Spring Grove, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Spring Grove, Pennsylvania
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Borough
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Glatfelter House on Main Street
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Location in York County and the U.S. state of Pennsylvania.
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 Spring Grove, Pennsylvania
Location in Pennsylvania
Spring Grove, Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States | |
| State | Pennsylvania | |
| County | York | |
| Settled | 1747 | |
| Incorporated | 1882 | |
| Government | ||
| • Type | Borough Council | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 0.78 sq mi (2.03 km2) | |
| • Land | 0.78 sq mi (2.03 km2) | |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) | |
| Elevation | 443 ft (135 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 2,372  |
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| • Estimate
(2021)
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2,373 | |
| • Density | 2,781.61/sq mi (1,073.97/km2) | |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) | |
| ZIP Codes |
17354 and 17362
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| Area code(s) | 717 | |
| FIPS code | 42-73192 | |
Spring Grove is a small town, called a borough, located in York County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. In 2020, about 2,372 people lived there. It is part of the larger York–Hanover metropolitan area.
Contents
History of Spring Grove
Early Beginnings in 1747
Spring Grove was first planned out in 1747. It was built along the Codorus Creek, which is a stream. The location was chosen because it was halfway between the towns of York and Hanover. A surveyor working for the Penn family, who owned much of Pennsylvania at the time, mapped out the area.
From Iron to Paper Production
The town's growth has happened in two main stages. For about 100 years, Spring Grove was known for making iron. After that, for another 100 years and up to today, it became famous for making paper. Both of these industries used the natural resources found nearby, like water and wood.
In the 1770s, an iron maker started a forge (a place where metal is heated and shaped) called "Spring Forge." This is how Spring Grove got its name. The area had plenty of water, iron ore, and wood for charcoal, which was needed to make iron. Many German and English woodchoppers came to work in this early iron industry.
By the mid-1800s, the iron business was very busy. They produced a lot of iron bars each year. However, by 1851, the iron business stopped. The buildings were then used to make paper instead. Again, the local wood and water were perfect for this new industry.
Thirteen years later, in 1864, a man named P. H. Glatfelter bought the paper mill. He paid $14,000 for it. Since 1865, the town of Spring Grove has grown along with the Glatfelter Paper Mill.
Other businesses, like making bricks and explosives, have also been in Spring Grove. But none have lasted as long or been as successful as the paper mill. In 2018, the Glatfelter company sold its paper division, including the Spring Grove mill. However, the mill is expected to keep making paper.
The Spring Grove Borough Historic District is a special area in town. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 because of its important history.
Becoming a Borough
Spring Grove was originally part of a larger area called Paradise Township. This was in Lancaster County. Later, York County was formed in 1749. Then, Jackson Township, which included Spring Grove, was created in 1853.
In 1882, the people living in Spring Grove asked the County Court to make their community a "borough." A borough is a type of self-governing town. Their request was approved in August 1882. Since then, Spring Grove has grown by adding nearby land, with the biggest addition happening in 1953.
Geography of Spring Grove
Spring Grove is located at coordinates 39.876827 degrees North and -76.865536 degrees West.
The United States Census Bureau says that the borough has a total area of about 0.8 square miles (2.03 square kilometers). All of this area is land, with no large bodies of water inside the borough limits.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 208 | — | |
| 1890 | 576 | 176.9% | |
| 1900 | 1,005 | 74.5% | |
| 1910 | 1,152 | 14.6% | |
| 1920 | 1,115 | −3.2% | |
| 1930 | 1,236 | 10.9% | |
| 1940 | 1,259 | 1.9% | |
| 1950 | 1,238 | −1.7% | |
| 1960 | 1,675 | 35.3% | |
| 1970 | 1,669 | −0.4% | |
| 1980 | 1,832 | 9.8% | |
| 1990 | 1,863 | 1.7% | |
| 2000 | 2,050 | 10.0% | |
| 2010 | 2,167 | 5.7% | |
| 2020 | 2,372 | 9.5% | |
| 2021 (est.) | 2,373 | 9.5% | |
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In 2000, there were 2,050 people living in Spring Grove. These people lived in 817 households, and 570 of these were families. The town had about 2,698 people per square mile.
Most people in Spring Grove were White (97.56%). A small number were African American, Native American, or Asian. About 1.66% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
About 36.6% of households had children under 18 living with them. Many households (51.5%) were married couples. About 11.0% of households had someone living alone who was 65 years old or older.
The average age of people in Spring Grove was 34 years old. About 27.3% of the population was under 18. About 12.0% were 65 or older.
The average income for a household in Spring Grove was $42,609. For families, the average income was $52,228. A small number of families (2.9%) and people (5.8%) lived below the poverty line.
Education in Spring Grove
The Spring Grove Area School District manages the schools in the Spring Grove area. There are three primary schools for younger students. There is also an intermediate school and a middle school.
The main high school is called Spring Grove Area High School. A new high school building was built and opened in 2008. The class of 2009 was the first group of students to graduate from this new high school. It is located closer to the middle and intermediate schools.
