The park was donated by the DuPont Company in 1984 for the purpose of "preserving the diverse and unique plant and animal species, and the rich cultural heritage of the area".

[3] The land on which White Clay Creek Preserve is located was originally sold to William Penn by Lenape Chief Kekelappen in 1683.

Historians believe that Chief Kekelappen may have lived in Opasiskunk, an Indian town that was at the confluence of the east and middle branches of White Clay Creek.

The Section, covering about 739 acres of unbroken open space, was acquired by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on January 28, 2010, from property owned by George W. Strawbridge, Jr.

The western and eastern borders of the Big Elk Creek Section run up against private properties, as do some portions near the southern edge of Strickersville Road.

The sign at this parking area reads thus: "The acquisition of this land as a public site was made possible by The Conservation Fund with financial assistance from: Mt.