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New Wilmington, PA
The Old Order Amish farmlands which dot the rolling countryside
surrounding New Wilmington once were occupied by the Lenape Indians.
By 1700 settlers included James and John Waugh and John McCrumb, whose descendants remain active in the community. Then in 1802 Hugh Means opened a grist mill which also served as an election site.
The population was 500 when New Wilmington was established as a full borough on April 9, 1873. Westminster College had been founded in 1852 as one of the few co-educational institutions west of the Allegheny Mountains. This highly rated liberal arts college now attracts students and visitors from many areas of the world.
The Borough reflects the original plan laid out by John Waugh in 1824. Some of the early buildings still stand. Among these is the Tavern Inn which was part of the underground railroad during the Civil War.
Today the Borough measures one square mile. The traffic light (Neshannock Avenue at Market Street) designates “The Square” or the center of activity for 1,900 residents supplemented by 1,429 Westminster College students.
An unpaid, elected Mayor and Borough Council govern this self-reliant community which has no property tax. A full-time superintendent and police department are complemented by the Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Service. Sales of services include electricity, cable, water and sewage. Free garbage and trash collection is provided for homes.
In this quiet borough, the old world and the new mingle in the small shops and in restaurants. Visitors quickly sense that the Amish do not want to be photographed.
Both parking and hitching are free.
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