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Adams County, Pennsylvania

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Adams County, Pennsylvania
CountyAdams County
StatePennsylvania
FoundedJanuary 22, 1800
SeatGettysburg
Largest cityGettysburg
Area total sq mi522
Area land sq mi520
Area water sq mi1.7
Population as of2020
Population total103,852
Population density sq miauto
Time zoneEastern
Named forJohn Adams
DistrictPennsylvania's 13th congressional district

Adams County, Pennsylvania. Located in the south-central part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, it is a region defined by its pivotal role in American history and its enduring agricultural landscape. The county was officially created on January 22, 1800, from part of York County and named for the second President of the United States, John Adams. Its county seat and largest municipality is the internationally renowned borough of Gettysburg.

History

The area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Susquehannock, before European settlement expanded in the 18th century. The region's history was forever altered by the American Civil War with the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863, a decisive Union victory and the war's turning point. This event led to President Abraham Lincoln's iconic Gettysburg Address later that year at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery. Historic sites like the Eisenhower National Historic Site, the farm of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and the Gettysburg Battlefield are managed by the National Park Service. The county also has connections to early American figures such as James Gettys, founder of the borough, and was part of the Mason–Dixon line surveys.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 522 square miles, of which 520 square miles is land and 1.7 square miles is water. It is bordered by York County to the east, Carroll County, Maryland to the south, Frederick County, Maryland to the southwest, and Franklin County to the west. The terrain includes parts of the Piedmont region and the northern terminus of the Blue Ridge Mountains at South Mountain. Significant waterways include the Monocacy River and Marsh Creek. The county contains portions of the Michaux State Forest and is near the Catoctin Mountain Park.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 103,852. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with growing Hispanic or Latino and Black or African American communities. The largest ancestry groups reported include German, Irish, and English. Population centers are primarily in the Gettysburg area and the eastern townships closer to the Hanover and York metropolitan areas. The United States Census Bureau also notes a median household income slightly above the state average.

Economy

The economy has long been anchored by agriculture, particularly orchards producing apples, peaches, and other fruits, making it a key part of Pennsylvania's fruit belt. Tourism, driven overwhelmingly by the Gettysburg National Military Park and related heritage tourism, is the other major industry, supporting numerous hotels, restaurants, and museums like the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center. Manufacturing, warehousing, and health care are also significant employers, with entities like the Gettysburg Hospital and various food processing plants. The Adams County Winery and other agritourism ventures contribute to the local economic landscape.

Government and politics

Adams County operates under a Board of County Commissioners structure, with three elected commissioners. It is part of Pennsylvania's 13th congressional district, represented in the U.S. House of Representatives by John Joyce. At the state level, it lies within the 33rd Pennsylvania Senate District and the 91st Pennsylvania House of Representatives District. The county has historically leaned Republican in presidential elections, voting for candidates like Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020, and is considered part of the conservative Pennsylvania Dutch country.

Education

Public education is provided by several school districts, including the Gettysburg Area School District, Conewago Valley School District, and Upper Adams School District. Higher education is represented by Gettysburg College, a private liberal arts college founded in 1832, and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, one of the oldest seminaries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The county is also served by the Adams County Library System and is in close proximity to other institutions like Penn State University's extension services.

Transportation

Major highways include U.S. Route 15, a primary north-south corridor, U.S. Route 30 (the Lincoln Highway), and Pennsylvania Route 116. There is no interstate highway within the county. Public transportation is limited, with rabbittransit providing bus service. The Gettysburg Regional Airport serves general aviation. The county's transportation network is crucial for both the agricultural industry and the tourism sector, facilitating access to the Baltimore–Washington metropolitan area and Harrisburg.

Category:Adams County, Pennsylvania Category:1800 establishments in Pennsylvania Category:Counties of Pennsylvania