FACTOID # 161: If you are looking for work, just go to the Falkland Islands! They have full employment and a labor shortage.
 
 Home   Encyclopedia   Statistics   Countries A-Z   Flags   Maps   Education   Forum   FAQ   About 
 
 
 
WHAT'S NEW
RECENT ARTICLES
More Recent Articles »
 

SEARCH ALL

FACTS & STATISTICS    Advanced view

Search encyclopedia, statistics and forums:

 

 

(* = Graphable)

 

 


Encyclopedia > Bensalem Township, Pennsylvania

Bensalem Township is a township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, United States. The township is composed of many communities, including Bensalem, Trevose, Oakford, Cornwells Heights, Eddington, and Andalusia. As of the 2000 census, the township had a total population of 58,434, which makes it the tenth largest municipality in Pennsylvania. The township, which was founded in 1692, is almost as old as the state of Pennsylvania itself, which was founded in 1682. Image File history File links Map_of_Pennsylvania_highlighting_Bucks_County. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1796x1710, 88 KB) Other versions Image:Map of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. ... This article does not cite its references or sources. ... Official language(s) None Capital Harrisburg Largest city Philadelphia Area  Ranked 33rd  - Total 46,055 sq mi (119,283 km²)  - Width 160 miles (255 km)  - Length 280 miles (455 km)  - % water 2. ... Feasterville-Trevose is a census-designated place (CDP) in Lower Southampton Township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. ... Oakford is a neighborhood within the boundaries of Bensalem Township. ... Cornwells Heights-Eddington is a census-designated place located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. ... Cornwells Heights-Eddington is a census-designated place located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. ... Andalusia is a historic neighborhood located within Bensalem Township, bordering Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. ... Official language(s) None Capital Harrisburg Largest city Philadelphia Area  Ranked 33rd  - Total 46,055 sq mi (119,283 km²)  - Width 160 miles (255 km)  - Length 280 miles (455 km)  - % water 2. ...

Contents

Geography

Bensalem is the southernmost township in Bucks County and is bordered by Philadelphia to the west and south, Croydon to the east, Bristol Township to the northeast, Hulmeville and Middletown Township to the north, and Feasterville, Trevose, and Lower Southampton Township to the northwest. Across the Delaware River in Burlington County, New Jersey to the southeast, there are Beverly, Delanco Township, and Edgewater Park Township. Bucks County is a county located in the state of Pennsylvania. ... Nickname: City of Brotherly Love, Philly, the City That Loves You Back, the Quaker City, The Birthplace of America Motto: Philadelphia maneto - Let brotherly love continue Location in Pennsylvania Coordinates: Country United States State Pennsylvania County Philadelphia Founded October 27, 1682 Incorporated October 25, 1701 Mayor John F. Street (D... Croydon is a census-designated place located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. ... Bristol Township is a township located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. ... Hulmeville is a borough located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. ... Middletown Township is a township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, United States. ... Feasterville-Trevose is a census-designated place (CDP) in Lower Southampton Township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. ... Feasterville-Trevose is a census-designated place (CDP) in Lower Southampton Township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. ... Lower Southampton Township is a township located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. ... The Delaware River is a river on the Atlantic coast of the United States. ... Location in the state of New Jersey Formed 1694 Seat Mount Holly Area  - Total  - Water 2,122 km² (819 mi²) 38 km² (15 mi²) 1. ... Beverly highlighted in Burlington County. ... Delanco Township highlighted in Burlington County. ... Edgewater Park Township highlighted in Burlington County. ...


According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 54.3 km² (21.0 mi²). 51.7 km² (20.0 mi²) of it is land and 2.6 km² (1.0 mi²) of it (4.77%) is water. The United States Census Bureau (officially Bureau of the Census as defined in Title ) is a part of the United States Department of Commerce. ... A square metre (US spelling: square meter) is by definition the area enclosed by a square with sides each 1 metre long. ... A square mile is an Imperial unit of area equal to that of a square with sides each 1 statute mile (5,280 feet, 1,760 yards, 1,609. ...


The Fall line, which separates the Atlantic Coastal Plain region from the Piedmont region, runs through Bensalem, and is visible around the Neshaminy Mall area. [1] [2] The fall line has meanings in both geographical features and the sport of alpine skiing. ... The Atlantic Coastal Plain is the rather flat stretch of land that borders the Atlantic Ocean (including the Gulf of Mexico). ... The James River winds its way among piedmont hills in central Virginia. ...


Demographics

Bensalem has a large and fast-growing foreign-born population, which includes large concentrations of Indians, Mexican, Russian, West Indian and Korean immigrants. The Caribbean or the West Indies is a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea. ...


As of the census² of 2000, there were 58,434 people, 22,627 households, and 15,114 families residing in the township. The population density was 1,129.8/km² (2,926.7/mi²). There were 23,535 housing units at an average density of 455.0/km² (1,178.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the township was 82.90% White, 6.93% African American, 0.22% Native American, 6.61% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 1.64% from other races, and 1.65% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.29% of the population. 1870 US Census for New York City A census is the process of obtaining information about every member of a population (not necessarily a human population). ... The following is a list of sources used in the creation of encyclopedia articles on various geographic topics and locations, such as cities, counties, states, and countries. ... The United States Census Bureau uses the federal governments definitions of race when performing a census. ... The United States Census Bureau uses the federal governments definitions of race when performing a census. ... The United States Census Bureau uses the federal governments definitions of race when performing a census. ... The United States Census Bureau uses the federal governments definitions of race when performing a census. ... The United States Census Bureau uses the federal governments definitions of race when performing a census. ... Race, as defined by the United States Census Bureau and the Federal Office of Management and Budget, is a self-identification data item in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify. ... The United States Census Bureau uses the federal governments definitions of race when performing a census. ... The United States Census Bureau uses the federal governments definitions of race when performing a census. ...


There are 22,627 households of which 30.6% have 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. Matrimony redirects here. ...


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 females age 18 and over, there were 96.9 males.


The median income for a household in the township was $49,737, and the median income for a family was $58,771. Males had a median income of $39,914 versus $30,926 for females. The per capita income for the township was $22,517. 7.4% of the population and 6.0% of families were below 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. The per capita income for a group of people may be defined as their total personal income, divided by the total population. ... Map of countries showing percentage of population who have an income below the national poverty line The poverty line is the level of income below which one cannot afford to purchase all the resources one requires to live. ...


Philadelphia Park Racetrack

Bensalem is home to Philadelphia Park Racetrack, a 1 mile thoroughbred horse racing track. This facility opened in November 1974 as Keystone Racetrack. The name was changed to Philadelphia Park in 1984. The track has become notable for being the original home of 2004 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes champion Smarty Jones. A new multi-million dollar slot-casino is under construction on the grounds of Philadelphia Park, followed by a large, luxury hotel, and a sprawling residential development. Major road construction projects are in planning and many will be underway at the end of 2006, and the beginning of 2007. Philadelphia Park Racetrack is a thoroughbred horse racetrack in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. ... Churchill Downs racetrack, 1998 The Kentucky Derby is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old thoroughbred horses, staged annually in Louisville, Kentucky on the first Saturday in May, capping the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival. ... The Preakness Stakes is a classic 1 3/16 mile (1. ... Smarty Jones (born February 28, 2001) is a thoroughbred race horse, and winner of the 2004 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. ...


Government

In 1987, the people of Bensalem voted to become a second-class township with a 5 member council and a mayor. The township also has its own 9-member school board. The current Republican mayor, Joseph DiGirolamo, is in his 4th consecutive term.


Development and Growth

Bensalem was a township mostly of older homes and well established businesses throughout the 20th century. The major places to shop were the Neshaminy Mall, the Woodhaven Mall and many small "mom and pop" businesses. However beginning in the late 90s, but mostly in the 21st century, Bensalem made a rapid transformation. As many people began to move to the township, mostly Asian immigrants and Philadelphians, significant growth began. The Neshaminy Mall was no longer a "dead" mall. Two huge shopping centers were constructed, with one still being developed, an antiquated juvenile detention camp was demolished, and single-family homes were constructed there in 2005-2006. Corporate centers can found all over the township, along with restaurant chains, large hotels, and dozens of new housing developments, which have caused property values in Bensalem to rise much higher. Also, a new slot casino is slated to be constructed on the grounds of the Philadelphia Race Track, along with a large hotel,and a housing development. Major road construction is planned to accommodate the soon-to-be built casino in 2007, and all the traffic which will be caused by it, and to ease traffic on I-95, U.S. Route 1, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, which are all within five miles of this future casino. Also one can find many ethnic stores and restaurants. There are significant numbers of Indian, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Arab supermarkets, novelty shops, and restaurants. Local urban developers plan to overhaul the industrial area along the Delaware River known as Lake Louis, turning parts of the area into a waterfront promenade. Interstate 95 or (I-95) is an interstate highway that runs 1907 miles (3070 kilometers) north and south along the eastern United States coast. ... U.S. Route 1 (also called U.S. Highway 1, and abbreviated US 1) is a United States highway which parallels the east coast of the United States. ... The Pennsylvania Turnpike is a toll highway system in the state of Pennsylvania, USA. The turnpike system encompasses 532 miles (855 km) in three distinct sections. ... The Arabs (Arabic: عرب) are a heterogeneous ethnic group who are predominantly speakers of the Arabic language, mainly found throughout the Middle East and North Africa. ... The Delaware River is a river on the Atlantic coast of the United States. ...


The Indian population since 2000, has grown drastically. A recent census estimation has Bensalem's Asian percentage well over 10%, with more than half of it being of Indian descent, which is the main reason for such strong growth. With many new, upscale housing developments underconstruction, significantly Wellington Estates and Belmont Ridge, over 80% of the houses are occupied by people of Indian descent. Also, the township has seen a surge in the Arab population, as well as the Mexican. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Asian people. ...


Unfortunately, in recent months, many new large-home estates are being developed: and are selling relatively high prices. Because of this, many unsold homes have been constructed and left alone, while many small treed regions have been cut down for them. One example of this is the Wellington Estates which quickly sold 40% of their homes, and then came to a near immediate halt, with more than 150 homes left to sell.


Neshaminy Mall

Neshaminy Mall is located within Bensalem. It was one of the first malls to be constructed in the country. It has four main anchors (three department stores and 1 movie theatre) and over 120 smaller shops and eateries. The Neshaminy Mall is located at Route 1 & Bristol Road in Bensalem, Pennsylvania (USA). ...


Main Anchors:

  • Sears
  • Macy's (Was a Strawbridges from 1968 until around late summer 2006)
  • Boscov's (Opened 1995. Former location for Lit Brothers{1974-1977}, Pomeroy's{1977-1987}, and The Bon Ton{1987-early 1990's})
  • AMC Neshaminy 24 Theatre (opened 1998, which made it the largest theater in Pennsylvania)

Minor Anchors Sears Holdings Corporation NASDAQ: SHLD is the third largest retailer in the United States, behind Wal-Mart and The Home Depot. ... Macys is a chain of American department stores with its flagship store in Herald Square, New York City, which has been billed as the worlds largest store since completion of the Seventh Avenue addition in 1924. ... Boscovs is an American department store that was founded by Solomon Boscov in 1911. ... Categories: Stub | Theatres ...

  • Modell's Sporting Goods (In location of former AMC Premiere Twin Theatre)
  • H&M (In location of former Woolworth's)

Modells (full name Modells Sporting Goods) is a sporting goods retailer with various locations in the Northeast United States. ... H&M Hennes & Mauritz AB (operating as H&M), is a Swedish clothing company, known for their inexpensive and fashionable clothing offerings. ... Foot Locker Inc NYSE: FL (formerly Z) is a United States company specialising in athletic footwear and clothing. ...

Trivia

It's reported that Ben Franklin flew his famous kite in Bensalem, at the Growden Mansion. At the time, the Galloway family owned the mansion and all of present day Bensalem Township. Franklin would travel through Bucks County dozens of times to visit his daughter living on the Delaware River in Bensalem. The rumor seems to be substantiated by the fact that on signs entering the township, a picture of Ben Franklin's likeness and an electrified kite are shown. Portrait of Benjamin Franklin Dr. Benjamin Franklin (January 17, 1706–April 17, 1790) was an American journalist, publisher, author, philanthropist, abolitionist, public servant, scientist, librarian, diplomat, and inventor. ... Joseph Galloway (1731–August 29, 1803) was an American Continental Congress Delegate from Pennsylvania; born at West River, Maryland; moved with his father to Pennsylvania in 1740; received a liberal schooling; studied law; was admitted to the bar and began practice in Philadelphia; member of the Pennsylvania House of... Bucks County is a county located in the state of Pennsylvania. ... The Delaware River is a river on the Atlantic coast of the United States. ... Portrait of Benjamin Franklin Dr. Benjamin Franklin (January 17, 1706–April 17, 1790) was an American journalist, publisher, author, philanthropist, abolitionist, public servant, scientist, librarian, diplomat, and inventor. ... Yokaichi Giant Kite Festival held on the fourth Sunday every May in Higashiomi, Shiga, Japan A kite is a flying tethered man-made object. ...


Katharine Drexel's shrine and body are located in the township. Katharine Drexel (November 26, 1858 - March 3, 1955) is a Catholic Saint. ...


Joseph Growden received his grant of land from William Penn. The township celebrated its tricentennial in 1992. William Penn William Penn (October 14, 1644 – July 30, 1718) founded the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the British North American colony that became the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. ...


Interstate 95, U.S. Route 1, Pennsylvania Turnpike, and U.S. Route 13 all flow through Bensalem. Exit 351 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (which connects with U.S. Route 1), is located in the Trevose section, about 1 mile from the Philadelphia border. Interstate 95 (abbreviated I-95) is an Interstate highway that runs 1,927 miles (3,101 kilometers) north-south along the east coast of the United States. ... U.S. Route 1 (also called U.S. Highway 1, and abbreviated US 1) is a United States highway which parallels the east coast of the United States. ... The Pennsylvania Turnpike is a toll highway system in the state of Pennsylvania, USA. The turnpike system encompasses 532 miles (855 km) in three distinct sections. ... U.S. Highway 13 is a north-south United States highway that runs for 526 miles from the northeastern suburbs of Philadelphia to just north of Fayetteville, North Carolina. ...


The first Rita's Water Ice has its home in Bensalem, and the headquarters still remain in Bensalem. Ritas Water Ice is a East Coast regional chain, selling mainly Italian ice but also frozen custard, Gelati and Mistos. ...


External links


Municipalities and Communities of Bucks County, Pennsylvania
(County Seat: Doylestown)
Boroughs Bristol | Chalfont | Doylestown | Dublin | Hulmeville | Ivyland | Langhorne | Langhorne Manor | Morrisville | New Britain | New Hope | Newtown | Penndel | Perkasie | Quakertown | Richlandtown | Riegelsville | Sellersville | Silverdale | Telford | Trumbauersville | Tullytown | Yardley
Townships Bedminster | Bensalem | Bridgeton | Bristol | Buckingham | Doylestown | Durham | East Rockhill | Falls | Haycock | Hilltown | Lower Makefield | Lower Southampton | Middletown | Milford | New Britain | Newtown | Nockamixon | Northampton | Plumstead | Richland | Solebury | Springfield | Tinicum | Upper Makefield | Upper Southampton | Warminster | Warrington | Warwick | West Rockhill | Wrightstown
Communities and CDPs Brittany Farms-Highlands | Churchville | Cornwells Heights-Eddington | Croydon | Fairless Hills | Feasterville-Trevose | Levittown | Newtown Grant | Richboro | Southampton | Village Shires | Waminster Heights | Woodbourne | Woodside

  Results from FactBites:
 
Bensalem Township, Pennsylvania - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (657 words)
As of the 2000 census, the township had a total population of 58,434.
Bensalem is the southernmost township in Bucks County and borders Philadelphia to the west and south.
The median income for a household in the township is $49,737, and the median income for a family is $58,771.
  More results at FactBites »


 
 

COMMENTARY     


Share your thoughts, questions and commentary here
Your name
Your comments

Want to know more?
Search encyclopedia, statistics and forums:

 


Lesson Plans | Student Area | Student FAQ | Reviews | Press Releases |  Feeds | Contact
The Wikipedia article included on this page is licensed under the GFDL.
Images may be subject to relevant owners' copyright.
All other elements are (c) copyright NationMaster.com 2003-5. All Rights Reserved.
Usage implies agreement with terms, 1022, m