Lemont, Pennsylvania

Lemont, Pennsylvania
Name	Lemont
Settlement type	Borough
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Pennsylvania
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Centre County, Pennsylvania
Established title	Settled
Established date	1790s
Established title2	Incorporated
Established date2	1854
Area total sq mi	0.4
Population total	361
Population as of	2020
Timezone	Eastern Time Zone
Postal code type	ZIP code
Postal code	16851

Lemont, Pennsylvania

Lemont is a small borough in Centre County, Pennsylvania located near the borough of State College, Pennsylvania and the village of Boalsburg, Pennsylvania. Founded during the westward settlement of central Pennsylvania, Lemont developed as a local center for transportation and small-scale industry along routes connecting to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and Clearfield, Pennsylvania. The borough today functions as a residential community with historical ties to regional institutions such as Pennsylvania State University, and proximity to natural features like the Boalsburg Reservoir and the Bald Eagle State Forest.

History

The area that became Lemont was settled in the late 18th century during the post-Revolutionary expansion that affected Centre County, Pennsylvania and adjacent counties including Blair County, Pennsylvania and Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. Early economic activity in the region tied Lemont to the turnpike and canal era associated with routes leading toward Allegheny Portage Railroad corridors and the broader Pennsylvania Canal network. Incorporation as a borough in 1854 occurred amid growth related to nearby ironworks and lumber enterprises connected to families who also owned tracts in Spring Township, Centre County, Pennsylvania and neighboring Patton Township, Pennsylvania.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Lemont’s development intersected with major regional trends such as the expansion of the Pennsylvania Railroad and the coal trade that passed through Clearfield County, Pennsylvania to markets in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. During the World War II era, residents participated in industrial mobilization seen across communities serving Fort Indiantown Gap and manufacturing centers like Hershey, Pennsylvania. Preservation efforts in the late 20th century emphasized historic buildings and ties to figures connected to Penn State University and local civic organizations such as the Lemont Historical Society.

Geography

Lemont occupies a compact area in central Pennsylvania within the Appalachian Plateau region characterized by ridges and valleys similar to those in Nittany Valley and near features like Nittany Mountain. The borough lies along local roads connecting to U.S. Route 322 and state highways serving Centre County, Pennsylvania and sits in proximity to watercourses that feed into the Susquehanna River watershed. Elevation and forest cover reflect patterns shared with Bald Eagle Mountain and nearby state lands such as Rothrock State Forest, offering access for outdoor recreation favored by residents of State College, Pennsylvania and visitors from Altoona, Pennsylvania.

Demographics

Census data for Lemont indicates a small population with household composition and age distribution comparable to other small boroughs in Centre County, Pennsylvania and the broader Pennsylvania Dutch Country adjacency. Residents often commute to employment centers including State College, Pennsylvania for roles at Pennsylvania State University, regional hospitals such as Mount Nittany Medical Center, and government offices in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Ethnic and ancestry profiles reflect common patterns across central Pennsylvania with ancestries traceable to German American, Irish American, and English American origins, and community institutions include churches and civic groups similar to those in neighboring boroughs like Boalsburg, Pennsylvania.

Economy and Industry

Historically, Lemont’s economy rested on small-scale manufacturing, lumber, and services that supported transportation corridors related to the Pennsylvania Railroad and state roadways. In the contemporary period, the borough’s economic ties are closely linked to education and healthcare employment in State College, Pennsylvania and to small businesses serving local residents and tourists visiting regional attractions such as Penn's Cave and the Centre County Grange Fair. Agricultural activity in surrounding townships contributes to local markets, and professional services and retail in nearby Bellefonte, Pennsylvania and Lemont Township, Pennsylvania bolster the borough’s economic connections.

Education

Residents of Lemont are served by the State College Area School District and have access to primary and secondary education facilities located in nearby boroughs and townships. For higher education, proximity to Pennsylvania State University provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate programs, extension services, and cultural institutions including the Penn State University Libraries and the Penn State Berkey Creamery. Continuing education and workforce training resources are available through regional community colleges and extension centers such as those affiliated with Penn State Outreach.

Transportation

Lemont’s transportation network links to U.S. Route 322 and state routes facilitating travel to State College, Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Altoona, Pennsylvania. Regional transit services, intercity bus lines, and paratransit options connect residents to transportation hubs such as University Park Airport and rail services via Amtrak stations in nearby population centers. Bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in the area integrates with recreational corridors and trail systems paralleling waterways that feed into the Susquehanna River.

Notable People

- Individuals associated with Lemont have included educators and scholars connected to Pennsylvania State University and alumni who participated in statewide initiatives like the Pennsylvania Farm Show. - Local civic leaders have served in county offices in Centre County, Pennsylvania and participated in cultural institutions such as the Centre County Historical Society. - Athletes and coaches from the region have been affiliated with Penn State Nittany Lions programs and local high school athletics governed by Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association.

Category:Boroughs in Centre County, Pennsylvania