46-590: East Huntingdon Township is a township in Westmoreland County , Pennsylvania , United States. The population was 7,712 at the 2020 census . From 1978 to 1988, the township had been home to the Volkswagen Westmoreland Assembly Plant , which later became a Sony plant. As of 2020 companies there include DNP, Cenveo, and Siemens. According to East Huntingdon official website , prior to 1798, East Huntingdon Township
92-767: A MedExpress and GameStop . On June 19, 1947, the Ruthorn Drive-In Theater opened in East Huntingdon on Pennsylvania Route 119 near the Scottdale exit. The theater was originally a single screen, drive-in movie theater. It was renamed the Evergreen Drive-In Theater in 1949. The theater added two more screens in 2002, which remain as of June 2024. After changing owners twice, it is currently owned and operated by Warren Theaters, who currently operate seven drive-in theaters in
138-553: A center of coal mining and coke production. From the 1880s to the early 1900s, the area's great expansion in steel production became nationally important, and labor unions shaped national policies. Both new European immigrants and African Americans in the Great Migration from the rural South were attracted to the Pittsburgh area for industrial jobs. The historic Scottish and German farming communities established in
184-464: A discount grocery chain with the advent of the shopping plaza. It closed in August 2019 and was replaced by a Busy Beaver hardware store. In 2000, East Huntingdon expanded with the creation of Summit Ridge Plaza, located directly across from Countryside Plaza on Pennsylvania Route 819 . The anchor store, a Walmart , was opened that same year. The plaza also contains several fast food chains as well as
230-501: A labor union protest. Several farms encompassed the area of downtown East Huntingdon, known as Bessemer, until the late 1960s when businesses began to purchase the rural areas. Several businesses formed to create the Countryside Plaza. Countryside Plaza encompasses 16.9 acres of land and is home to 20 retail stores. One of the original stores, JK's County Market had previously opened as a butcher shop in 1929 but expanded into
276-430: A new unionized working class that enjoyed increased prosperity. In the 1950s, however, the coal industry fell into decline. In the 1970s, the restructuring and collapse of American steel resulted in a massive loss of industrial jobs and hard times in the area. The population has declined since the peak in 1940, as residents have had to move elsewhere for work. The loss of union jobs caused many working families to drop out of
322-688: A progression of municipal structures based on population growth, it is not uncommon to have a township and borough of the same or similar name, generally adjacent within the same county. The 'town-like' borough might be partially or wholly surrounded by the remaining township from which it had split off. The government of Cold Spring Township ceased to function in 1961, when there were no candidates for office. Pennsylvania townships typically vary in size from 6 to 40 square miles (16–104 km ). There are two classifications of townships, first class and second class. The commonwealth initially incorporates all townships as second class townships. To become
368-1201: A tax collector and, in many townships, a panel of three auditors who annually audit all township accounts. The supervisors or commissioners of the township appoint a secretary and a treasurer, and may also appoint a township manager to coordinate township employees and operations. County governments may provide some or all municipal services to residents of townships, regardless of class and size, including trash collection or sewage processing. Some counties, though, leave individual municipalities to provide their own services; in some instances small groups of boroughs or townships may pool their resources to provide water, police, or other functions. The main areas of local services include police and fire protection, maintenance of local roads and streets, water supply, sewage collection and treatment, parking and traffic control, local planning and zoning, parks and recreation, garbage collection, health services, libraries, licensing of businesses and code enforcement. All municipalities in Pennsylvania, however, rely on county and state organized courts for probate, criminal, and civil court services. Under
414-508: A township of the first class and operate under the powers of the First Class Township Code, a township must have a population density of 300 inhabitants per square mile (120/km ) and voters therein must approve the change of classification in a referendum. The classes of townships differ primarily in the form of their administration. Townships of the second class are governed by a board of supervisors, elected at large by
460-518: A wide variety of services to public, charter and private schools in the region. Early screening, special educations services, speech and hearing therapy and driver education are available. Services for children during the preschool years are provided without cost to their families when the child is determined to meet eligibility requirements. The IU1 also provides the state mandated multiple background screenings for potential school employees. A variety of professional development services are also available to
506-748: Is Uniontown . The county was created on September 26, 1783, from part of Westmoreland County and named after the Marquis de Lafayette . The county is part of the Southwest Pennsylvania region of the state. Fayette County is part of the Pittsburgh, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area . The southern border of Fayette County is the southern border of Pennsylvania at both the Pennsylvania–Maryland state line (the Mason–Dixon line ) and
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#1732790785117552-462: Is a tributary that empties into Jacob's Creek. The first school to open in East Huntingdon was a schoolhouse built on Gaut's Dairy Farm in Alverton . It was opened in 1802. East Huntingdon continued to open multiple schoolhouses throughout much of the 1800s. The first East Huntingdon school board election occurred on October 6, 1834. With the advent of the school board, the first school district in
598-667: Is identified as part of "Greater Appalachia" by Colin Woodard in his book American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America . Fayette has a humid continental climate ( Dfa / Dfb ). As of the 2010 census , there were 136,606 people, 59,969 households, and 41,198 families residing in the county. The population density was 188 inhabitants per square mile (73/km ). There were 66,490 housing units at an average density of 84 units per square mile (32/km ). The racial makeup of
644-548: Is land and 8.0 square miles (21 km ) (1.0%) is water. The western portion of the county contains rolling foothills and two valleys along the Monongahela and Youghiogheny rivers. The eastern portion of the county is highly mountainous and forested. Many coal mines are located within the area. Fayette County is one of the 423 counties served by the Appalachian Regional Commission , and it
690-449: Is the lowest level of municipal incorporation of government. All of Pennsylvania's communities outside of incorporated cities , boroughs , and one town have been incorporated into individual townships that serve as the legal entities providing local self-government functions. In general, townships in Pennsylvania encompass larger land areas than other municipalities , and tend to be located in suburban , exurban , or rural parts of
736-634: The Greater Pittsburgh region of southwestern Pennsylvania. According to the United States Census Bureau , the township has a total area of 32.8 square miles (85 km), of which 32.8 square miles (85 km) is land and 0.03% is water. It includes the communities of West Overton , Ruffs Dale , Central, Tars, Rocktown, Feree, West Bethany, Lauffer, Donnelly, Morewood , Reagantown, Alverton, Mayfield, Bessemer, Buckeye, Green Lick, Iron Bridge, Pinetree and Chaintown. To
782-399: The 3,142 households 30.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.7% were married couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.7% were non-families. 24.3% of households were one person and 11.4% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.92. The age distribution was 22.5% under
828-570: The Pennsylvania constitution, each governmental entity has the right to choose its own form of self-government, and a limited ability to delegate powers and oversight to such entities as authorities, commissions and school boards. Any township, regardless of its class, may adopt a home rule charter, at which point it is no longer governed by the Pennsylvania Township Codes. While a home rule charter can incorporate unusual features, standard municipal functions are generally part of
874-827: The Pennsylvania–West Virginia state line. The first Europeans in Fayette County were explorers, who had used an ancient American Indian trail that bisected the county on their journey across the Appalachian Mountains . In 1754, when control of the area was still in dispute between France and Great Britain, 22-year-old George Washington fought against the French at the Battle of Jumonville Glen and Fort Necessity . British forces under Washington and General Edward Braddock improved roads throughout
920-472: The Republican party has continued to gain support in each successive election, and the county was one of only 41 counties nationwide to flip from Democratic to Republican in 2008. Despite losing nationwide and statewide by a large margin, John McCain became the first Republican since 1972 and only the second Republican since 1928 to win Fayette County in 2008, and four years later, Mitt Romney became only
966-595: The Treasury, Albert Gallatin . Fayette County continued to be important to travelers in the early 1800s. The National Road provided a route through the mountains of the county for settlers heading west. The shipyards in Brownsville on the Monongahela River built ships for both the domestic and international trade. As Pittsburgh developed its industries in the mid-19th century, Fayette County became
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#17327907851171012-429: The age of 18 living with them, 51.80% were married couples living together, 12.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.30% were non-families. 28.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.96. In the county, the population was spread out, with 22.70% under
1058-411: The age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 29.3% from 25 to 44, 24.3% from 45 to 64, and 17.0% 65 or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.8 males. The median household income was $ 32,460 and the median family income was $ 39,927. Males had a median income of $ 29,835 versus $ 22,787 for females. The per capita income for
1104-437: The age of 18, 7.70% from 18 to 24, 27.20% from 25 to 44, 24.20% from 45 to 64, and 18.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.60 males. The County of Fayette is governed by a three-member publicly elected commission. The three commissioners serve in both executive and legislative capacities. By state law,
1150-660: The area was formed with school taxes being introduced. The township was divided into districts, most prominently the East Huntingdon Township and Scottdale School Districts. In the fall of 1964, the two districts combined to form Southmoreland High School The West Overton Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. The township was the site of the Morewood Massacre of 1891 , which occurred during
1196-440: The commission must have a minority party member, guaranteeing a political split. Each member serves a four-year term. Current commissioners are Democrat Vince Vicites and Republicans David Lohr and Scott Dunn. In October 2015, Sidney Bush, the first African-American elected to county office, was sworn in as controller. She served briefly before being replaced by Democrat Scott Abraham. Bush became Chief Deputy/Accounts Receivable for
1242-661: The commonwealth. As with other incorporated municipalities in Pennsylvania, townships exist within counties and are subordinate to or dependent upon the county level of government. Townships in Pennsylvania were created in the 17th century during the colonial-era Province of Pennsylvania prior to the American Revolution . Much of the province was then occupied by Native Americans , but the colonial administration in Philadelphia brought new counties and new settlements regularly. The first communities defined by
1288-478: The county in the 2018 Senate and gubernatorial races, respectively, despite both losing statewide by landslide margins of over 10 points, although both won by narrow margins of less than 3 points in Fayette County. Source: Serve 2 year terms in Pennsylvania House of Representatives Source: Serves six year terms in U.S. Senate Fayette County is served by Intermediate Unit #1 which provides
1334-460: The county was 93.30% White , 4.71% Black or African American , 0.11% Native American , 0.22% Asian , 0.01% Pacific Islander , 0.11% from other races , and 2.33% from two or more races. 1.38% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 19.8% were of German , 13.2% Italian , 11.4% Irish , 9.2% American , 8.4% Polish , 7.9% English and 6.6% Slovak ancestry. There were 59,969 households, out of which 28.70% had children under
1380-518: The county. The Fayette County Court of Common Pleas serves as the primary judicial arm in the region. Judges are elected to ten-year terms in accordance with Commonwealth law. Additionally, district judges serve throughout the county and rule on minor offenses. Current judges are President Judge John F. Wagner Jr., Steve P. Leskinen, Nancy Vernon, Linda Cordaro, and Joseph M. George Jr. The number of Republicans in Fayette County has increased in each presidential cycle since 1992. In August 2022, for
1426-428: The earlier 19th century were soon overshadowed by the wave of immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe. The region's wealth has been concentrated largely among the old English and Scottish families who had established businesses and political power in Pittsburgh prior to and in the advent of industrialization, often building the new manufacturing concerns, as did Andrew Carnegie . By World War II , Fayette County had
East Huntingdon Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania - Misplaced Pages Continue
1472-432: The electorate of the whole township for overlapping six-year terms. The number of supervisors can be increased to five by referendum. Townships of the first class, by contrast, have a board of commissioners. Between five and fifteen commissioners sit on this panel; they can be elected either at large or by wards within the township; and they serve for overlapping terms of four years in office. Other elected officials include
1518-446: The first time in the county's history, the total number of registered Republican voters exceeded the number of registered Democrats. As of February 5, 2024, there are 77,979 registered voters in Fayette County. Chart of Voter Registration Historically, Fayette County tended to be strongly Democratic-leaning in statewide and national elections due to a strong union history, as county residents tend to be liberal on economic issues. At
1564-401: The middle class. Only a few mines are being worked in the 21st century, but natural resources remain crucial to the local economy. The region is slowly transitioning toward the service sector, with an increase in jobs in fields such as telemarketing. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 798 square miles (2,070 km ), of which 790 square miles (2,000 km )
1610-480: The mix regardless of how offices and powers are allocated within the jurisdiction. "Citizen's Guide to Pennsylvania Local Government, 2010" Fayette County, Pennsylvania Fayette County is a county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania . It is located in southwestern Pennsylvania, adjacent to Maryland and West Virginia . As of the 2020 census , the population was 128,804. Its county seat
1656-599: The north is New Stanton Borough ; to the south is Scottdale and Fayette County . At the 2000 census there were 7,781 people, 3,142 households, and 2,271 families living in the township. The population density was 237.3 inhabitants per square mile (91.6/km). There were 3,289 housing units at an average density of 100.3 per square mile (38.7/km). The racial makeup of the township was 98.68% White, 0.48% African American, 0.09% Native American, 0.22% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.13% from other races, and 0.39% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.30%. Of
1702-549: The presidential level, the Democratic candidate won by over 15 points in every election from 1932 through 2004 except 1972, usually winning by 25 points or more. However, similar to much of the rest of Western Pennsylvania outside of Pittsburgh and Erie , most residents tend to be socially conservative, and the county has been trending steadily towards the Republicans since 1996. In the past six presidential elections,
1748-439: The provincial state government tended to be rural, geographically large, and sparsely populated townships. Townships or portions of them tended to become boroughs after population growth or an increase in population density and, eventually, might to reincorporate at the level of city. Initially, each municipal organization begins as a second-class township. When a sufficient population density, currently 300 people per square mile,
1794-912: The region is Fayette Area Coordinated Transportation , which features local bus routes as well as four times-daily commuter service to Pittsburgh. Amtrak rail service along the Chicago-to-Washington-via-Cleveland Capitol Limited route stops at Connellsville Station . General aviation services are also provided at the Joseph A. Hardy Connellsville Airport . Under Pennsylvania law, there are four types of incorporated municipalities: cities , boroughs , townships , and, in at most two cases, towns . The following cities, boroughs and townships are located in Fayette County: Census-designated places are geographical areas designated by
1840-466: The region, making the future Fayette County an important supply route. During the Revolutionary War , Fayette County was plagued by attacks from British-allied Indians and remained isolated as a frontier region. Also retarding settlement was a border dispute with Virginia; Virginia's District of West Augusta and Pennsylvania's Westmoreland County both claimed the area. In 1780 the dispute
1886-429: The schools' employees. While Fayette County is a generally rural area and is not directly tied into the interstate system, it features four-lane access to the city of Pittsburgh and several of its major suburban areas. State highway plans call for the establishment of direct freeway connections with Pittsburgh to the north and Morgantown, West Virginia to the south. The primary provider of mass transportation within
East Huntingdon Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania - Misplaced Pages Continue
1932-543: The second Republican since 1928 to win a majority of the county's vote. In 2016, Republican Donald Trump won the county by a massive margin of 31 points, carrying the county 64–33 and becoming the first Republican to win the county by double digits since 1928, as well as the first Republican to receive over 60% of the county's vote in history. Four years later, he improved on his margin, winning 66.4-32.9. The county has also become solidly Republican in non-presidential races, with Republicans Lou Barletta and Scott Wagner carrying
1978-427: The township was $ 15,598. About 9.0% of families and 10.6% of the population were below the poverty line , including 15.1% of those under age 18 and 8.7% of those age 65 or over. Official township website 40°07′00″N 79°34′59″W / 40.11667°N 79.58306°W / 40.11667; -79.58306 Township (Pennsylvania) A township , under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ,
2024-488: Was a part of Huntingdon Township which encompassed areas of present day Smithton , Ruffs Dale , Tarrs , Reagantown , rural Scottdale and Bessemer. In 1798, Huntingdon was divided into South Huntingdon and East Huntingdon. East Huntingdon is bordered by Hempfield Township, Mount Pleasant , and Fayette County. One of the oldest families in the area were the Stauffer family. They are the namesake of Stauffer Run , which
2070-514: Was attained, the township had the option of holding a referendum and, if it passed, became a first-class township. The municipality could proceed to the level of borough or city in a similar fashion. Historically, this progression has often included border adjustments or mergers with other boroughs or townships. Many communities remain townships in spite of growth that brings the characteristics of more-urbanized areas that might be associated with "towns." Because Pennsylvania's constitution provides for
2116-510: Was settled by the federal government in favor of Pennsylvania, and Fayette County was formed from Westmoreland County in 1783. Fayette County settlers provided the new United States government with an early test of authority in the 1793 Whiskey Rebellion , when farmers rebelled against tax collectors to protest a new liquor tax. President George Washington called out the militias to restore order. However, they were talked out of any violent action by owner of Friendship Hill and future Secretary of
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