Breinigsville, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Breinigsville, Pennsylvania
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Breinigsville in March 2014
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Location of Breinigsville in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
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 Breinigsville, Pennsylvania
Location in Pennsylvania
Breinigsville, Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Pennsylvania |
| County | Lehigh |
| Township | Upper Macungie Township |
| Area | |
| • Census-designated place | 3.38 sq mi (8.75 km2) |
| • Land | 3.37 sq mi (8.73 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.01 km2) |
| Elevation | 406 ft (124 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Census-designated place | 7,495 |
| • Density | 2,222.72/sq mi (858.14/km2) |
| • Metro | 865,310 (US: 68th) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP Code |
18031
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| Area code(s) | 610 and 484 |
| FIPS code | 42-08392 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1170194 |
| Primary airport | Lehigh Valley International Airport |
| Major hospital | Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest |
| School district | Parkland |
Breinigsville is a community in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. It's known as a census-designated place (CDP), which means it's a special area defined by the U.S. Census Bureau for collecting population data. In 2020, about 7,495 people lived there.
Breinigsville is part of Upper Macungie Township. It's located about 11 miles (18 km) southwest of Allentown. The community is also part of the larger Lehigh Valley metropolitan area. This area had over 861,000 people in 2020, making it one of the biggest metropolitan areas in the U.S.
Contents
History of Breinigsville
How Breinigsville Got Its Name
Breinigsville is named after George Ludwig Breinig. He was a German immigrant who arrived in America in 1749. In 1771, he bought land in the area. He lived there until he passed away in 1812.
George Breinig was an important person in the early days of Pennsylvania. He helped with elections in 1776, when people voted for delegates to the state's first constitutional convention. During the Revolutionary War, he became a colonel in the local army. He was also a judge for the Macungie and Weisenberg townships.
One of George's sons, Peter Breinig, is known for founding the village of Breinigsville. Peter owned a farm and built a tavern in the village. Like in many old towns, the tavern was a central meeting place for the community.
Breinigsville in the 1800s
In the early 1800s, Breinigsville was a busy place for iron ore mining. Many men worked in these mines. Later, around 1860, a railroad was built through the town. This railroad helped transport the iron ore from local mines. The largest deposit of pyrite ore in the region was found near Breinigsville. However, these mines closed after World War I, and the railroad tracks were removed in the 1940s.
A United Brethren Church was built in Breinigsville in 1880. It once had about 40 members, but regular services stopped in 1912.
The village also had a lumber, grain, and coal depot, a carriage works, and a general store. These businesses are no longer there. A two-room schoolhouse was built in the mid-1800s. While the school is no longer used, the building still stands today. Later, the Parkland School District was formed, which now serves the area.
Breinigsville in the 1900s and 2000s
In 1987, a company called AT&T bought a large piece of land in Breinigsville. This land became known as TEK Park Campus. It was a major center for research in optoelectronics, which deals with light and electronics. Over the years, the facility changed hands several times, becoming part of companies like Lucent Technologies and Agere Systems. In 2003, it was sold to TriQuint Semiconductor.
In 2012, TEK Park was sold again to MRA Group. It continues to be an important business park in the area.
Population of Breinigsville
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2000 | 1,660 | — | |
| 2010 | 4,138 | 149.3% | |
| 2020 | 7,495 | 81.1% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
The population of Breinigsville has grown quite a bit over the years. In 2010, there were 4,138 people living there. By 2020, the population had increased to 7,495.
In 2010, a little more than half of the residents were female (51.11%), and just under half were male (48.89%). Most of the people living in Breinigsville were White (79.92%). There were also people of Black or African American (5.24%), Asian (11.07%), and other backgrounds. About 7.08% of the population was of Hispanic or Latino heritage.
The average age in Breinigsville in 2010 was 34.6 years old. Many residents were between 5 and 17 years old, or between 25 and 44 years old. Most households in Breinigsville are owned by the people who live in them.
Geography of Breinigsville
Breinigsville is located in the southwestern part of Lehigh County. It sits at an elevation of about 406 feet (124 meters) above sea level. The community is found along U.S. Route 222. It's near the border with Trexlertown to the northeast and Maxatawny to the west.
The total area of Breinigsville is about 3.3 square miles (8.5 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a very small amount of water. A stream called Schaefer Run flows through the village. It eventually joins the Little Lehigh Creek, which then flows into the Lehigh River. The water from these rivers eventually makes its way to the Delaware River.
Climate in Breinigsville
Breinigsville has a climate with four clear seasons. This type of climate is called a hot-summer humid continental climate.
Summers in Breinigsville are hot and humid. In July, the average daily temperature is around 83°F (28°C). Temperatures can often go above 85°F (29°C) during the summer. Winters are cold and often snowy. In January, the average daytime high temperature is about 34°F (1°C). Spring and autumn are usually mild seasons with less humidity.
Education in Breinigsville
Students in Breinigsville attend schools in the Parkland School District. This district has one high school, two middle schools, and eight elementary schools.
- High School: Parkland High School (for grades 9-12)
- Middle Schools: Springhouse Middle School and Orefield Middle School (for grades 6-8)
- Elementary Schools: Cetronia, Fogelsville, Ironton, Fred J. Jaindl, Kernsville, Kratzer, Parkway Manor, and Schnecksville Elementary Schools (for kindergarten-grade 5)
Most elementary students from Breinigsville go to Fogelsville or Jaindl Elementary. Middle school students from the area attend Springhouse Middle School. The Fred J. Jaindl Elementary School, which opened in 2010, is located right in Breinigsville.
Economy of Breinigsville
For a long time, the economy of Breinigsville was mostly based on agriculture (farming) and mining. There were many large mines, but they eventually closed down. In the early 1900s, farming became the main economic activity.
Starting in the late 1970s and 80s, many large companies began to build warehouses and distribution centers in Breinigsville. This happened because land was cheaper here, and it was close to the New York area. Today, you can find big facilities for companies like ShopRite, Olympus, Home Depot, Uline, Niagara Bottling, and Nestle/Deer Park Water. In 2009, Nestlé Waters even updated their facility to be more environmentally friendly.
Some large book publishing companies also have operations in Breinigsville. Amazon has a distribution warehouse here, and RR Donnelley is also located in the town. In 2007, Lightning Source opened a new printing and distributing facility. The main office for Buckeye Partners is also in Breinigsville.
Farming is still important, too. Breinigsville is home to many plant nurseries and greenhouses. There are also several large vineyards, like Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery and Vynecrest Vineyard & Winery. The town also has a major Samuel Adams brewery.
Police and Fire Services
Since 2013, the Upper Macungie Township Police Department has been responsible for keeping Breinigsville safe. Their office is located on Grim Road in Breinigsville.
For fire emergencies, Breinigsville is mainly served by Good Will Fire Co. #1 from Trexlertown. Other fire companies, like Fogelsville Volunteer Fire Co., also help out when needed.
Fun Things to Do in Breinigsville
Breinigsville has several parks and playgrounds for recreation. Breinigsville Park is in the center of the community. This park is 24.3 acres (9.8 hectares) and has paved paths for walking or cycling. It also has fields for baseball and softball, a basketball court, and a sand volleyball court.
The Valley Preferred Cycling Center is a very famous cycling stadium. It's located near Breinigsville and attracts cyclists from all over the world. It's a great place to watch exciting bike races!
There used to be a water park called Terry Hill Waterpark and Campgrounds in Breinigsville. It closed in 2010.
Breinigsville in Pop Culture
Breinigsville has appeared in the news and on TV a few times:
- In 2004, then-President George W. Bush made a surprise visit to the Home Town Diner in Breinigsville.
- In 2012, a whole episode of the TV show 30 Minute Meals with Rachael Ray and Regis Philbin was filmed at a couple's home in Breinigsville.
See also
In Spanish: Breinigsville para niños
