Newtown, Bucks County, Pa., has been around since 1683, when this then wild area was first visited by William Penn as the master plan for his land holdings north of Philadelphia started taking shape. His vision was that the grand city of Philadelphia would need summer homes for its gentry to escape the stifling heat/humidity, and that farming would be essential to feed them and those left behind in the City of Brotherly Love. He called this new place, his "New town." "Newtown," as it became known, was Bucks County Seat for almost 90 years, until growth to the north suggested that government be more centrally located. It was the center of revolutionary activities in 1776, and Geo. Washington was known to have spent time there between the surprise attack Battle of Trenton, and the following Battle of Princeton. Less well known is that this area was not universally in favor of independence from Britain. There was a strong loyalist element, due in part to the Quaker majority belief in non-violence and "giving unto Caesar..." opposing the war of independence. This also generated certain outlaw activities by the Doan family of Plumstead, Pa. The brothers and cousins of Moses Doan organized as spies for the British, and supported themselves by robbery and horse thievery - selling hundred of steads to the Redcoats, and informing on the plans of the rebels. In fact, Moses learned of Washington's plan to cross the Delaware on Christmas Eve and attack the Hessian Barracks in Trenton, and rode to warn Col. Rahl on Christmas Eve Day, 1776. Rahl was already too drunk to meet with Doan, and never read his message. Still, the Doan Gang was not done. They later robbed the Bucks County Treasury in Newtown and got away with 1,300 pounds coin sterling, which were never recovered, and lie hidden somewhere in the hills and vales of Bucks. Most of the Doans were eventually captured, killed or hung by the successful new Americans. A few escaped to Canada. Doan was a Robin Hood to some (stealing from and killing tax collectors), and a criminal to others. Time has passed gracefully, and Newtown is now a charming historic town with a peaceful demeanor and many shops and restaurants that make it a wonderful weekend destination. State Street is walkable and memorable. In 2011, it was voted a top 10 small town place to live in the USA. It is easy to imagine walking State Street in revolutionary times, and drinking/eating in the taverns that were already in business and remain so over the centuries. read more