Wrightsville, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wrightsville, Pennsylvania
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Borough
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Location in York County and the U.S. state of Pennsylvania.
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 Wrightsville, Pennsylvania
Location in Pennsylvania
Wrightsville, Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States | |
| State | Pennsylvania | |
| County | York | |
| Settled | 1811 | |
| Incorporated | 1834 | |
| Government | ||
| • Type | Borough Council | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 0.66 sq mi (1.70 km2) | |
| • Land | 0.66 sq mi (1.70 km2) | |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) | |
| Elevation | 390 ft (120 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 2,257  |
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(2019)
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2,249 | |
| • Density | 3,505.34/sq mi (1,352.54/km2) | |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) | |
| Zip Code |
17368
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| Area code(s) | 717 | |
| FIPS code | 42-86640 | |
Wrightsville is a small town, called a borough, located in York County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. In 2020, about 2,257 people lived there. It's part of the larger York–Hanover area.
Contents
History of Wrightsville
Did you know that George Washington once thought about making Wrightsville the capital city of the United States? A special plaque at Samuel S. Lewis State Park tells us this. This park overlooks Wrightsville and the Susquehanna River.
Bridges Over the Susquehanna River
The world's longest covered bridge once stretched from Wrightsville to Columbia. This bridge was 5,600 feet long. It was built in 1814 but was destroyed by ice and high water in 1832.
A new bridge was built, but it was burned down on June 28, 1863. This happened during the American Civil War as part of the Gettysburg Campaign. State militia set it on fire to stop Confederate troops. John Brown Gordon led the Confederate troops. They even formed a bucket brigade to save Wrightsville from the fire.
Another covered bridge was built, but it was destroyed by a strong windstorm a few years later. The last big bridge was the Pennsylvania Railroad Bridge. It was made of steel and built in 1896. This bridge was taken down in the early 1960s. Today, a concrete bridge called Wright’s Ferry Bridge stands near the original spot.
Canals and Baseball
Wrightsville was the end point for the Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal. This canal helped transport goods all the way to Havre de Grace, Maryland.
In 2007, Wrightsville was chosen for a special event. It was where the "War of the Roses" was restarted. This is a fun baseball rivalry between the York Revolution and the Lancaster Barnstormers. Wrightsville was picked because it's right on the Susquehanna River. This river forms the border between York and Lancaster counties.
Historic Places in Wrightsville
Two important places in Wrightsville are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These are the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge and the Wrightsville Historic District.
Geography of Wrightsville
Wrightsville is located at 40°1′28″N 76°31′52″W / 40.02444°N 76.53111°W. The town covers about 0.6 square miles of land. There is no water area within the borough limits.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1840 | 672 | — | |
| 1850 | 1,310 | 94.9% | |
| 1860 | 1,360 | 3.8% | |
| 1870 | 1,544 | 13.5% | |
| 1880 | 1,776 | 15.0% | |
| 1890 | 1,912 | 7.7% | |
| 1900 | 2,266 | 18.5% | |
| 1910 | 2,051 | −9.5% | |
| 1920 | 1,943 | −5.3% | |
| 1930 | 2,247 | 15.6% | |
| 1940 | 2,120 | −5.7% | |
| 1950 | 2,104 | −0.8% | |
| 1960 | 2,345 | 11.5% | |
| 1970 | 2,668 | 13.8% | |
| 1980 | 2,365 | −11.4% | |
| 1990 | 2,396 | 1.3% | |
| 2000 | 2,223 | −7.2% | |
| 2010 | 2,310 | 3.9% | |
| 2020 | 2,257 | −2.3% | |
| 2021 (est.) | 2,249 | −2.6% | |
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In 2000, there were 2,223 people living in Wrightsville. Most of the people were White. A small number were African American, Native American, Asian, or from other backgrounds. About 2% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
The average age of people in Wrightsville was 38 years old. About 23% of the population was under 18 years old.
Emergency Services
Wrightsville has important services to keep its residents safe. These include a fire department, medical help, and police.
Wrightsville Fire Department
The Wrightsville Steam Fire Engine and Hose Company #1 started in 1887. Today, over 30 volunteers work as firefighters. They protect nearly 10,000 people in Wrightsville and Hellam Township. The department also has a junior firefighter program for teens aged 14–17.
The fire department is highly trained. Most of its members have special certifications. In 2019, they responded to 771 calls for help. The fire station is located at 125 South Second Street. It has four fire trucks and a rescue boat.
Medical Services
The fire department also provides Quick Response Services (QRS). This means they can give basic medical care until an ambulance arrives. Their average response time for these calls is very fast, about one minute.
Ambulance services are provided by Susquehanna Valley EMS (SVEMS). They respond from the Hellam Township Municipal Building.
Police Protection
Wrightsville used to have its own police force. But since July 1, 2018, the town is protected by the Hellam Township Police Department.
Education
Students in Wrightsville attend schools in the Eastern York School District.
Images for kids
See also
In Spanish: Wrightsville (Pensilvania) para niños
