Rushland, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rushland, Pennsylvania
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Unincorporated community
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 Rushland, Pennsylvania
Location in Pennsylvania
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| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Bucks |
| Township | Wrightstown |
| Elevation | 157 ft (48 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP Code |
18956
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| Area code(s) | 215, 267 and 445 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1204561 |
Rushland is a small, quiet community located in the northwestern part of Wrightstown Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is known as an "unincorporated community," which means it's a named place without its own local government, unlike a city or a town.
Contents
A Look Back: Rushland's History
Early Beginnings and Names
The story of Rushland began around 1730. A man named Joseph Sackett arrived and settled here. Because of him, the area was first known as Sackett's Ford from about 1750 to 1800.
Joseph Sackett was an important early settler. He built a grist mill, which was a place where grain was ground into flour. He also set up a store and a blacksmith shop. These were all located near Mill Creek, where it meets the Neshaminy Creek.
How Rushland Got Its Name
The name of the community changed over time. It was first called Rush Valley, and then later Rushland. Some people believe the name came from "scouring rushes." These were plants that grew in the area. Early settlers used these rushes to clean their pots and pans, almost like a natural scrubbing brush!
Post Office and Railroad
A post office was opened in the community on December 29, 1883. It was first named Rush Valley Post Office. Then, in 1894, its name was officially changed to Rushland.
In the late 1800s, a railroad was built through the area. This brought many changes. Italian immigrants came to Rushland to work as laborers on the railroad construction. They formed their own small community, which became known as Little Italy.
Stone Quarry and the Old Depot
The railroad also helped a new industry grow in Rushland: stone quarrying. By cutting through a rocky cliff, the railroad made it possible to easily transport stone from the area. This stone quarrying is still an important industry in Rushland today.
The New Hope & Ivyland Railroad still uses the old railroad line that passes through Rushland. You can even see the old train station, called a depot, which is still standing.
Special Places in Rushland
One important historical building in Rushland is the Vansant Farmhouse. This old farmhouse was recognized for its historical value in 1977. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places, which is a list of important historical sites in the United States.
