Heckton, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Heckton, Pennsylvania
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 Heckton, Pennsylvania
Location in Pennsylvania
Heckton, Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Dauphin |
| Township | Middle Paxton |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
Heckton is a small place in Pennsylvania, United States. It's called an "unincorporated community" because it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Instead, it's part of Middle Paxton Township. Heckton is located right by the east bank of the Susquehanna River. It sits just north of Fort Hunter and is part of the larger Harrisburg–Carlisle area.
A Look Back in Time
Heckton got its name from a person named Dr. Lewis Heck. He grew up in Shippensburg and moved to this area in 1832. Dr. Heck was a doctor, helping people with their health.
He also served as a representative in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. This means he was part of the state's government, helping to make laws. He did this during the time of the American Civil War.
Besides his work as a doctor and politician, Dr. Heck ran a large steam sawmill. This mill operated from 1843 until 1890. The area around his mill was even known as Heckton Mills. By 1899, the whole small community became known simply as Heckton.
Getting Around Heckton
Today, major roads like U.S. Route 22 and U.S. Route 322 go through Heckton. These roads are a four-lane expressway and run close to the Susquehanna River. You can easily get onto these roads from PA 443, which is also known as Fishing Creek Valley Road.
If you head south on US 22/322, you'll reach Harrisburg in about 6.6 miles. If you go northwest, you'll get to the borough of Dauphin in about 1.3 miles.
Years ago, you could reach Heckton by driving on North Front Street, also called River Road. This road was once part of Old US 22. However, when US 22 and 322 were made into a bigger expressway, Heckton Road was cut in half. Now, places like the Heckton Cemetery (which used to be called Riverview Cemetery) can be reached from PA 443. Cemetery Road runs next to US 22/322.
The Heckton Church
There's a historic building in Heckton called the Heckton Church. It was built in 1885 for people of the Methodist Episcopal Church to use for their services.
In 2009, the church was carefully moved by Fort Hunter Mansion and Park. It's now located at 5264 North Front Street. This old church is still used today and is a popular place for weddings.
