Andalusia, Pennsylvania facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Andalusia, Pennsylvania
Andalusia a NRHP site in Bensalem
Andalusia, Pennsylvania Location in Pennsylvania Show map of Pennsylvania Andalusia, Pennsylvania Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Country	United States
State	Pennsylvania
Unincorporated area	Bucks
Elevation	59 ft (18 m)
Time zone	UTC-5 (EST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP Codes	19020
Area codes	215, 267, 445

Andalusia is a historic neighborhood in Bensalem Township, Pennsylvania, United States. It's a community that isn't officially a city or town, but it has its own identity. Andalusia is right next to Philadelphia, separated by a stream called Poquessing Creek. It shares the same ZIP Code, 19020, with other nearby areas like Cornwells Heights.

Andalusia is the southernmost part of Bensalem Township and of Bucks County. Its borders are Woodhaven Road (also known as Pennsylvania Route 63) to the northeast, the Delaware River to the east and south, and Poquessing Creek to the north and west. A major highway, Interstate 95, also known as the Delaware Expressway, runs through the southeastern part of the neighborhood near the Delaware River. The name "Andalusia" comes from a famous estate in the area, which belonged to a banker named Nicholas Biddle. This estate is now a National Historic Landmark, meaning it's a very important historical place.

History of Andalusia

In 1922, this community was first called Torresdale Manor. It got this name because it was close to the Torresdale section of Philadelphia. Even today, some parts of Andalusia are still known by that older name.

What's in Andalusia Today?

Today, Andalusia is a typical suburb where many families live. You'll find lots of single-family homes built in the 1920s, arranged on grid-style streets.

Historic Buildings and Architecture

Andalusia is also home to many old buildings, some of which are from the early 1800s. These buildings show off different styles of architecture. You can see Gothic Revival, which looks like old castles, and Romanesque, which has round arches. There's also Greek Revival, which looks like ancient Greek temples.

The main road through the neighborhood is Bristol Pike, also known as US Route 13. This road used to be called King's Highway. Along Bristol Pike, you can see many preserved homes and churches. Some of the most famous buildings, like the Biddle estate, the Pen Ryn mansion, and the State in Schuylkill, are hidden along the banks of the Delaware River.

Notable Places

• Saint Katharine Drexel Shrine: Saint Katharine Drexel is buried at her shrine, which is located in Andalusia on Bristol Pike. She was a very important figure in history.
• Red Lion Inn: The historic Red Lion Inn used to be in this area. It was located at the Red Lion Bridge, along King's Highway (Bristol Pike), near the Poquessing Creek.
• Shopping and Schools: The area has several places to shop and is very close to the Philadelphia Mills mall. Students who live in Andalusia attend schools in the Bensalem Township School District.

Andalusia in Pop Culture

Andalusia has even been a filming location! The first episode of the NBC TV show Outlaw, which starred Jimmy Smits, was filmed here on March 22–23, 2010. Also, the very first Rita's Water Ice store opened right here in Andalusia.