Perryopolis is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,764 at the 2000 census.

History

George Washington purchased 1,644 acres here when land first became available. He visited in 1770 and said, "as fine a land as I have ever seen, a great deal of rich meadow; it is well watered and has a valuable mill seat." The mill would eventually be completed in 1776. Once the mill was finished, it encouraged other business to come to the area to support and augment the business of the mill. ^[1]

Washington hoped to develop the remainder of Perryopolis, drawing up plans for the streets to be laid out in the shape of a wagon-wheel. Washington's estate sold the land after his death; in 1814 Perryopolis, previously known as New Boston, was officially laid out using Washington's plans and named for Oliver Hazard Perry for his victory on Lake Erie during the War of 1812.

In the late 19th Century, the area around Perryopolis was first mined for coal. Until the 1950s, the coke and coal industries would be the area's primary economic activitiy. However, Perryopolis developed differently than other nearby mining towns. Instead of housing laborers, Perryopolis was mainly inhabited by foreman and white collar workers who were associated with the mining industry.

Geography

Perryopolis is located at 40°5′9″N, 79°45′8″W (40.085969, -79.752088)^[2].

According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 1.8 square miles (4.6 km²), all of it land.

Perryopolis is the center of the Frazier School District.

Demographics

As of the census^[3] of 2000, there are 1,764 people, 798 households, and 513 families residing in the borough. The population density is 989.6 people per square mile (382.6/km²). There are 831 housing units at an average density of 466.2/sq mi (180.3/km²). The racial makeup of the borough is 99.21% White, 0.11% African American, 0.28% Asian, and 0.40% from two or more races. 0.17% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 798 households out of which 22.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.4% are married couples living together, 9.8% have a female householder with no husband present, and 35.7% are non-families. 33.0% of all households are made up of individuals and 20.8% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.21 and the average family size is 2.81.

In the borough the population is spread out with 17.7% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 25.1% from 25 to 44, 26.0% from 45 to 64, and 24.3% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 45 years. For every 100 females there are 86.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 82.2 males.

The median income for a household in the borough is $33,092, and the median income for a family is $43,676. Males have a median income of $34,667 versus $23,854 for females. The per capita income for the borough is $17,829. 6.8% of the population and 4.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 7.8% of those under the age of 18 and 5.3% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Trivia

Pioneer Days, a festival of arts, crafts, colonial food, and music is held annually in October. It is held at the small Sampey Park.

References

External links

• Fayette Portal
• Perryopolis.com

• Perryopolis, Pennsylvania is at coordinates 40°05′10″N 79°45′08″W / 40.085969, -79.752088 (Perryopolis, Pennsylvania)Coordinates: 40°05′10″N 79°45′08″W / 40.085969, -79.752088 (Perryopolis, Pennsylvania)

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