About Us
"Protecting Farmland, Sustaining Our Future"
East Hopewell Township is a rural community in southern York County, Pennsylvania, where farmland and open spaces define both our identity and our future. Covering nearly 20 square miles, the township is home to more than 2,400 residents who value its strong agricultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and close‑knit spirit.
Through agricultural security and land preservation programs, East Hopewell works to safeguard farmland and natural resources, ensuring that agriculture remains the backbone of our local economy and community life.
We are dedicated to transparent governance, responsible growth, and resident engagement, balancing modernization with our historic rural character. East Hopewell Township continues to thrive as a place where heritage is honored, farmland is protected, and community is sustained for generations to come.
Photo Credits: Historic images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, Library of Congress, York County History Center, and Stewartstown Area Historical Society. Modern photography © East Hopewell Township.
Our Story
East Hopewell Township, located in southern York County, Pennsylvania, has deep roots in the Commonwealth’s rural heritage. The area was first settled in 1734, when early farming families established homesteads across its rolling hills and fertile valleys. For decades, the community was part of the larger Hopewell Township, which encompassed a wide stretch of southern York County.
As the population grew, residents sought more convenient governance. On May 5, 1883, a petition was presented to the York County Court requesting that Hopewell Township be divided. The court determined that three separate townships would better serve the people, and in June 1885, East Hopewell Township was officially incorporated alongside Hopewell and North Hopewell.
The township’s agricultural character has remained constant throughout its history. Generations of farmers have cultivated corn, wheat, and livestock, shaping both the economy and the landscape. Historic landmarks such as the Wallace‑Cross Mill, a water‑powered grist mill dating back to the 1820s, stand as reminders of the township’s early reliance on local industry and agriculture.
Population trends reflect the township’s resilience and steady growth. From 1,234 residents in 1890, numbers dipped during the early 20th century but rebounded significantly after 1970, reaching 2,418 residents by 2020. Today, East Hopewell covers 20.6 square miles and is home to more than 2,400 residents, many of whom continue to value its strong agricultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and close‑knit community spirit.
East Hopewell Township’s history is one of preservation and adaptation—from its colonial beginnings to its formal incorporation in the 19th century, and into the present day where farmland protection and community engagement remain central. It continues to thrive as a place where heritage is honored, farmland is safeguarded, and rural character is sustained for generations to come.