Bensalem Township, Pennsylvania

Coordinates: 40°06′46″N 74°56′36″W / 40.11278°N 74.94333°W / 40.11278; -74.94333
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Bensalem Township, Pennsylvania
Township
Andalusia, a NRHP site in Bensalem
Andalusia, a NRHP site in Bensalem
EDT)
ZIP Codes
19020, 19053
Area codes215, 267, and 445
FIPS code42-017-05616
Websitehttps://www.bensalempa.gov/

Bensalem Township is a

Oakford, Siles, Trappe, and Trevose.[3] Bensalem Township has no other incorporated municipalities within its boundaries. It is located within the Delaware Valley
, also known as the Philadelphia metropolitan area.

As of the 2020 census, the township had a population of 62,707, which made it the most populous municipality in Bucks County and the ninth-most populated municipality in Pennsylvania.

The township, which was founded in 1692, is almost as old as Pennsylvania itself, which was founded in 1682.

Origins

The origin of the name Bensalem likely comes from references made by settler Joseph Growden, who named his estate Manor of Bensalem in honor of William Penn and the Semitic term for peace, Salem.[4] It was originally named Salem; the first syllable Ben was added in 1701.[4] Another theory notes the shared name with the utopian island in Francis Bacon's New Atlantis, also named Bensalem.

History

See also: Pennsylvania in the American Revolution and Pennsylvania in the American Civil War

The area of Bensalem Township appeared on the Holme Map of 1682, though not yet with a name. On January 2, 1685, the boundary was fixed between Bensalem and Philadelphia County along the Poquessing Creek. At the September 1692 session of Bucks County Court, a jury of thirteen men was formed to define boundaries of divisions that had been created up to that time. The report submitted in December states that "All the lands between Neshamineh and Poquessin, and so to the upper side of Joseph Growden's land in one and to be called 'Salem.'"

The first name of the township was Salem. The minutes of the Board of Property of the Province on November 19, 1701, at Philadelphia noted the name of the area as Bensalem. The population of the area was first a few Dutch and Swedes, then later a larger influx of English, and then additional Dutch settled the area.[3]

Geography

Bensalem is the southernmost township in Bucks County and is bordered by the

Edgewater Park Township
.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 21.0 square miles (54 km2), of which 20.0 square miles (52 km2) is land and 1.0 square mile (2.6 km2) (4.77%) is water.

The

Atlantic Coastal Plain region from the Piedmont region, passes through Bensalem, and is visible around the Neshaminy Mall area.[5][6] The Neshaminy Creek forms the natural eastern boundary and Poquessing Creek
forms the natural western boundary of the township.

Natural features include Barnsleys Ford, Mill Creek, Neshaminy Creek, Neshaminy Falls, Partridge Point, Poquessing Creek, and White Sheet Bay.[3]

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18902,499—
19003,04621.9%
19103,1051.9%
19202,912−6.2%
19305,64593.9%
19407,27628.9%
195011,36556.2%
196023,478106.6%
197033,04240.7%
198052,36858.5%
199056,7888.4%
200058,4342.9%
201060,4273.4%
202062,7073.8%
Source:[7][8]

As of the 2010 census, the township was 72.1% Non-Hispanic White, 7.3% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 10.2% Asian, and 2.6% of the population were of two or more races. 8.4% of the population were of Hispanic or Latino ancestry.[9]

As of the census[10] of 2000, there were 58,434 people, 22,627 households, and 15,114 families residing in the township. The population density was 2,926.7 inhabitants per square mile (1,130.0/km2). There were 23,535 housing units at an average density of 1,178.8 per square mile (455.1/km2).

There were 22,627 households, of which 30.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.6% were married couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.2% were non-families. 26.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.14.

In the township the population was spread out, with 23.1% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 32.5% from 25 to 44, 24.5% from 45 to 64, and 11.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.0 males. For every 100 women age 18 and over, there were 96.9 men.

The median income for a household in the township was $49,737, and the median income for a family was $58,771. Men had a median income of $39,914 versus $30,926 for women. The

poverty line
. Of the total population, 6.8% of those under the age of 18 and 10.6% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

Jewish community

Bensalem has a significant

Jewish community,[11]
with the following institutions.

Public safety

In the last decade, numerous

Parx Casino which brings in a plethora of non-residents, in addition to its shared border with Philadelphia. Neighborhoods of concern include Calico Corner (Nottingham), and "Top of The Ridge Trailer Park", which has seen its fair share of crimes and homicides.[14]

In 2022 Bensalem once again made national headlines; after a violent brawl broke out in a local Golden Corral restaurant over a single piece of steak.[15] In total, the altercation involved over 40 people.[16] This incident destroyed the interior of the restaurant causing it to temporarily close down.

Landmarks and attractions

Parx Casino

Bensalem is home to

Xcite Center
, which hosts concerts, entertainment performances, comedy acts, and boxing and MMA matches.

Penn Community Bank Amphitheater is located in Bensalem, and is a popular venue for concerts.

Bensalem is also home to the Mongkoltepmunee Buddhist Temple,[17] or Wat Mongkoltepmunee, on Knights Road. This shrine is an exact replica of a temple in Bangkok and is the only one of its kind in the United States. It serves as a place of high ceremonies and meditation for a community of Buddhist monks who came to Bensalem from Thailand in the 1980s.[18]

For the 2002

Signs, starring Mel Gibson, a stage set was built inside a warehouse on State Road for many of the interior shots.[19][20]

The NBC pilot episode for Outlaw, starring Jimmy Smits filmed scenes in Andalusia March 22–23, 2010.[21][22] [1]

The movie Safe, starring Jason Statham filmed a scene at Parx Casino and Racing.[23]

Neshaminy Mall

The

Signs where it was #1). [2]

Benjamin Franklin would often travel to Bensalem to visit his friend, Joseph Galloway, at Growden Mansion. At the time, the Galloway family owned all of present-day Bensalem Township. A local legend maintains that Franklin performed his famous kite-flying experiment in Bensalem, at the mansion, to prove that lightning was the same as static electricity. (The broader consensus is that Benjamin Franklin flew his kite closer to his home in Philadelphia.)

Bensalem is home to the Philadelphia Gun Club, which hosts one of the few trap

pigeon shoots in the United States. Live birds are released from boxes called traps and then shot by club members. Many birds are not killed outright and are collected to be killed by hand.[25][26][27]

Andalusia and Belmont are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Andalusia is also designated a National Historic Landmark.[28]

The U.S. subsidiary of

guitars
, is located here.

Bensalem is home to Neshaminy State Park. Also, in the center of Bensalem is the Bensalem Township Community Park, which features a skatepark, playground, basketball courts, a roller-hockey rink, and baseball, football, soccer, and softball fields.

Infrastructure

Transportation

I-95 southbound in Bensalem Township
Cornwells Heights station

As of 2018 there were 195.30 miles (314.30 km) of public roads in Bensalem Township, of which 4.80 miles (7.72 km) were maintained by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC), 45.89 miles (73.85 km) were maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and 144.61 miles (232.73 km) were maintained by the township.[29]

Bensalem Township is readily accessible with

Time magazine as the most dangerous intersection in the United States from 2003 until 2012.[32]

Two

Boulevard Direct, a limited-stop bus route between the Neshaminy Mall in Bensalem Township and the Frankford Transportation Center in Northeast Philadelphia that follows Roosevelt Boulevard through Northeast Philadelphia.[30][33] The Delaware River passes along the southeastern border of Bensalem Township and provides access for shipping. The Northeast Philadelphia Airport, located a couple miles away, provides general aviation services. The Philadelphia International Airport is 25 miles (40 km) away, offering flights to domestic and international destinations.[36]

Utilities

Electricity and natural gas in Bensalem Township is provided by

Aqua America, while sewer service is provided by the Bucks County Water & Sewer Authority; Bensalem sold off its water and sewer system in 1999.[40][41][42] Trash and recycling collection is provided by private haulers.[42] Cable, telephone, and internet service to the area is provided by Xfinity and Verizon. Bensalem Township is served by area codes 215, 267, and 445.[43]

Government

In 1987, the people of Bensalem voted to become a second-class township with a

mayor-council form of government consisting of a five-member council and a mayor. The mayor is allowed to serve unlimited terms. The first mayor of Bensalem was Ed Burns, who was elected on 1989 and served in office from 1990 to 1994. The current mayor is Republican Joseph DiGirolamo, who is in his seventh consecutive term. He was elected mayor in 1994. His seventh term expires December 31, 2021.[44]

Education

Further information: Bensalem Township School District

Public schools in Bensalem are operated by the Bensalem Township School District. The school district consists of six elementary schools, two middle schools, and Bensalem High School. The township has its own nine-member school board. Holy Ghost Preparatory School is a private Catholic high school located in the township.

Founded in 1969, Roman Catholic Saint Ephrem School serving Grades Pre-K to 8 has students from Bensalem and the surrounding area.

Established 1920, and located in the Cornwells Heights section of Bensalem, St. Charles Borromeo School is a Catholic, MSA Accredited, modernized Elementary School serving Grades Pre-K to 8.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced in 2011 that Our Lady of Fatima School was closing as the number of students had declined.[45]

Economy

Rita's Franchise Company, LLC has its headquarters in the Trevose section of the township, as well as its first location in the Andalusia section.[3] Philly Pretzel Factory has its headquarters in Bensalem.[4] Fortune 1000 company Healthcare Services Group has its headquarters in Bensalem and is ranked #985 on the 2019 list.[46][5]

Former Fortune 1000 company Charming Shoppes had its headquarters in Bensalem, and was ranked #927 on the 2012 list.[47]

The US Headquarters for Ibanez Guitars and Tama Drums is located in Bensalem Township.

Suez Water Technologies & Solutions is a water treatment company based in the Trevose section of Bensalem Township.[48]

Climate

According to the

nor’easters
from December through February.

Climate data for Bensalem Township, Pennsylvania (Neshaminy Falls) 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1915–present
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 74
(23) 		79
(26) 		88
(31) 		95
(35) 		97
(36) 		102
(39) 		105
(41) 		102
(39) 		98
(37) 		95
(35) 		88
(31) 		76
(24) 		105
(41)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 39.4
(4.1) 		42.2
(5.7) 		50.5
(10.3) 		62.5
(16.9) 		72.3
(22.4) 		81.1
(27.3) 		85.8
(29.9) 		84.0
(28.9) 		77.4
(25.2) 		65.6
(18.7) 		54.6
(12.6) 		44.4
(6.9) 		63.3
(17.4)
Daily mean °F (°C) 30.4
(−0.9) 		32.4
(0.2) 		40.0
(4.4) 		51.0
(10.6) 		60.9
(16.1) 		70.5
(21.4) 		75.5
(24.2) 		73.8
(23.2) 		66.6
(19.2) 		54.6
(12.6) 		43.9
(6.6) 		35.4
(1.9) 		52.9
(11.6)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 21.5
(−5.8) 		22.6
(−5.2) 		29.4
(−1.4) 		39.5
(4.2) 		49.5
(9.7) 		59.8
(15.4) 		65.2
(18.4) 		63.5
(17.5) 		55.7
(13.2) 		43.5
(6.4) 		33.2
(0.7) 		26.5
(−3.1) 		42.5
(5.8)
Record low °F (°C) −18
(−28) 		−18
(−28) 		−2
(−19) 		8
(−13) 		29
(−2) 		34
(1) 		43
(6) 		35
(2) 		30
(−1) 		19
(−7) 		−3
(−19) 		−10
(−23) 		−18
(−28)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 3.69
(94) 		3.06
(78) 		4.58
(116) 		3.97
(101) 		4.00
(102) 		4.58
(116) 		4.94
(125) 		4.67
(119) 		4.72
(120) 		4.21
(107) 		3.63
(92) 		4.65
(118) 		50.70
(1,288)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 7.0
(18) 		5.7
(14) 		3.5
(8.9) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.1
(0.25) 		0.2
(0.51) 		3.4
(8.6) 		19.9
(51)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 10.5 9.9 10.7 10.7 11.3 10.5 10.0 9.0 8.6 9.3 8.7 10.6 119.8
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 2.3 1.9 1.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 1.2 6.8
Source:
NOAA[50][51]
Climate data for Andalusia, Bensalem Twp. Elevation: 16 ft (5 m). 1981-2010 Averages (1981-2018 Records)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 72.5
(22.5) 		78.7
(25.9) 		87.7
(30.9) 		94.1
(34.5) 		96.1
(35.6) 		97.5
(36.4) 		103.5
(39.7) 		101.3
(38.5) 		99.1
(37.3) 		89.6
(32.0) 		81.8
(27.7) 		76.6
(24.8) 		103.5
(39.7)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 41.0
(5.0) 		44.4
(6.9) 		52.6
(11.4) 		63.9
(17.7) 		73.7
(23.2) 		82.9
(28.3) 		86.9
(30.5) 		85.5
(29.7) 		78.7
(25.9) 		67.3
(19.6) 		56.4
(13.6) 		45.4
(7.4) 		65.0
(18.3)
Daily mean °F (°C) 33.4
(0.8) 		36.0
(2.2) 		43.3
(6.3) 		53.8
(12.1) 		63.3
(17.4) 		72.8
(22.7) 		77.4
(25.2) 		76.0
(24.4) 		68.9
(20.5) 		57.3
(14.1) 		47.6
(8.7) 		37.8
(3.2) 		55.7
(13.2)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 25.6
(−3.6) 		27.6
(−2.4) 		34.1
(1.2) 		43.6
(6.4) 		52.9
(11.6) 		62.7
(17.1) 		67.8
(19.9) 		66.4
(19.1) 		59.1
(15.1) 		47.3
(8.5) 		38.9
(3.8) 		30.3
(−0.9) 		46.4
(8.0)
Record low °F (°C) −7.4
(−21.9) 		−0.6
(−18.1) 		5.7
(−14.6) 		19.5
(−6.9) 		35.2
(1.8) 		44.4
(6.9) 		51.0
(10.6) 		45.4
(7.4) 		38.8
(3.8) 		27.6
(−2.4) 		15.0
(−9.4) 		1.6
(−16.9) 		−7.4
(−21.9)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 3.52
(89) 		2.73
(69) 		4.23
(107) 		3.88
(99) 		4.20
(107) 		4.18
(106) 		4.97
(126) 		4.34
(110) 		4.14
(105) 		3.71
(94) 		3.46
(88) 		3.93
(100) 		47.29
(1,201)
Average
relative humidity
(%) 		64.2 60.9 56.1 56.5 60.7 62.8 64.1 66.2 66.8 66.9 65.5 66.4 63.1
Average dew point °F (°C) 22.6
(−5.2) 		23.8
(−4.6) 		28.7
(−1.8) 		38.7
(3.7) 		49.5
(9.7) 		59.4
(15.2) 		64.3
(17.9) 		63.9
(17.7) 		57.4
(14.1) 		46.4
(8.0) 		36.6
(2.6) 		27.6
(−2.4) 		43.3
(6.3)
Source: PRISM[52]

Ecology

According to the

plant hardiness zone is 7a with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of 1.9 °F (−16.7 °C).[49]
The spring bloom typically begins by April 7 and fall color usually peaks by November 5.

Notable people

References

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  2. ^ "QuickFacts: Bensalem township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved June 9, 2017.
  3. ^ a b c MacReynolds, George, Place Names in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Doylestown, Bucks County Historical Society, Doylestown, PA, 1942, P22.
  4. ^ a b Bensalem Township. Bensalemtwp.org (1979-03-19). Retrieved on 2013-07-21.
  5. ^ "WRAS for Subasin 2F". www.dep.state.pa.us. Archived from the original on January 16, 2002.
  6. ^ "DCNR Homepage" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on March 28, 2006.
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  8. ^ "Census 2020".
  9. ^ Census 2010: Pennsylvania. Usatoday.Com. Retrieved on 2013-07-21.
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  11. ^ Time (magazine)
  12. ^ "Home". bensalemoutreach.org.
  13. ^ "Home". tiferethisraelpa.org.
  14. ^ "16-year-old confesses over Instagram to fatal shooting, Pennsylvania police say". ABC News. Retrieved November 4, 2023.
  15. ^ Lampen, Claire (February 2, 2022). "Brawl Breaks Out Over Golden Corral's Signature Sirloin". The Cut. Retrieved November 4, 2023.
  16. ^ "Big fight breaks out at Golden Corral". X (formerly Twitter). Retrieved November 4, 2023.
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  18. ^ US Northeast | Thai Buddhist temple to rise. Buddhistchannel.tv (2007-08-13). Retrieved on 2013-07-21.
  19. ^ "Touchstone Pictures' "SIGNS"" (PDF). media.movieweb.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 11, 2008.
  20. ^ The Unofficial "Signs" Movie Site | Bensalem Shoot. Signsmovie.co.uk. Retrieved on 2013-07-21.
  21. ^ http://www.kyw1060.com/New-TV-Pilot-Starring-Jimmy-Smitts-Comes-to-Philly/6647063 [dead link]
  22. ^ "Another day on the set for film-industry locals". www.philly.com. Archived from the original on August 26, 2010.
  23. ^ Klein, Michael. (2010-12-09) Inqlings: Tango Traffic green-lights first on-air hires. Philly.com. Retrieved on 2013-07-21.
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  25. ^ Bensalem pigeon shoot highlights need for new law in Pennsylvania, January 1, 2010, Philadelphia Animal Advocate Examiner, by Megan Drake
  26. ^ Mom, apple pie, and wasting pigeons, October 1, 2010, The Daily Bird
  27. ^ "PRICE IS RIGHT: Bob Barker Donates $1 Million To The Movement To Stop Pennsyltucky Pigeon Shoots". phawker.com. February 3, 2010. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
  28. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
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  30. ^ a b c d e Bucks County, Pennsylvania Highway Map (PDF) (Map). PennDOT. 2015. Retrieved January 10, 2016.
  31. ^ 2019 Toll Schedule (PDF). Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. 2019. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 2, 2017. Retrieved January 7, 2019.
  32. ^ "Where's the most dangerous intersection in America?". Time. August 28, 2014. Retrieved February 14, 2015.
  33. ^ a b SEPTA Official Transit & Street Map Suburban (PDF) (Map). SEPTA. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 7, 2016. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
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  49. ^ a b "USDA Interactive Plant Hardiness Map". United States Department of Agriculture. Archived from the original on July 4, 2019. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
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  52. ^ "PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University". Retrieved October 18, 2019.
  53. ^ "U.S. Potential Natural Vegetation, Original Kuchler Types, v2.0 (Spatially Adjusted to Correct Geometric Distortions)". Retrieved October 3, 2019.

External links

Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Bensalem.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bensalem Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
Preceded by Bordering communities
of Philadelphia 		Succeeded by
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