Upper Merion Township, Pennsylvania
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Upper Merion Township is a township in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 26,863 at the 2000 census.
The area of King of Prussia is considered to be within the township limits of Upper Merion Township. The township is known for the King of Prussia Mall.
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[edit] History
The 17-square miles that comprise Upper Merion Township are rich in history, quality shopping, high technology companies and open space, making this area one of the most diverse and engaging communities in the region. There is hiking on miles of green trails, shopping in miles of attractive stores and boutiques, canoeing on the Schuylkill River, and employment opportunities twice the amount of the population. More than 20 million people come to Upper Merion Township annually to experience the unique quality of its numerous attractions. The diversity and attractiveness comes from its Welsh and Swedish founders, its sound commercial base, and its combination of open space, riverfront, high tech industry, and outdoor recreational opportunities. The King of Prussia Inn, built in 1709, captures best the historical flavor of the Township. It was named by a Prussian immigrant in honor of Frederick I, but became most famous during the Revolutionary War as a center of food, drink and intrigue. An alternate story says the Inn, first called Berry’s Tavern, got its name to lure in Prussian mercenaries who spent freely. The Township’s incorporation dates to 1713 when the King of Prussia Inn, the Bird-In-Hand Inn in Gulph Mills, and later the Swedes Ford Inn were required to pay 6 shillings to the Legislature for licenses. Upper Merion Township is a township of the second class under Pennsylvania State statutes. A five member Board of Supervisors, elected at large for staggered six-year terms, governs it. The Board of Supervisors meets Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and when needed. They pass legislation and set the policy for the Township. A professional Township Manager runs the day-to-day operations along with 250 full and part time employees. A uniquely sophisticated operation, the Township staff operates within six departments – Administration, Police, Safety and Codes, Parks and Recreation, Library, and Public Works. The Township operates NorView Farm, which hosts some farm animals and a spring water vending operation. The Township’s population is approximately 27,000 and is located 16 miles from Philadelphia. It comprises the historic villages of King of Prussia, Swedeland, Swedesburg, and Gulph Mills. The largest shopping mall in the country, the King of Prussia Plaza and Court, is located here, as are such high tech corporations as Lockheed Martin and Glaxo SmithKline. Some 1,300 acres of Valley Forge National Park is located inside the Township. The Township’s total acreage of park and open space is approximately 2,178. In addition, the Township has a seven-mile waterfront on the Schuylkill River, has 100,000 items in its library and is served by 17 volunteer citizen boards. This combination of history, shopping, employment opportunities, and green space has made Upper Merion Township a major tourist destination and a much sought after residential address.
The township is the central location for a famous 1979 murder case involving the murder of Upper Merion High School teacher, Susan Reinert and her two children. Ex-principal Jay. C. Smith and fellow teacher William Bradfield were convicted of the murders. Smith was later exonerated. Bradfield had a seemingly airtight alibi, and could not have killed Reinert.
[edit] Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 44.7 km² (17.2 mi²). 43.7 km² (16.9 mi²) of it is land and 1.0 km² (0.4 mi²) of it (2.20%) is water.
[edit] Demographics
As of the census² of 2000, there were 26,863 people, 11,575 households, and 7,141 families residing in the township. The population density was 615.2/km² (1,593.3/mi²). There were 12,151 housing units at an average density of 278.3/km² (720.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the township was 84.75% White, 4.63% African American, 0.13% Native American, 8.45% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.66% from other races, and 1.32% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.79% of the population.
There were 11,575 households out of which 23.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.3% were married couples living together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.3% were non-families. 29.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.91.
In the township the population was spread out with 18.7% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 33.8% from 25 to 44, 24.3% from 45 to 64, and 15.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 97.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.9 males.
The median income for a household in the township was $65,636, and the median income for a family was $78,690. Males had a median income of $51,247 versus $38,166 for females. The per capita income for the township was $34,961. About 1.3% of families and 2.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.6% of those under age 18 and 3.1% of those age 65 or over.
[edit] Township Mission Statement
"To promote community vitality, economic prosperity and cultural harmony, Upper Merion Township will provide services which are responsive to the health, safety and general welfare needs of the community."
"The township government is dedicated to providing these services through the efficient and effective use of the community's available resources in an honest, open and caring manner."
[edit] Education
Pupils in Upper Merion Township attend schools in the Upper Merion Area School District.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Upper Merion Township - Official website of the township
