Cumberland Township, Adams County, Pennsylvania

Cumberland Township, Adams County, Pennsylvania is a township in south-central Pennsylvania notable for encompassing a significant portion of the Gettysburg Battlefield. The township's history is inextricably linked to the American Civil War, particularly the Battle of Gettysburg, which shaped its landscape and identity. Today, it is a center for historical tourism, agriculture, and residential development within the Gettysburg area. The township is governed by a board of supervisors and contains several unincorporated communities and protected historical sites.

History

The area was originally inhabited by Susquehannock and Lenape peoples before European settlement began in the early 18th century. The township was officially formed in 1749 from part of York County, prior to the creation of Adams County in 1800. Its development was primarily agricultural until July 1863, when it became the epicenter of the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg, a major turning point in the American Civil War. Following the battle, the establishment of the Gettysburg National Cemetery and the subsequent creation of the Gettysburg National Military Park under the stewardship of the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service transformed the township into a national memorial landscape. The Gettysburg Address was delivered by President Abraham Lincoln at the cemetery's dedication, further cementing the area's place in American history. The 20th century saw the growth of heritage tourism, with institutions like the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center and the Eisenhower National Historic Site becoming major attractions.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 36.2 square miles, nearly all of which is land. It is situated within the Piedmont region of Pennsylvania. The township's terrain includes rolling hills, farmland, and significant wooded areas, with key waterways like Rock Creek and several tributaries of the Marsh Creek flowing through it. It completely surrounds the borough of Gettysburg and borders Franklin Township and Mount Joy Township. A large portion of the township's land is occupied by the Gettysburg National Military Park and the adjacent Gettysburg Battlefield Historic District. Other communities within the township include the unincorporated villages of McKnightstown and Bendersville.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population was 10,019, reflecting steady growth driven by its proximity to Gettysburg and expanding residential areas. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The median household income historically exceeds the average for Adams County, supported by a diverse economic base including tourism, retail, healthcare, and agriculture. Educational attainment levels are above state averages, with many residents employed in management, business, and service occupations related to the region's historical and cultural institutions.

Government

Cumberland Township operates under the Pennsylvania Township Code as a Township of the Second Class. It is governed by a five-member elected Board of Supervisors who set policy, adopt the annual budget, and oversee township operations. The township provides a range of services including police protection through the Cumberland Township Police Department, zoning and code enforcement, road maintenance, and park and recreation facilities. It falls within Pennsylvania's 13th congressional district and is represented in the Pennsylvania General Assembly by members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the Pennsylvania State Senate. The township also contains several election precincts for county, state, and federal elections.

Notable people

Several individuals with national significance have been associated with Cumberland Township. President Dwight D. Eisenhower and First Lady Mamie Eisenhower retired to their farm, now the Eisenhower National Historic Site, within the township. Noted Civil War figure John L. Burns, known as the "Hero of Gettysburg," was a resident and is buried in the township. The renowned battlefield photographer Alexander Gardner captured iconic images of the Battle of Gettysburg and its aftermath in the area. More recently, historian and author Gabor Boritt, a leading scholar on Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War, has been a long-time resident.

Category:Townships in Adams County, Pennsylvania Category:1749 establishments in Pennsylvania