The Native Americans once called this land Takonink, an Indian word for “forest” or “uninhabited land.”  The first Europeans to settle in this area were Swedes in the late 1600s.  Throughout the early 1800s, Tacony established itself as a hub for trains traveling between New York and Philadelphia.  By 1871, a flood of immigrants rushed to Tacony with the opening of Disston's Saw Mill.  Most of these immigrants were Irish Catholic, and thus Saint Leo Parish was founded.  Saint Leo Parish was officially established in 1884 as the territorial parish for the people of Tacony.  For over 100 years it has strived to fulfill the spiritual needs of the local community and continues to do so today. 

Click here to find out more about our Patron Saint, Saint Leo the Great