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Penn Township, St. Joseph County, Indiana

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Penn Township, St. Joseph County, Indiana
NamePenn Township
Settlement typeCivil township
Subdivision typeCountry
Subdivision nameUnited States
Subdivision type1State
Subdivision name1Indiana
Subdivision type2County
Subdivision name2St. Joseph
Unit prefImperial
Area total sq mi36.2
Area land sq mi36.1
Area water sq mi0.1
Population as of2020
Population total100,026
Population density sq miauto
TimezoneEastern (EST)
Utc offset-5
Timezone DSTEDT
Utc offset DST-4
Elevation ft755
Coordinates41, 42, 15, N...
Blank nameFIPS code
Blank info18-58842
Blank1 nameGNIS feature ID
Blank1 info453707

Penn Township, St. Joseph County, Indiana is a Civil township located in the northern part of St. Joseph County, Indiana. It is the most populous township in Indiana, largely encompassing the southern and eastern portions of the city of South Bend as well as the entirety of the town of Mishawaka. The township is a major economic and cultural hub within the Michiana region, anchored by institutions like the University of Notre Dame and major healthcare centers.

History

The area was originally inhabited by the Potawatomi people before European-American settlement accelerated following the Treaty of Chicago (1833). The township was officially organized in 1835, with its early economy based on agriculture and lumber. The arrival of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway and the establishment of industries like the Studebaker corporation in neighboring South Bend spurred significant growth. The 20th century saw the expansion of Mishawaka as a major manufacturing center for companies like Ball Band and the development of the University of Notre Dame campus, which became a defining institution. Key historical sites include the St. Joseph County Parks system and the Mishawaka Riverwalk.

Geography

According to the 2020 census, the township covers a total area of 36.2 square miles, of which 36.1 square miles is land and 0.1 square miles is water. The St. Joseph River flows northwest through the township, forming a central geographic feature. It is bordered by Portage Township to the north, Clay Township to the east, and Harris Township to the south. Major transportation corridors include the Indiana Toll Road (I-80/I-90), U.S. Route 20, and U.S. Route 31.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population was 100,026, making it the most populous township in the state. The racial makeup was diverse, with significant populations identifying as White, African American, Hispanic or Latino, and Asian. The median household income exceeds the state average, driven by employment in education, healthcare at facilities like the Memorial Hospital of South Bend and Saint Joseph Health System, and advanced manufacturing. Population density is highest in the urbanized areas of Mishawaka and the southern neighborhoods of South Bend.

Government

The township is governed by a three-member board of trustees, an elected position defined under Indiana state law. It provides limited services such as emergency assistance and fire protection through the Penn Township Fire Department. Most municipal services for residents are provided by the cities of South Bend and Mishawaka or by St. Joseph County. The township falls within Indiana's 2nd congressional district and is part of several Indiana Senate and Indiana House of Representatives districts.

Education

Public education is primarily administered by the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation and the South Bend Community School Corporation. Notable high schools include Penn High School and Mishawaka High School. The township is also home to the prestigious University of Notre Dame, a major research university, and Holy Cross College. Other institutions include Bethel University and the South Bend campus of Ivy Tech Community College. Several private and parochial schools, such as those within the Diocese of Fort Wayne–South Bend, also operate in the area.

Notable people

Notable individuals associated with the township include legendary University of Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne, former Notre Dame quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner John Huarte, and astronaut James A. McDivitt, who commanded the Gemini 4 and Apollo 9 missions. Businessman and former governor of Indiana Joseph E. Kernan was a longtime resident of South Bend. The area is also the hometown of musician and producer J.J. Jackson.

Category:Townships in St. Joseph County, Indiana Category:1835 establishments in Indiana