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Coordinates: 40°06′00″N 75°14′58″W / 40.10000°N 75.24944°W / 40.10000; -75.24944
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{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Whitemarsh Township
| name = Whitemarsh Township
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| native_name_lang =
| native_name_lang =
| other_name =
| other_name =
| settlement_type = [[Home Rule Municipality (Pennsylvania)|Home Rule Municipality]]
| settlement_type = [[Home rule municipality (Pennsylvania)|Home rule municipality]]
| image_skyline = MathersMillPA.JPG
| image_skyline = MathersMillPA.JPG
| imagesize = 250px
| image_alt =
| image_alt =
| image_caption = [[Farmar Mill]], built ca.1690
| image_caption = [[Farmar Mill]] in Whitemarsh Township, built {{Circa|1690}}
| image_flag =
| image_flag = Flag of Whitemarsh Township, Pennsylvania.png
| image_seal =
| image_seal = Seal of Whitemarsh Township, Pennsylvania.svg
| image_blank_emblem = Logo of Whitemarsh Township, Pennsylvania.png
| blank_emblem_type = Logo
| etymology =
| etymology =
| nickname =
| nickname =
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| mapsize1 =
| mapsize1 =
| map_alt1 =
| map_alt1 =
| map_caption1 = Location of Whitemarsh Township in Montgomery County
| map_caption1 = Location of Whitemarsh Township in [[Montgomery County, Pennsylvania]]
| pushpin_map =
| pushpin_map =
| pushpin_label_position =
| pushpin_label_position =
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| total_type =
| total_type =
| unit_pref = Imperial
| unit_pref = Imperial
| area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2016">{{cite web|title=2016 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2016_Gazetteer/2016_gaz_place_42.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=Aug 14, 2017}}</ref>
| area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2016">{{cite web |title=2016 U.S. Gazetteer Files |url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2016_Gazetteer/2016_gaz_place_42.txt |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=August 14, 2017}}</ref>
| area_total_sq_mi = 14.73
| area_total_sq_mi = 14.73
| area_land_sq_mi = 14.59
| area_land_sq_mi = 14.59
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| elevation_min_point =
| elevation_min_point =
| elevation_min_rank =
| elevation_min_rank =
| population_as_of = [[2010 United States Census|2010]]
| population_as_of = [[2010 United States census|2010]]
| population_footnotes =
| population_footnotes =
| population_total = 17349
| population_total = 17349
| pop_est_as_of = 2016
| pop_est_as_of = 2016
| pop_est_footnotes = <ref name="USCensusEst2016"/>
| pop_est_footnotes = <ref name="USCensusEst2016">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.2016.html |title=Population and Housing Unit Estimates |access-date=June 9, 2017}}</ref>
| population_est = 17795
| population_est = 17795
| population_rank =
| population_rank =
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}}
}}


'''Whitemarsh Township''' is a [[Home Rule Municipality (Pennsylvania)|Home Rule Municipality]] in [[Montgomery County, Pennsylvania|Montgomery County]], [[Pennsylvania]], USA. However, it retains its former classification of "[[Township (Pennsylvania)|Township]]" in its official name. The population was 17,349 at the 2010 census.
'''Whitemarsh Township''' is a [[Home rule municipality (Pennsylvania)|home rule municipality]] in [[Montgomery County, Pennsylvania]], United States. It retains its former classification of "[[Township (Pennsylvania)|Township]]" in its official name despite being a home rule municipality. The population was 19,707 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]]. Whitemarsh is adjacent to the neighborhood of [[Andorra, Philadelphia|Andorra]] in the [[Roxborough, Philadelphia|Roxborough]] section of [[Philadelphia]], and is bordered in Montgomery County by [[Springfield Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania|Springfield]], [[Upper Dublin Township, Pennsylvania|Upper Dublin]], [[Whitpain Township, Pennsylvania|Whitpain]], and [[Plymouth Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania|Plymouth township]]s, [[Conshohocken, Pennsylvania|Conshohocken]], and the [[Schuylkill River]], which separates it from [[Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania|Lower Merion Township]].

⚫
Communities in Whitemarsh Township include [[Barren Hill, Pennsylvania|Barren Hill]], [[Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania|Lafayette Hill]], part of [[Miquon, Pennsylvania|Miquon]], which straddles Whitemarsh and Springfield townships, [[Spring Mill, Pennsylvania|Spring Mill]], part of Plymouth Meeting, which straddles Whitemarsh and Plymouth townships, and part of [[Fort Washington, Pennsylvania|Fort Washington]], some of which is in Whitemarsh, but which is chiefly in Upper Dublin Township.


==History==
==History==
[[File:Mount Joy Conshohocken PA.jpg|thumb|left|250px|[[Mount Joy (Whitemarsh, Pennsylvania)|Mount Joy]], built 1735]]
[[File:Mount Joy Conshohocken PA.jpg|thumb|[[Mount Joy (Whitemarsh, Pennsylvania)|Mount Joy]], built 1735]]
Whitemarsh was originally inhabited by the [[Lenni Lenape]] tribe of Native Americans. It was first settled by European colonists in 1683. At that time, Whitemarsh was part of a tract of land that Major Jasper Farmar had purchased from [[William Penn]].<ref name="whitemarshtwp.org">{{cite web|title=History|url=http://www.whitemarshtwp.org/229/History|website=Whitemarsh Township, PA - Official Website|access-date=30 April 2017|language=en}}</ref> Farmar died shortly thereafter, before making the voyage across the ocean to settle on his newly purchased land. But his widow and family, with servants, sailed to Philadelphia in 1685,<ref name="whitemarshtwp.org"/> and established their homestead on the part of their land that lay in nearby [[Fort Washington, Pennsylvania|Fort Washington]].<ref name="whitemarshtwp.org"/> After the Widow Farmar died (sometime in the 1690s), her son Edward began to sell 100- to 200-acre parcels of their Whitemarsh land to [[Quakers]] and German immigrants.<ref name="whitemarshtwp.org"/>
Whitemarsh was originally inhabited by the [[Lenape]] tribe of [[Native Americans in the United States|Native Americans]]. It was first settled by European colonists in 1683. At that time, Whitemarsh was part of a tract of land that Major Jasper Farmar had purchased from [[William Penn]].<ref name="whitemarshtwp.org">{{cite web |title=History |url=http://www.whitemarshtwp.org/229/History |website=Whitemarsh Township, PA - Official Website |access-date=April 30, 2017 |language=en}}</ref> Farmar died shortly thereafter, before making the voyage across the ocean to settle on his newly purchased land. But his widow and family, with servants, sailed to Philadelphia in 1685,<ref name="whitemarshtwp.org"/> and established their homestead on the part of their land that lay in nearby [[Fort Washington, Pennsylvania|Fort Washington]].<ref name="whitemarshtwp.org"/> After Farmar's widow died in the 1690s, her son Edward began to sell 100- to 200-acre parcels of their Whitemarsh land to [[Quakers]] and German immigrants.<ref name="whitemarshtwp.org"/>


In 1686, the discovery of [[limestone]] in [[Oreland, Pennsylvania|Oreland]] (which extends across nearby Springfield and Upper Dublin townships), and subsequent discoveries of limestone in the township itself, drew new settlers to Whitemarsh.<ref name="whitemarshtwp.org"/> In 1704, Whitemarsh Township was incorporated. At that time, it was located in [[Philadelphia County]]. In 1784, Montgomery County was created, and Whitemarsh was made part of it, becoming one of the new county’s 28 original communities. Throughout the 1600s and 1700s, Whitemarsh was characterized by large English estates and by its famous limestone quarries.
In 1686, [[limestone]] was discovered in [[Oreland, Pennsylvania|Oreland]], which extends across nearby Springfield and Upper Dublin townships. The subsequent discovery of limestone in the township itself drew new settlers to Whitemarsh.<ref name="whitemarshtwp.org"/> In 1704, Whitemarsh Township was incorporated. At that time, it was located in [[Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia County]]. In 1784, [[Montgomery County, Pennsylvania|Montgomery County]] was created, and Whitemarsh was made part of it, becoming one of the new county's 28 original communities. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, Whitemarsh was characterized by large English estates and its famed limestone quarries.


During the [[American Revolutionary War]], both the [[Battle of White Marsh]] and the [[Battle of Barren Hill]] took place within the township.
During the [[American Revolutionary War]], both the [[Battle of White Marsh]] and the [[Battle of Barren Hill]] took place within the township.


===[[National Register of Historic Places]]<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|version=2010a}}</ref> ===
===National Register of Historic Places<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|version=2010a}}</ref> ===
*[[Cold Point Historic District]]
*[[Alan West Corson Homestead]]
*[[Alan West Corson Homestead]]
*[[County Bridge No. 54]]
*[[Cold Point Historic District]]
*[[County Bridge No. 54]]
*[[Farmar Mill]]
*[[Farmar Mill]]
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*[[The Highlands (Pennsylvania)|The Highlands]]
*[[Hope Lodge (Whitemarsh Township, Pennsylvania)|Hope Lodge]]
*[[Hope Lodge (Whitemarsh Township, Pennsylvania)|Hope Lodge]]
*[[Hovenden House, Barn and Abolition Hall]]
*[[Hovenden House, Barn and Abolition Hall]]
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*[[Mount Joy (Whitemarsh, Pennsylvania)|Mount Joy]]
*[[Mount Joy (Whitemarsh, Pennsylvania)|Mount Joy]]
*[[Plymouth Meeting Historic District]]
*[[Plymouth Meeting Historic District]]
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*[[The Highlands (Pennsylvania)|The Highlands]]
*[[Union School (Fort Washington, Pennsylvania)|Union School]]
*[[Union School (Fort Washington, Pennsylvania)|Union School]]


==Geography==
==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the township has a total area of 14.7&nbsp;square miles (38.1&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>), of which 14.6&nbsp;square miles (37.8&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>) is land, and 0.1&nbsp;square miles (0.3&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>) (0.68%) is water.
According to the [[United States Census Bureau|U.S. Census Bureau]], the township has a total area of 14.7&nbsp;square miles (38.1&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>), of which 14.6&nbsp;square miles (37.8&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>) is land, and 0.1&nbsp;square miles (0.3&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>) (0.68%) is water.


The U.S. Census Bureau includes two [[census-designated places]] that include parts of Whitemarsh: [[Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania|Plymouth Meeting]] and [[Fort Washington, Pennsylvania|Fort Washington]].
Whitemarsh is adjacent to the [[Andorra, Philadelphia|Andorra]] section of [[Philadelphia]], and is bordered in Montgomery County by [[Springfield Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania|Springfield]], [[Upper Dublin Township, Pennsylvania|Upper Dublin]], [[Whitpain Township, Pennsylvania|Whitpain]], and [[Plymouth Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania|Plymouth Township]]s, and by [[Conshohocken, Pennsylvania|Conshohocken Borough]]. It is also bordered by the [[Schuylkill River]], which separates it from [[Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania|Lower Merion Township]].

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Whitemarsh communities include [[Barren Hill, Pennsylvania|Barren Hill]], [[Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania|Lafayette Hill]], part of [[Miquon, Pennsylvania|Miquon]] (which straddles Whitemarsh and Springfield townships), and [[Spring Mill, Pennsylvania|Spring Mill]]. The [[census-designated places]] that include parts of Whitemarsh are [[Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania|Plymouth Meeting]] (which straddles Whitemarsh and Plymouth townships), and [[Fort Washington, Pennsylvania|Fort Washington]] (some of which is in Whitemarsh, but most of which is in Upper Dublin Township).


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
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|2000= 16702
|2000= 16702
|2010= 17349
|2010= 17349
|2020= 19707
|estyear=2016
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|footnote=Population 1850-2010 <ref>[https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html], U.S. Census Bureau. Accessed April 21, 2012.</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Census 2020 |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/whitemarshtownshipmontgomerycountypennsylvania/PST045219}}</ref>
|estimate=17795
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2016">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.2016.html|title=Population and Housing Unit Estimates|access-date=June 9, 2017}}</ref>
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|footnote=Population 1850-2010 <ref>[https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html], U.S. Census Bureau. Accessed April 21, 2012.</ref>
}}
}}
As of the 2010 census, Whitemarsh Township was 90.7% White, 3.5% Black or African American, 0.1% Native American, 4.2% Asian, and 1.2% were two or more races. 1.7% of the population were of Hispanic or Latino ancestry [https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/census/profile/PA#locality-tab].
As of the 2010 census, Whitemarsh Township was 90.7% White, 3.5% Black or African American, 0.1% Native American, 4.2% Asian, and 1.2% were two or more races. 1.7% of the population were of Hispanic or Latino ancestry [https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/census/profile/PA#locality-tab].


As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2008-01-31|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> of 2000, there were 16,702 people, 6,179 households, and 4,597 families residing in the township. The [[population density]] was 1,143.5 people per square mile (441.4/km<sup>2</sup>). There were 6,372 housing units at an average density of 436.3 per square mile (168.4/km<sup>2</sup>). The racial makeup of the township was 93.29% [[White American|White]], 2.21% [[African American]], 0.02% [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]], 3.70% [[Asian American|Asian]], 0.14% from [[Race and ethnicity in the United States Census#Race|other races]], and 0.63% from two or more races. [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanics or Latinos]] of any race were 0.99% of the population.
As of the 2000 census,<ref name="GR2">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=January 31, 2008 |title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> there were 16,702 people, 6,179 households, and 4,597 families residing in the township. The population density was {{convert|1,143.5|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 6,372 housing units at an average density of {{convert|436.3|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the township was 93.29% [[White American|White]], 2.21% [[African American]], 0.02% [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]], 3.70% [[Asian American|Asian]], 0.14% from [[Race and ethnicity in the United States Census#Race|other races]], and 0.63% from two or more races. [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanics or Latinos]] of any race were 0.99% of the population.


There were 6,179 households, out of which 34.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.4% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.6% were non-families. 20.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.06.
There were 6,179 households, out of which 34.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.4% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.6% were non-families. 20.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.06.


The age distribution was 24.3% under the age of 18, 5.0% from 18 to 24, 29.8% from 25 to 44, 25.1% from 45 to 64, and 15.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 93.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.6 males.
The age distribution was 24.3% under the age of 18, 5.0% from 18 to 24, 29.8% from 25 to 44, 25.1% from 45 to 64, and 15.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 93.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.6 males.


The median income for a household in the township was $78,630, and the median income for a family was $91,731. Males had a median income of $58,774 versus $41,977 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the township was $39,785. About 1.6% of families and 2.9% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 1.8% of those under age 18 and 3.1% of those age 65 or over.
The median income for a household in the township was $78,630, and the median income for a family was $91,731. Males had a median income of $58,774 versus $41,977 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the township was $39,785. About 1.6% of families and 2.9% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 1.8% of those under age 18 and 3.1% of those age 65 or over.


==Government==
==Government==
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; font-size:95%;"
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; font-size:95%;"
|+ '''Presidential elections results'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.montcopa.org/Archive.aspx?AMID=132|title=Montgomery County Election Results|publisher=Montgomery County, Pennsylvania|access-date=January 16, 2017}}</ref>
|+ '''Presidential elections results'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.montcopa.org/Archive.aspx?AMID=132 |title=Montgomery County Election Results |publisher=Montgomery County, Pennsylvania |access-date=January 16, 2017}}</ref>
|- style="background:lightgrey;"
|- style="background:lightgrey;"
! Year
! Year
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|-
|-
|}
|}
Whitemarsh Township is governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors elected to four-year terms. As of 2019, the board members are Chair Melissa Sterling (D), Vice-Chair Amy Grossman (D), Michael Drossner (D), Laura Boyle Nester (D) and Fran McCusker (D).<ref name="government">{{cite web|title=Government|url=http://www.whitemarshtwp.org/27/Government|website=Whitemarsh Township, PA - Official Website|access-date=11 January 2019}}</ref>
Whitemarsh Township is governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors elected to four-year terms. As of 2019, the board members are Chair Melissa Sterling (D), Vice-chair Amy Grossman (D), Michael Drossner (D), Laura Boyle Nester (D) and Fran McCusker (D).<ref name="government">{{cite web |title=Government |url=http://www.whitemarshtwp.org/27/Government |website=Whitemarsh Township, PA - Official Website |access-date=January 11, 2019}}</ref>


==Recreation==
==Recreation==
[[Fort Washington State Park]] is a {{convert|483|acre|km2|adj=on}} area in the middle of the township along the [[Wissahickon Creek]].
[[Fort Washington State Park]] is a {{convert|483|acre|km2|adj=on}} area in the middle of the township along the [[Wissahickon Creek]].


Miles Park, at the intersection of Germantown Pike and Joshua Road, has basketball courts, baseball fields, a walking track, a snack bar and vending machines.
Miles Park, at the intersection of Germantown Pike and Joshua Road, has basketball courts, baseball fields, a walking track, a snack bar, and vending machines.


Several country clubs have grounds within the town: the Whitemarsh Valley Country Club, the ACE Club, and the Green Valley Club (which each have one [[golf course]]), and the [[Philadelphia Cricket Club]] (which has two golf courses).
Several country clubs have grounds within the town: the Whitemarsh Valley Country Club, the ACE Club, and the Green Valley Club, which each have one [[golf course]], and the [[Philadelphia Cricket Club]], which has two golf courses.


==Education==
==Education==
{{Further|Colonial School District (Pennsylvania)}}
The [[Colonial School District (Pennsylvania)|Colonial School District]] provides public education to the children of Whitemarsh Township.
The [[Colonial School District (Pennsylvania)|Colonial School District]] provides public education to the children of Whitemarsh Township.


==Transportation==
==Transportation==
{{stack|[[File:2022-10-11 12 25 36 View east along Interstate 276 (Pennsylvania Turnpike Delaware River Extension) from the overpass for Joshua Road in Whitemarsh Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.jpg|thumb|[[Interstate 276|I-276]]/[[Pennsylvania Turnpike]] eastbound in Whitemarsh Township]]}}
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The east–west [[Pennsylvania Turnpike]] ([[Interstate 276]]) and the north-south Fort Washington Expressway ([[Pennsylvania Route 309]]) run through the township. Although neither has an interchange in Whitemarsh, the turnpike has an interchange in nearby Plymouth Township, and the Route 309 expressway has an interchange in nearby [[Fort Washington, Pennsylvania|Fort Washington]] that also connects with the turnpike. Arterial roads in the township include [[Ridge Pike]], [[Germantown Pike]], [[Butler Pike]], Skippack Pike ([[Pennsylvania Route 73]]), [[Bethlehem Pike]], Stenton Avenve, Pennsylvania Avenue, Joshua Road, and Morris Road.<ref name=PennDOTMontgomery>{{cite map|publisher=[[Pennsylvania Department of Transportation|PennDOT]]|title=Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Highway Map|url=http://www.dot7.state.pa.us/BPR_pdf_files/Maps/GHS/Roadnames/Montgomery_GHSN.PDF|year=2015|access-date=January 12, 2016}}</ref>
As of 2018, there were {{convert|88.36|mi}} of public roads in Whitemarsh Township, of which {{convert|3.70|mi}} were maintained by the [[Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission|Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC)]], {{convert|25.03|mi}} were maintained by the [[Pennsylvania Department of Transportation]] (PennDOT) and {{convert|59.63|mi}} were maintained by the township.<ref name=PennDOTmap>{{cite web |url=https://gis.penndot.gov/BPR_pdf_files/Maps/Type5/46224.pdf |title=Whitemarsh Township map |publisher=PennDOT |access-date=March 10, 2023}}</ref>


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The east–west [[Pennsylvania Turnpike]] ([[Interstate 276]]) and the north-south Fort Washington Expressway ([[Pennsylvania Route 309]]) run through the township. Although neither has an interchange in Whitemarsh, the turnpike has an interchange in nearby Plymouth Township, and the Route 309 expressway has an interchange in nearby [[Fort Washington, Pennsylvania|Fort Washington]] that also connects with the turnpike. Arterial roads in the township include [[Ridge Pike]], [[Germantown Pike]], [[Butler Pike]], Skippack Pike ([[Pennsylvania Route 73]]), [[Bethlehem Pike]], Stenton Avenue, Pennsylvania Avenue, Joshua Road, and Morris Road.<ref name=PennDOTMontgomery>{{cite map |publisher=[[Pennsylvania Department of Transportation|PennDOT]] |title=Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Highway Map |url=http://www.dot7.state.pa.us/BPR_pdf_files/Maps/GHS/Roadnames/Montgomery_GHSN.PDF |year=2015 |access-date=January 12, 2016}}</ref>
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Two [[SEPTA Regional Rail]] lines serves the township. The [[Lansdale/Doylestown Line|Lansdale/Doylestown]] line, which connects Bucks, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties, has a station on the easternmost side of the township: the [[Fort Washington station]]. And the [[Manayunk/Norristown Line|Manayunk/Norristown]] line, which runs along the Schuylkill River, has two stations on the westernmost side of the township: one in [[Miquon station|Miquon]] and another, farther north, in [[Spring Mill station|Spring Mill]].


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Two [[SEPTA Regional Rail]] lines serve the township. The [[Lansdale/Doylestown Line|Lansdale/Doylestown]] line, which connects Bucks, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties, has a station on the easternmost side of the township: the [[Fort Washington station]]. And the [[Manayunk/Norristown Line|Manayunk/Norristown]] line, which runs along the Schuylkill River, has two stations on the westernmost side of the township: one in [[Miquon station|Miquon]] and another, farther north, in [[Spring Mill station|Spring Mill]].
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[[SEPTA]] operates [[SEPTA City Bus|City Bus]] Routes {{SEPTA bus link|27}} and {{SEPTA bus link|L}} and [[SEPTA Suburban Bus|Suburban Bus]] Routes {{SEPTA bus link|94|95|97}}, and {{SEPTA bus link|201}} in the township, connecting it to Philadelphia and to other suburbs.<ref name=septamap>{{cite map|title=SEPTA Official Transit & Street Map Suburban|publisher=SEPTA|url=http://www.septa.org/maps/region/pdf/suburb.pdf|access-date=May 2, 2016}}</ref>


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[[SEPTA]] operates [[SEPTA City Bus|City Bus]] Routes {{SEPTA bus link|27}} and {{SEPTA bus link|L}} and [[SEPTA Suburban Bus|Suburban Bus]] Routes {{SEPTA bus link|94|95|97}}, and {{SEPTA bus link|201}} in the township, connecting it to Philadelphia and to other suburbs.<ref name=septamap>{{cite map |title=SEPTA Official Transit & Street Map Suburban |publisher=SEPTA |url=https://www5.septa.org/wp-content/uploads/travel/map-suburban-transit-street.pdf |access-date=May 2, 2016}}</ref>
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Since December 21, 2017, [[OurBus]] has provided Whitemarsh Township with intercity bus service, as part of a route that runs from [[West Chester, Pennsylvania]], to [[Park Avenue]] on [[Manhattan]] Island in [[New York City]]. The bus stop in Fort Washington is adjacent to the Fort Washington railroad station.<ref>{{cite web|title=Book an Intercity (Prime) Ticket|publisher=OurBus|url=https://www.ourbus.com/bookTicket|access-date=February 14, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Rettew Jr.|first=Bill|title=Company plans bus service from West Chester to New York City|work=Daily Local News|location=West Chester, PA|date=December 16, 2017|url=http://www.dailylocal.com/article/DL/20171216/NEWS/171219841|access-date=February 14, 2018}}</ref>


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Since December 21, 2017, [[OurBus]] has provided Whitemarsh Township with intercity bus service, as part of a route that runs from [[West Chester, Pennsylvania]], to [[Park Avenue]] on [[Manhattan]] Island in [[New York City]]. The bus stop in Fort Washington is adjacent to the Fort Washington railroad station.<ref>{{cite web |title=Book an Intercity (Prime) Ticket |publisher=OurBus |url=https://www.ourbus.com/bookTicket |access-date=February 14, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Rettew Jr. |first=Bill |title=Company plans bus service from West Chester to New York City |work=Daily Local News |location=West Chester, PA |date=December 16, 2017 |url=http://www.dailylocal.com/article/DL/20171216/NEWS/171219841 |access-date=February 14, 2018}}</ref>
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[[Norfolk Southern Railway]]'s [[Morrisville Line]] freight railroad line passes through Whitemarsh Township, running parallel to the southern side of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.<ref name=PennDOTMontgomery/><ref name=NStimetable>[http://www.multimodalways.org/docs/railroads/companies/NS/NS%20ETTs/NS%20Harrisburg%20Div%20ETT%20%231%208-4-2008.pdf#page=8 Norfolk Southern Harrisburg Region Timetable 1, August 4, 2008]</ref>

⚫
[[Norfolk Southern Railway]]'s [[Morrisville Line]], which carries only freight, passes through Whitemarsh Township, running parallel to the southern side of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.<ref name=PennDOTMontgomery/><ref name=NStimetable>[http://www.multimodalways.org/docs/railroads/companies/NS/NS%20ETTs/NS%20Harrisburg%20Div%20ETT%20%231%208-4-2008.pdf#page=8 Norfolk Southern Harrisburg Region Timetable 1, August 4, 2008]</ref>


There are no airports in Whitemarsh Township. The closest airport is the [[Wings Field]] in Whitpain Township.<ref name=PennDOTMontgomery/>
There are no airports in Whitemarsh Township. The closest airport is the [[Wings Field]] in Whitpain Township.<ref name=PennDOTMontgomery/>
Line 303: Line 307:
*[[St. Thomas' Church, Whitemarsh]]
*[[St. Thomas' Church, Whitemarsh]]
*[[Erdenheim Farm]]
*[[Erdenheim Farm]]

==Locale==
⚫
{{Geographic location
⚫
|Centre = Whitemarsh Township
⚫
|North = [[Ambler, Pennsylvania|Ambler Borough]]
⚫
|Northeast = [[Upper Dublin Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania|Upper Dublin Township]]
⚫
|East = [[Springfield Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania|Springfield Township]]
⚫
|Southeast = [[Philadelphia|City of Philadelphia]]
⚫
|South = [[Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania|Lower Merion Township]]
⚫
|Southwest = [[Conshohocken, Pennsylvania|Conshohocken Borough]]
⚫
|West = [[Plymouth Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania|Plymouth Township]]
⚫
|Northwest = [[Whitpain Township, PA|Whitpain Township]]
⚫
}}


==References==
==References==
Line 326: Line 317:
* [http://www.morethanthecurve.com/ Lafayette Hill and Whitemarsh News & Events]
* [http://www.morethanthecurve.com/ Lafayette Hill and Whitemarsh News & Events]


⚫
{{Geographic location
⚫
|Centre = Whitemarsh Township
⚫
|North = [[Ambler, Pennsylvania|Ambler Borough]]
⚫
|Northeast = [[Upper Dublin Township, Pennsylvania|Upper Dublin Township]]
⚫
|East = [[Springfield Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania|Springfield Township]]
⚫
|Southeast = [[Philadelphia]]
⚫
|South = [[Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania|Lower Merion Township]]
⚫
|Southwest = [[Conshohocken, Pennsylvania|Conshohocken Borough]]
⚫
|West = [[Plymouth Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania|Plymouth Township]]
⚫
|Northwest = [[Whitpain Township, Pennsylvania|Whitpain Township]]
⚫
}}
{{S-start}}
{{S-start}}
{{Succession box
{{Succession box
Line 335: Line 337:
}}
}}
{{S-end}}
{{S-end}}

{{Montgomery County, Pennsylvania}}
{{Montgomery County, Pennsylvania}}
{{PA Home Rule Municipality}}
{{PA Home Rule Municipality}}
{{Authority control}}
{{authority control}}


[[Category:Home Rule Municipalities in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Home Rule Municipalities in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania]]

Latest revision as of 20:13, 16 July 2024

Whitemarsh Township
Home rule municipality
Farmar Mill in Whitemarsh Township, built c. 1690
Farmar Mill in Whitemarsh Township, built c. 1690
Flag of Whitemarsh Township
Flag
Official seal of Whitemarsh Township
Seal
Official logo of Whitemarsh Township
Logo
Location of Whitemarsh Township in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Location of Whitemarsh Township in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Coordinates: 40°06′00″N 75°14′58″W / 40.10000°N 75.24944°W / 40.10000; -75.24944
CountryUnited States
StatePennsylvania
CountyMontgomery
Settled1683
Area
[1]
 • Total14.73 sq mi (38.2 km2)
 • Land14.59 sq mi (37.8 km2)
 • Water0.14 sq mi (0.4 km2)
Elevation
220 ft (70 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total17,349
 • Estimate 
(2016)[2]
17,795
 • Density1,200/sq mi (450/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (EST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
Area code(s)610, 484
FIPS code42-091-84624
Websitewww.whitemarshtwp.org

Whitemarsh Township is a home rule municipality in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, United States. It retains its former classification of "Township" in its official name despite being a home rule municipality. The population was 19,707 at the 2020 census. Whitemarsh is adjacent to the neighborhood of Andorra in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia, and is bordered in Montgomery County by Springfield, Upper Dublin, Whitpain, and Plymouth townships, Conshohocken, and the Schuylkill River, which separates it from Lower Merion Township.

Communities in Whitemarsh Township include Barren Hill, Lafayette Hill, part of Miquon, which straddles Whitemarsh and Springfield townships, Spring Mill, part of Plymouth Meeting, which straddles Whitemarsh and Plymouth townships, and part of Fort Washington, some of which is in Whitemarsh, but which is chiefly in Upper Dublin Township.

History

[edit]
Mount Joy, built 1735

Whitemarsh was originally inhabited by the Lenape tribe of Native Americans. It was first settled by European colonists in 1683. At that time, Whitemarsh was part of a tract of land that Major Jasper Farmar had purchased from William Penn.[3] Farmar died shortly thereafter, before making the voyage across the ocean to settle on his newly purchased land. But his widow and family, with servants, sailed to Philadelphia in 1685,[3] and established their homestead on the part of their land that lay in nearby Fort Washington.[3] After Farmar's widow died in the 1690s, her son Edward began to sell 100- to 200-acre parcels of their Whitemarsh land to Quakers and German immigrants.[3]

In 1686, limestone was discovered in Oreland, which extends across nearby Springfield and Upper Dublin townships. The subsequent discovery of limestone in the township itself drew new settlers to Whitemarsh.[3] In 1704, Whitemarsh Township was incorporated. At that time, it was located in Philadelphia County. In 1784, Montgomery County was created, and Whitemarsh was made part of it, becoming one of the new county's 28 original communities. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, Whitemarsh was characterized by large English estates and its famed limestone quarries.

During the American Revolutionary War, both the Battle of White Marsh and the Battle of Barren Hill took place within the township.

National Register of Historic Places[4]

[edit]

Geography

[edit]

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 14.7 square miles (38.1 km2), of which 14.6 square miles (37.8 km2) is land, and 0.1 square miles (0.3 km2) (0.68%) is water.

The U.S. Census Bureau includes two census-designated places that include parts of Whitemarsh: Plymouth Meeting and Fort Washington.

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18502,408—
18603,04726.5%
18703,1513.4%
18803,2392.8%
18903,5168.6%
19003,350−4.7%
19103,3590.3%
19203,4362.3%
19304,28624.7%
19404,85513.3%
19505,97723.1%
196012,286105.6%
197015,88629.3%
198014,987−5.7%
199014,863−0.8%
200016,70212.4%
201017,3493.9%
202019,70713.6%
Population 1850-2010 [5][6]

As of the 2010 census, Whitemarsh Township was 90.7% White, 3.5% Black or African American, 0.1% Native American, 4.2% Asian, and 1.2% were two or more races. 1.7% of the population were of Hispanic or Latino ancestry [2].

As of the 2000 census,[7] there were 16,702 people, 6,179 households, and 4,597 families residing in the township. The population density was 1,143.5 inhabitants per square mile (441.5/km2). There were 6,372 housing units at an average density of 436.3 per square mile (168.5/km2). The racial makeup of the township was 93.29% White, 2.21% African American, 0.02% Native American, 3.70% Asian, 0.14% from other races, and 0.63% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 0.99% of the population.

There were 6,179 households, out of which 34.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.4% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.6% were non-families. 20.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.06.

The age distribution was 24.3% under the age of 18, 5.0% from 18 to 24, 29.8% from 25 to 44, 25.1% from 45 to 64, and 15.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 93.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.6 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $78,630, and the median income for a family was $91,731. Males had a median income of $58,774 versus $41,977 for females. The per capita income for the township was $39,785. About 1.6% of families and 2.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.8% of those under age 18 and 3.1% of those age 65 or over.

Government

[edit]
Presidential elections results[8]
Year Republican Democratic
2020 33.1% 4,413 66.1% 8,809
2016 34.2% 3,847 61.8% 6,960
2012 43.6% 4,540 55.5% 5,782
2008 40.5% 4,311 59.0% 6,275
2004 42.8% 4,336 56.9% 5,767
2000 42.4% 3,685 55.5% 4,822
1996 42.4% 3,173 49.4% 3,698
1992 43.3% 3,537 42.4% 3,495

Whitemarsh Township is governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors elected to four-year terms. As of 2019, the board members are Chair Melissa Sterling (D), Vice-chair Amy Grossman (D), Michael Drossner (D), Laura Boyle Nester (D) and Fran McCusker (D).[9]

Recreation

[edit]

Fort Washington State Park is a 483-acre (1.95 km2) area in the middle of the township along the Wissahickon Creek.

Miles Park, at the intersection of Germantown Pike and Joshua Road, has basketball courts, baseball fields, a walking track, a snack bar, and vending machines.

Several country clubs have grounds within the town: the Whitemarsh Valley Country Club, the ACE Club, and the Green Valley Club, which each have one golf course, and the Philadelphia Cricket Club, which has two golf courses.

Education

[edit]
Further information: Colonial School District (Pennsylvania)

The Colonial School District provides public education to the children of Whitemarsh Township.

Transportation

[edit]
I-276/Pennsylvania Turnpike eastbound in Whitemarsh Township

As of 2018, there were 88.36 miles (142.20 km) of public roads in Whitemarsh Township, of which 3.70 miles (5.95 km) were maintained by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC), 25.03 miles (40.28 km) were maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and 59.63 miles (95.97 km) were maintained by the township.[10]

The east–west Pennsylvania Turnpike (Interstate 276) and the north-south Fort Washington Expressway (Pennsylvania Route 309) run through the township. Although neither has an interchange in Whitemarsh, the turnpike has an interchange in nearby Plymouth Township, and the Route 309 expressway has an interchange in nearby Fort Washington that also connects with the turnpike. Arterial roads in the township include Ridge Pike, Germantown Pike, Butler Pike, Skippack Pike (Pennsylvania Route 73), Bethlehem Pike, Stenton Avenue, Pennsylvania Avenue, Joshua Road, and Morris Road.[11]

Two SEPTA Regional Rail lines serve the township. The Lansdale/Doylestown line, which connects Bucks, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties, has a station on the easternmost side of the township: the Fort Washington station. And the Manayunk/Norristown line, which runs along the Schuylkill River, has two stations on the westernmost side of the township: one in Miquon and another, farther north, in Spring Mill.

SEPTA operates City Bus Routes 27 and L and Suburban Bus Routes 94, 95, 97, and 201 in the township, connecting it to Philadelphia and to other suburbs.[12]

Since December 21, 2017, OurBus has provided Whitemarsh Township with intercity bus service, as part of a route that runs from West Chester, Pennsylvania, to Park Avenue on Manhattan Island in New York City. The bus stop in Fort Washington is adjacent to the Fort Washington railroad station.[13][14]

Norfolk Southern Railway's Morrisville Line, which carries only freight, passes through Whitemarsh Township, running parallel to the southern side of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.[11][15]

There are no airports in Whitemarsh Township. The closest airport is the Wings Field in Whitpain Township.[11]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "2016 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 14, 2017.
  2. ^ "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved June 9, 2017.
  3. ^ a b c d e "History". Whitemarsh Township, PA - Official Website. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  4. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  5. ^ [1], U.S. Census Bureau. Accessed April 21, 2012.
  6. ^ "Census 2020".
  7. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  8. ^ "Montgomery County Election Results". Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Retrieved January 16, 2017.
  9. ^ "Government". Whitemarsh Township, PA - Official Website. Retrieved January 11, 2019.
  10. ^ "Whitemarsh Township map" (PDF). PennDOT. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  11. ^ a b c Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Highway Map (PDF) (Map). PennDOT. 2015. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
  12. ^ SEPTA Official Transit & Street Map Suburban (PDF) (Map). SEPTA. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  13. ^ "Book an Intercity (Prime) Ticket". OurBus. Retrieved February 14, 2018.
  14. ^ Rettew Jr., Bill (December 16, 2017). "Company plans bus service from West Chester to New York City". Daily Local News. West Chester, PA. Retrieved February 14, 2018.
  15. ^ Norfolk Southern Harrisburg Region Timetable 1, August 4, 2008
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Whitemarsh Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
Preceded by Bordering communities
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