Jackson Township: Industry and Prosperity
Nestled in the rolling hills of southern Butler County, Robert C. Brown described Jackson Township simply in his 1895 “History of Butler County.”
“The people of the township are thrifty, industrious and prosperous,” Brown wrote.
Almost 130 years later, his words ring true as the township boasts a population of 5,595, a growing retail center and a “nice country setting,” according to chairman Jay Grinnell, supervisor.
“We tried to the get the rooftops and the growth we need,” he said, “but we’re still trying to keep it somewhat rural.”
Detmar Basse Müller was the “first true developer” in the region, according to Brown.
“He came here with wealth and ideas, and with the object of reigning like a feudal baron over a large extent of country,” he wrote.
In the early 1800s, Müller’s sawmill became the area’s first major industry — setting the foundation for its growth into a township.
“Established in 1804, it was a signal of advancement which gave the pioneers courage and led them to hope for greater things,” Brown wrote.
What followed were a series of mills, furnaces and distilleries that helped put the region on the map.
Founded in 1854, Jackson Township was formed from portions of neighboring Cranberry and Connoquenessing townships.
Until then, the county was comprised of just 13 townships.
During 1853 and 1854 though, according to the township’s website, petitions to create 10 new townships surfaced.
Buffalo, Middlesex and Cranberry townships asked that the petition be set aside.
“However, their request was denied,” the history read. “What resulted was a general subdivision of Butler County that established a total of 33 townships.”
Jackson Township was named for President Andrew Jackson, but local historian Tom Nesbitt said the motivation for its christening remains a mystery.
“I have never been able to figure that out,” he said. “Somebody up in the county government just picked the names.”
The new township encompassed Harmony and Zelienople, incorporated in 1838 and 1840, respectively.
By 1880, excluding the boroughs, its population was 1,264.
Two years later the borough of Evans City was incorporated on its eastern border with Forward Township.
In the early 1900s, the construction of routes 68 and 19 further solidified Jackson Township as a hub in the south — literally paving the way for modern growth.
Grinnell said the township’s government has been working since the early 2000s to maintain that growth and keep the township true to its roots.
“We have over 60 businesses in this township that employ over 10 people,” he said. “We brought in business and then at the same time we brought in residents.”
