In 1799, just twenty-three years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a court order divided Lower Paxton Township into two equal parts. Swatara was the name chosen for the southern part of the area. The word is thought to be from an Iroquois Indian word meaning "Where we fed on eels." Swatara Township is comprised of 14.6 square miles, equivalent to 9,344 acres.

An atlas of 1875 shows Churchville, New Benton, and Highland Village as population centers. Today we know them as Oberlin, Bressler, and Enhaut, respectively. Wheat and corn fields have become Lawnton, Lenker Manor, Harrisburg Estates, Rutherford Heights. Georgian Manor, Lawnford Acres and Chambers Hill. On April 1, 1911 Swatara obtained First Class Township status with a population of 5,630. According to the 2010 census, 23,362 residents now make up the Township.

Each Ward (established by population) of the Township elects its own representative to serve a four-year term on the Board. Swatara Township is governed by a nine member Board of Commissioners.  

 TOWNSHIP TO BEGIN CRACK SEALING

The Highway Department will begin crack sealing township streets next week (May 20). As part of the application process single ply toilet paper will be used to cover the tar as it seals and dries. This is done so that fresh tar is not splashed on vehicles or splattered around on tires. The toilet paper will wash away with the first rain and is completely harmless. The Highway Department has used this in the past with great success.

In 1799, just twenty-three years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a court order divided Lower Paxton Township into two equal parts. Swatara was the name chosen for the southern part of the area. The word is thought to be from an Iroquois Indian word meaning "Where we fed on eels." Swatara Township is comprised of 14.6 square miles, equivalent to 9,344 acres.

An atlas of 1875 shows Churchville, New Benton, and Highland Village as population centers. Today we know them as Oberlin, Bressler, and Enhaut, respectively. Wheat and corn fields have become Lawnton, Lenker Manor, Harrisburg Estates, Rutherford Heights. Georgian Manor, Lawnford Acres and Chambers Hill. On April 1, 1911 Swatara obtained First Class Township status with a population of 5,630. According to the 2010 census, 23,362 residents now make up the Township.

Each Ward (established by population) of the Township elects its own representative to serve a four-year term on the Board. Swatara Township is governed by a nine member Board of Commissioners.  

 TOWNSHIP TO BEGIN CRACK SEALING

The Highway Department will begin crack sealing township streets next week (May 20). As part of the application process single ply toilet paper will be used to cover the tar as it seals and dries. This is done so that fresh tar is not splashed on vehicles or splattered around on tires. The toilet paper will wash away with the first rain and is completely harmless. The Highway Department has used this in the past with great success.