48-620: Whitpain Township is a township in Montgomery County , Pennsylvania , United States. Founded in 1701, it has grown to a total population of 18,875 as of the 2010 census . According to the United States Census Bureau , the township has a total area of 12.9 square miles (33 km), of which 0.08% is water. Whitpain Township is approximately four and a half miles by three miles. There are two watersheds in
96-449: A London butcher, purchased a 4,500-acre (1,800 ha) tract of land as part of William Penn ’s "Holy Experiment". His 16-year-old son, Zechariah, travelled to Pennsylvania on the ship Welcome with Penn in 1682 to settle his father's properties and escape persecution of his Quaker beliefs. By 1685, Zechariah had established a plantation house along Wissahickon Creek near Mount Pleasant, with his bride Sarah Songhurst, whom he had met on
144-472: A brief period in 1762, Whitpain and Plymouth Township , by act of the Assembly, became one district with one supervisor from each township. Dissatisfaction by the populace of both townships led the Assembly to repeal the act in 1763. By 1734, Whitpain Township had 24 landowners. It maintained steady growth for more than two centuries, expanding from 771 people in 1800 to 3,063 people in 1950. In recent years,
192-501: A half centuries of enslavement followed by more than a century of institutionalized racism. The complaint blamed slavery for present-day disparities between blacks and whites in income, education, literacy, health, life expectancy and crime. This suit was dismissed, and the dismissal largely upheld on appeal. In 2006, Farmer-Paellmann announced a nationwide boycott of Aetna over the issue of reparations for its policies covering slaves. Aetna stated that its commitment to diversity in
240-545: A place in history during the Revolutionary War , when George Washington and many of his generals spent time in the township. Dawesfield , a home on Lewis Lane, is considered the most significant historic site in the township because it was Washington's headquarters from October 21 to November 2, 1777. Dawesfield was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. Today, Whitpain Township
288-533: Is a composite of several small communities established before and after the Revolutionary War. They include West Ambler, Center Square, Blue Bell , Broad Axe, Custer, Franklinville, Washington Square and Belfry. Most of Whitpain Township is covered by the Blue Bell , Pennsylvania ZIP code. In recent years the name "Blue Bell" has become largely synonymous with much of the township, eclipsing many of
336-470: Is not specifically partisan. In the 2004 United States Senate election, Republican Arlen Specter won the county over Montco resident Joe Hoeffel , but Democrat Bob Casey, Jr. out-polled Rick Santorum in the 2006 Senate election. In 2006, Democrat Rick Taylor unseated incumbent Republican Eugene McGill in the 151st , although Taylor lost in 2010 to Republican Todd Stephens and, in 2008, Democrat Matthew Bradford unseated incumbent Republican Jay Moyer in
384-439: The 70th . Six of the county's 12 state house seats and four of the county's eight senate seats are now held by Democrats. All four statewide Democratic candidates carried Montgomery in 2008, with Barack Obama receiving 60% of the county's vote. Barack Obama won Montgomery County in 2008 and 2012. Montgomery County is governed by a three-person county commission . The current composition is two Democrats and one Republican. By law,
432-673: The Delaware Valley , and marks the Delaware Valley's northern border with the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania. The county borders Philadelphia, the nation's sixth-largest city , to its southeast, Bucks County to its east, Berks and Lehigh counties to its north, Delaware County to its south, and Chester County to its southwest. The county was created on September 10, 1784, out of land originally part of Philadelphia County . The first courthouse
480-909: The Pennsylvania Constitution and the United States Constitution . The Republican administration of Governor Tom Corbett filed suit in the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania in an attempt to block Hanes from licensing same-sex marriage. Commonwealth Court Judge Dan Pellegrini ordered Hanes in September 2013 to stop issuing same-sex marriage licenses. After Federal Judge John Jones threw out Pennsylvania's ban on same-sex marriage in May 2014, calling it unconstitutional, offices in other counties were able to issue these licenses, while Hanes had to wait for
528-611: The Pottstown area in the western portion of the county. Commercial airline service is provided primarily by Philadelphia International Airport , one of the nation's largest commercial airports, located in Philadelphia and Delaware counties. Other public use airports include Heritage Field in Limerick Township , Wings Field in Blue Bell , and Pottstown Municipal Airport in Pottstown . The majority of
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#1732781061571576-466: The U.S. Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 487 square miles (1,260 km ), 483 square miles (1,250 km ) of which was land and 4.2 square miles (11 km ) (0.9%) of which was water. As of the 2020 census, the county was 73.27% White (72.18% White, non-Hispanic), 9.55% Black or African American, 0.22% Native American or Alaskan Native, 7.94% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, and 2.87% some other race; 6.13% were two or more races. 6.36% of
624-538: The Welcome . In Holme's Map of 1681, Whitpain Township is called "Whitpain's Creek". Whitpain Township has been an independent township since 1701, as it appears as "Whitpain's Township" in the survey of all the townships in the Commonwealth ordered by William Penn. The borders of Whitpain Township changed dramatically in 1733, when Worcester Township was created, taking away a significant portion of its area. For
672-501: The 2007 election, when Democrats picked up control of five row offices. Democrats have also won several elections in the Pennsylvania General Assembly in recent years, including two GOP-leaning State House districts in 2004, the 148th with Mike Gerber and the 153rd with current Governor Josh Shapiro . Today, although the county is very Democratic at the national level, at the state and local level, it
720-460: The Democratic presidential candidates' direction with Hillary Clinton winning Montgomery County with 58.87% of the vote, an improvement from Barack Obama 's 56.6% vote share in 2012. In the 2016 U.S. Senate and Pennsylvania Attorney General elections, Montgomery County voted for Katie McGinty and Josh Shapiro , both Democrats. Most county-level offices were held by Republicans until after
768-468: The Democratic presidential nominee since 1992, with the margins progressively increasing between every election, except in 2012. In the 2020 election, Joe Biden became the first Democrat to obtain over 60% of the county's vote. Despite Donald Trump 's victory in the state of Pennsylvania in the 2016 presidential election , Montgomery County was one of the few counties in Pennsylvania that swung in
816-474: The Philadelphia region's largest corporations, including Aetna US Healthcare and Unisys . Although today Whitpain Township is home to residents of many religions and nationalities, its earliest settlers were Protestant and Quaker . Prior to the Revolutionary War, the township had two churches: Boehm's Reformed Church (circa 1740), and St. John's Lutheran Church (circa 1769). Whitpain Township earned
864-826: The Zoning Hearing Board and the Planning Commission. Also, the Board of Supervisors hears conditional use applications in accordance with the Municipalities Planning Code and the Whitpain Township Zoning Ordinance. The levying of township taxes and the appropriations to the various departments and subsidiary boards and commissions is the responsibility of the Board of Supervisors. During the months of November and December, public hearings are held for
912-410: The average family size was 3.10. In the township the population was spread out, with 25.0% under the age of 18, 5.1% from 18 to 24, 27.0% from 25 to 44, 27.9% from 45 to 64, and 14.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.2 males. The median income for a household in the township
960-555: The boundaries of the township. Interstate 476 (the Northeastern Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike ) passes through the township but, as it has no interchanges within the township boundaries, is not directly accessible. The township contains one airport, Wings Field . It is used for general aviation. Several train lines cross the township. There are no active passenger train stations within
1008-530: The brand of Republicanism practiced in Montgomery County for much of the 20th century was moderate. As the national parties have polarized, the county's voters have increasingly supported Democrats at the national level. The county voted for the Republican presidential nominee in all but two elections from 1880 to 1988, that being in 1892 and 1964. However, Montgomery County residents have voted for
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#17327810615711056-421: The company has been a subsidiary of CVS Health . The company's network includes 22.1 million medical members, 12.7 million dental members, 13.1 million pharmacy benefit management services members, 1.2 million health-care professionals , over 690,000 primary care doctors and specialists, and over 5,700 hospitals. Aetna is descended from Aetna (Fire) Insurance Company of Hartford, Connecticut . The name of
1104-484: The company is based on Mount Etna , at the time the most active volcano in Europe. In 2000, Deadria Farmer-Paellmann, head of the nonprofit Restitution Study Group of Hoboken, New Jersey, disclosed that, from approximately 1853 to 1860 Aetna, had issued life insurance policies to slaveowners covering the lives of their slaves. The same year, Aetna acknowledged that concrete evidence exists for Aetna issuing coverage for
1152-472: The county commission must have one member of a minority party represented. As of the November 2019 election: On July 24, 2013, Montgomery County Register of Wills D. Bruce Hanes , a Democrat , announced he would begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples , flouting Pennsylvania law banning such unions. Hanes called the commonwealth's ban "arbitrary and suspect", saying he believes it violates
1200-563: The county has a hot-summer humid continental climate ( Dfa ). In most southern areas of the county and along the Schuylkill River including Pottstown a humid subtropical climate ( Cfa ) exists. The hardiness zone is 7a for the majority of the county and 7b in most areas south of Interstate 276. 6b only continues to exist in some very small higher areas in the north. [1] As of March 4, 2024, there are 606,385 registered voters in Montgomery County. Montgomery County historically
1248-498: The executive and legislative powers allocated to Whitpain Township in the State Second Class Township Code are vested in the Board of Supervisors. The Board of Supervisors is empowered to appoint professionals to assist it in the operation of the Township and to furnish advice and counsel on technical matters. Additionally, the Board appoints all the members of the various boards and commissions as well as
1296-561: The historic village of Valley Forge, as well as the park, are partially located within Montgomery County, the modern village is in Chester County, PA The population ranking of the following table is based on the 2010 census of Montgomery County. † county seat The county is served by the SEPTA , which include bus, commuter rail, and interurban rail services. Pottstown Area Rapid Transit (PART) also provides bus services around
1344-419: The lives of slaves and released a public apology. In 2002, Farmer-Paellmann brought suit against Aetna and two other companies in federal court asking for reparations for the descendants of slaves. The lawsuit said Aetna, CSX and Fleet were "unjustly enriched" by "a system that enslaved, tortured, starved and exploited human beings." It argued that African-Americans are still suffering the effects of two and
1392-553: The name "Borough" or "Township") and, in at most two cases, towns . These boroughs, townships, and home rule municipalities are located in Montgomery County: Census-designated places are geographical areas designated by the United States Census Bureau for the purposes of compiling demographic data. They are not actual jurisdictions under Pennsylvania law. Other unincorporated communities, such as villages, may be listed here, as well. Even though
1440-490: The older community designations. Under Pennsylvania law, Whitpain Township is a Township of the Second Class. It is governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors elected at-large by the electorate. Members of the Board of Supervisors serve six year terms. Every two years, two of the seats come up for election. The exception is in the sixth year in the cycle, when only one seat comes up for election. Most, if not all, of
1488-541: The population of the county was 856,553, making it the third-most populous county in Pennsylvania after Philadelphia and Allegheny counties, also the most populous county in Pennsylvania without a major city. The county is part of the Southeast Pennsylvania region of the state. The county seat and largest city is Norristown . The county is part of the Philadelphia – Camden – Wilmington PA- NJ – DE – MD metropolitan statistical area , known as
Whitpain Township, Pennsylvania - Misplaced Pages Continue
1536-446: The population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. The largest townships/boroughs in Montgomery County include: Montgomery County is a suburb of Philadelphia , the nation's sixth most populous city. Many Montco residents work in the city, but the county is also a major employment center with large business parks in Blue Bell , Lansdale , Fort Washington , Horsham , and King of Prussia attracting thousands of workers from all over
1584-407: The population. There were 6,960 households, out of which 34.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.3% were married couples living together, 6.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.2% were non-families. 21.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and
1632-598: The purpose of reviewing the budget for the following year. The current membership of the Board of Supervisors (as of the election of November 2023) consists of: The township government is located at 960 Wentz Road, Blue Bell, PA 19422. Federally, Whitpain Township is part of the 4th Congressional District, represented by Democrat Madeleine Dean . Unisys and Kappa Publishing Group are headquartered in Blue Bell in Whitpain Township. According to Whitpain Township's 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report,
1680-662: The region. The strong job base and taxes generated by those jobs have resulted in Montgomery County receiving the highest credit rating of 'AAA' from Standard & Poor's , one of fewer than 30 counties in the United States with such a rating. In 2012, Moody's downgraded the general obligation rating to Aa1, and in 2018 the rating was revised back to Aaa. Major employers include: School districts: Under Pennsylvania law, five types of incorporated municipalities are listed: cities , boroughs , townships , home rule municipalities (which can include communities that bear
1728-570: The ruling against him to be removed. 40°13′N 75°22′W / 40.21°N 75.37°W / 40.21; -75.37 Aetna Aetna Inc. ( / ˈ ɛ t n ə / ET -nə ) is an American managed health care company that sells traditional and consumer directed health care insurance and related services, such as medical, pharmaceutical, dental, behavioral health, long-term care, and disability plans, primarily through employer-paid (fully or partly) insurance and benefit programs, and through Medicare . Since November 28, 2018,
1776-477: The stated goal of promoting "responsible development and preserving the quality of life in Whitpain Township." The group rose to prominence through the vocal opposition to a planned hospital on grounds formerly occupied by Unisys . Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Montgomery County , colloquially referred to as Montco , is a county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania . As of the 2020 census ,
1824-452: The top employers in the township are: The Wissahickon School District provides public education to the children of Whitpain Township, as well as those from Lower Gwynedd Township and Ambler Borough . Within the township are three of the district's five elementary schools: Blue Bell Elementary School, Shady Grove Elementary School, and Stony Creek Elementary School. Wissahickon Middle School and Wissahickon High School are located outside of
1872-399: The township borders, but several are located in neighboring municipalities, including North Wales and Ambler , which are both served by SEPTA Regional Rail 's Lansdale/Doylestown Line . SEPTA provides Suburban Bus service to Whitpain Township along routes 94 , 95 , 96 , and 98 . A community association known as WhitpainResidents.org was founded in 2006 as a non-profit group with
1920-519: The township has experienced rapid growth. Today, Whitpain Township is home to over 18,000 residents. Early settlers to Whitpain Township were farmers. Industry came to the region in 1727, when Jacob Yost began a weaving enterprise in Centre Square. Charles Mather built an additional mill in 1804. Although a rural farming community for decades, the growth of recent years has included business development, making Whitpain Township home to several of
1968-416: The township, Wissahickon Creek (which was once known as "Whitpaine's Creek") and Stony Creek. As of the 2010 census, the township was 80.0% White, 5.2% Black or African American, 0.1% Native American, 10.9% Asian, and 1.3% were two or more races. 2.6% of the population were of Hispanic or Latino ancestry. As of the census of 2000, there were 18,562 people, 6,960 households, and 5,206 families residing in
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2016-614: The township. Also situated within the township is one college, Montgomery County Community College . As of 2021 there were 90.03 miles (144.89 km) of public roads in Whitpain Township, of which 3.00 miles (4.83 km) were maintained by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) , 19.02 miles (30.61 km) were maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and 68.01 miles (109.45 km) were maintained by
2064-580: The township. The major roadways in Whitpain Township are U.S. Route 202 (DeKalb Pike) and Pennsylvania Route 73 (Skippack Pike). The two roadways intersect in Center Square. Both roads are mostly two-lane highways, though US 202 is currently under construction to become a four-lane divided highway throughout the township. Other key roads within the township include Penllyn-Blue Bell Pike and Walton Road. Butler Pike, North Wales Road, Township Line Road and Morris Road are all major roads that mainly form
2112-407: The township. The population density was 1,436.3 inhabitants per square mile (554.6/km). There were 7,305 housing units at an average density of 565.3 per square mile (218.3/km). The racial makeup of the township was 86.31% White , 4.69% African American , 0.06% Native American , 7.82% Asian , 0.23% from other races , and 0.89% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.33% of
2160-549: The workplace and its investment of over $ 36 million in such areas as education, health, economic development, community partnerships, and minority-owned business initiatives in the African-American community are more effective at aiding descendants of slaves and African-Americans in general than making restitutions for Aetna's life insurance policies on slaves. Aetna spent more than $ 2.0 million in 2009 on lobbying . The company spent $ 809,793 between January 2009 and
2208-415: Was $ 88,933, and the median income for a family was $ 103,613. Males had a median income of $ 68,125 versus $ 44,079 for females. The per capita income for the township was $ 41,739. About 1.7% of families and 3.1% of the population were below the poverty line , including 3.7% of those under age 18 and 3.3% of those age 65 or over. Whitpain is one of the oldest townships in Montgomery County. Richard Whitpaine,
2256-710: Was a stronghold for the Republican Party. The county was the only one carried by Barbara Hafer in the 1990 gubernatorial election over the incumbent governor, Bob Casey . However, the Democratic Party has made substantial gains in the county over the last quarter-century and gained the registration edge early in 2008. Like neighboring Bucks County , the county voted Democratic during the Civil War era, voting Democratic between 1856 and 1876, except in 1860 and 1872. Like most of Philadelphia's suburbs,
2304-696: Was housed in the Barley Sheaf Inn . It is believed to have been named either for Richard Montgomery , an American Revolutionary War general killed in 1775 while attempting to capture Quebec City , or for the Welsh county of Montgomeryshire , which was named after one of William the Conqueror 's main counselors, Roger de Montgomerie , since it was part of the Welsh Tract , an area of Pennsylvania settled by Quakers from Wales . According to
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