Did You Know?
- The total population is 18,884 according the 2010 estimates.
- In the township the population was spread out with 20.1% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 25.6% from 45 to 64, and 20.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 90.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.1 males.
- The median income for a household in the township was $45,212, and the median income for a family was $54,634. Males had a median income of $40,113 versus $24,787 for females.
- According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 20.1 square miles (52 km2), of which 20.0 square miles (52 km2) is land and 0.05% is water.
- York County was once covered by an ancient sea, which left deposits such as the starfish-like fossil that was found during the construction of the Holiday Inn Holidome (Wyndham Garden York). The fossil is one of the oldest fossils found in the world. It is currently displayed in a collection at Harvard University.
- The earliest inhabitants of the Township include tribes of the Susquehannocks and Lenni-Lenapes. In the 1920’s, a large quantity of arrowheads and tools were found along the Little Conewago Creek at Barley and Trolley Roads, indicating the presence of the Native Americans.
- One of the Township’s well known entertainment sites in the York Expo Center. In 1887, the York County Agricultural Society purchased 73 acres of West Manchester Township from Samuel Smyers, which created the current site of the York Interstate Fair.
- Several of our early roads were used by invading Confederates when they entered the Township just prior to the Battle of Gettysburg. On June 28, 1863, General, Jubal Early and General John B. Gordon brought several thousand troops to the area. On July 1, of that year, General J.E.B. Stewart passed through the area with 5000 troops, 400 prisoners, and 125 captured wagons. The confederates imposed themselves on several local residences, one of which was the Ken Mar House on Taxville Roadd. Jacob Eisenhart, owner of the house at the time, cared for sick soldiers, using his office as a hospital. Today, the house is fronted by wooden carving of a soldier and his dog.
- Earl V. Shaffer (1918-2002), who grew up in Shiloh is believed to be the first person to hike the entire Appalachian Trail in 1948. This hike raised great public awareness of the trail. Earl later hiked the trail again in 1965 as well as in 1998 at the age of 79.
- West Manchester Township has it’s own Historical Society. We wish to express our appreciation for their efforts in preserving our past for future generation as well as the information in this section. If you are interested in joining this organization, check out their website for the details, http://wmths.org/ or call Harvey Loucks at 717-764-3212.
West Manchester Township
380 East Berlin Road
York, PA 17408
Phone: (717) 792-3505
Fax: (717) 792-4374
Email:
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