Hermitage, Pennsylvania
Encyclopedia
Hermitage is a city in Mercer County
, Pennsylvania
, United States
. The population was 16,157 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Youngstown
–Warren
–Boardman
, OH
-PA Metropolitan Statistical Area
.
, Pennsylvania
, was first settled in 1796, and the Township of Hickory was incorporated in 1832 from portions of the Shenango
and Pymatuning
townships. Following the incorporation of the cities of Sharon
and Farrell
and the Boroughs of Sharpsville
and Wheatland
, the remainder of the Township was incorporated into a First Class Township.
The Home Rule Charter and Optional Plans Law, Act 62 of 1972, provided all local governments in Pennsylvania a unique opportunity of true "home rule." On August 9, 1972, Ordinance 13-72 was enacted by the Board of Commissioners, providing for a referendum on electing a Governmental Study Commission of nine members. On November 17, 1972, the electors voted in favor of a commission and selected nine members with the task of studying present Township government and the alternative of an Optional Plan of Government or a Home Rule Charter.
On March 13, 1974, the final report of the Government Study Commission recommended a Home Rule Charter, which was approved on May 21, 1974 by a vote of 1,375 to 546. The Charter was to become effective on January 1, 1976.
A resolution of April 9, 1975 stated the Board of Commissioners' intent to start an informal campaign to consider the possibility of a name change for the Township. A survey was conducted to determine possible names. In July, 1975, the Commissioners petitioned to the Court of Common Pleas of Mercer County pursuant to the Act of June 14, 1957, P.L. 330. The petition contained almost double the signature requirement of ten percent of the registered electors of the Township. The questions to be placed on the ballot were whether the name of the Township should be changed, and if so, which name: "Hermitage," "Mount Hickory," "Hickory Hills."
On November 4, 1975, the voters approved, by 2,986 to 695, a change in name, and selected "Hermitage." The President Judge of Mercer County Court of Common Pleas issued an order on December 11, 1975 decreeing that the name of the Township of Hickory shall be changed to Hermitage, Pennsylvania, effective January 2, 1976.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 29.6 square miles (76.7 km²), of which, 29.5 square miles (76.4 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square mile (0.258998811 km²) of it (0.37%) is water. Based on area, Hermitage is the 3rd largest city in Pennsylvania.
The Shenango River Lake
north of Hermitage is run by the US Army Corps of Engineers
.
of 2000, there were 16,157 people, 6,809 households, and 4,616 families residing in the city. The population density
was 548.3 people per square mile (211.7/km²). There were 7,104 housing units at an average density of 241.1 per square mile (93.1/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.97% White, 3.09% African American, 0.04% Native American, 0.80% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.23% from other races
, and 0.85% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.66% of the population.
There were 6,809 households out of which 26.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.9% were married couples
living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.2% were non-families. 29.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.87.
In the city the population was spread out with 21.7% under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 24.6% from 25 to 44, 24.7% from 45 to 64, and 23.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females there were 87.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $39,454, and the median income for a family was $46,994. Males had a median income of $41,506 versus $25,217 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $23,227. About 6.3% of families and 8.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.1% of those under age 18 and 6.5% of those age 65 or over. In 1985 Hermitage suffered a F5 tornado killing 18 people and injuring 301. It formed in Ohio, this was a very rare to be in the northern eastern coast of the U.S.A. As they are rare in tornado alley. The damage was severe.
Mercer County, Pennsylvania
Mercer County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 116,638. Its county seat is Mercer; Sharon is its largest city....
, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was 16,157 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Youngstown
Youngstown, Ohio
Youngstown is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Mahoning County; it also extends into Trumbull County. The municipality is situated on the Mahoning River, approximately southeast of Cleveland and northwest of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania...
–Warren
Warren, Ohio
As of the census of 2000, there were 46,832 people, 19,288 households and 12,035 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,912.4 people per square mile . There were 21,279 housing units at an average density of 1,322.9 per square mile...
–Boardman
Boardman, Ohio
Boardman is a census-designated place in Boardman Township, Mahoning County, Ohio, United States, just south of Youngstown. Boardman is considered to be a moderately affluent community and is one of two major retail hubs in the greater Youngstown area...
, OH
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
-PA Metropolitan Statistical Area
Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA Metropolitan Area
The Youngstown Metropolitan Area is a metropolitan area centered on the American city of Youngstown, Ohio. According to the US Census Bureau, the metropolitan area includes Mahoning and Trumbull counties in Ohio and Mercer county in Pennsylvania...
.
History
Formerly known as Hickory Township [hence Hickory High School with its Hickory Hornet mascot]. The City of Hermitage, in Mercer CountyMercer County, Pennsylvania
Mercer County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 116,638. Its county seat is Mercer; Sharon is its largest city....
, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, was first settled in 1796, and the Township of Hickory was incorporated in 1832 from portions of the Shenango
Shenango Township, Mercer County, Pennsylvania
Shenango Township is a township in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 4,037 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 29.9 square miles , of which, 29.9 square miles of it is land and...
and Pymatuning
Pymatuning Township, Pennsylvania
Pymatuning Township is a township in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, USA. The population was 3,782 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 18.1 square miles , of which, 16.5 square miles of it is land and 1.6 square...
townships. Following the incorporation of the cities of Sharon
Sharon, Pennsylvania
Sharon is a city in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, in the United States, northwest of Pittsburgh. It is part of the Youngstown–Warren–Boardman, OH-PA Metropolitan Statistical Area.- History :...
and Farrell
Farrell, Pennsylvania
Farrell is a city in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 6,050 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Youngstown–Warren–Boardman, OH-PA Metropolitan Statistical Area.-History:...
and the Boroughs of Sharpsville
Sharpsville, Pennsylvania
Sharpsville is a borough in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, along the Shenango River. The population was 4,500 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Youngstown–Warren–Boardman, OH-PA Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
and Wheatland
Wheatland, Pennsylvania
Wheatland is a borough in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, along the Shenango River. The population was 748 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Youngstown–Warren–Boardman, OH-PA Metropolitan Statistical Area....
, the remainder of the Township was incorporated into a First Class Township.
The Home Rule Charter and Optional Plans Law, Act 62 of 1972, provided all local governments in Pennsylvania a unique opportunity of true "home rule." On August 9, 1972, Ordinance 13-72 was enacted by the Board of Commissioners, providing for a referendum on electing a Governmental Study Commission of nine members. On November 17, 1972, the electors voted in favor of a commission and selected nine members with the task of studying present Township government and the alternative of an Optional Plan of Government or a Home Rule Charter.
On March 13, 1974, the final report of the Government Study Commission recommended a Home Rule Charter, which was approved on May 21, 1974 by a vote of 1,375 to 546. The Charter was to become effective on January 1, 1976.
A resolution of April 9, 1975 stated the Board of Commissioners' intent to start an informal campaign to consider the possibility of a name change for the Township. A survey was conducted to determine possible names. In July, 1975, the Commissioners petitioned to the Court of Common Pleas of Mercer County pursuant to the Act of June 14, 1957, P.L. 330. The petition contained almost double the signature requirement of ten percent of the registered electors of the Township. The questions to be placed on the ballot were whether the name of the Township should be changed, and if so, which name: "Hermitage," "Mount Hickory," "Hickory Hills."
On November 4, 1975, the voters approved, by 2,986 to 695, a change in name, and selected "Hermitage." The President Judge of Mercer County Court of Common Pleas issued an order on December 11, 1975 decreeing that the name of the Township of Hickory shall be changed to Hermitage, Pennsylvania, effective January 2, 1976.
Geography
Hermitage is located at 41°13′57"N 80°27′38"W (41.232456, -80.460464).According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 29.6 square miles (76.7 km²), of which, 29.5 square miles (76.4 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square mile (0.258998811 km²) of it (0.37%) is water. Based on area, Hermitage is the 3rd largest city in Pennsylvania.
The Shenango River Lake
Shenango River Lake
Shenango River Lake is a reservoir in the Shenango River Valley of western Pennsylvania and northeastern Ohio. Authorized by the Flood Control Acts of 1938, the lake is one of 16 flood control projects in the Pittsburgh District designed to prevent flooding. It is a popular site among anglers and...
north of Hermitage is run by the US Army Corps of Engineers
United States Army Corps of Engineers
The United States Army Corps of Engineers is a federal agency and a major Army command made up of some 38,000 civilian and military personnel, making it the world's largest public engineering, design and construction management agency...
.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 16,157 people, 6,809 households, and 4,616 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 548.3 people per square mile (211.7/km²). There were 7,104 housing units at an average density of 241.1 per square mile (93.1/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.97% White, 3.09% African American, 0.04% Native American, 0.80% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.23% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.85% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.66% of the population.
There were 6,809 households out of which 26.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.9% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.2% were non-families. 29.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.87.
In the city the population was spread out with 21.7% under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 24.6% from 25 to 44, 24.7% from 45 to 64, and 23.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females there were 87.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $39,454, and the median income for a family was $46,994. Males had a median income of $41,506 versus $25,217 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $23,227. About 6.3% of families and 8.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.1% of those under age 18 and 6.5% of those age 65 or over. In 1985 Hermitage suffered a F5 tornado killing 18 people and injuring 301. It formed in Ohio, this was a very rare to be in the northern eastern coast of the U.S.A. As they are rare in tornado alley. The damage was severe.
Notable People
- Andre ColemanAndre ColemanAndre Clintonian Coleman is a former professional American football wide receiver in the National Football League. He attended Hickory High School in Hermitage, Pennsylvania playing on the AAA state championship team. He played collegiately at Kansas State University...
- former National Football LeagueNational Football LeagueThe National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
wide receiver and kick returner - Rod WhiteRod WhiteRodney White is an American archer. He competed in the 1996 Olympic Games and the 2000 Olympic Games. In the 1996 team competition he won gold with Justin Huish and Butch Johnson. In 2000 the American team won the bronze medal.-External links:*...
- former US Olympic Team archer