, Brad Davis, Paul Sorvino, Billy Dee Williams, Paula Kelly and Danny Glover.