History

West Sadsbury Township is a semi-rural community located along the western boundary of beautiful Chester County. The township is bisected by Route 30 – the historic Lincoln Highway – as it wends its way westward to neighboring Lancaster County and beyond. Several of the highway’s original mile marker stones have been preserved and are visible along the township’s portion of the roadway.

Commercial and industrial development within the township is concentrated along the major state highways (Routes 10, 30, 41, and 372) that service the township and provide easy access to nearby suburban shopping areas, as well as to major urban areas like Lancaster, Philadelphia, and Wilmington, Delaware. The main Keystone Line of the former Pennsylvania Railroad (now Amtrak) passes through the southern end of the township, and a passenger station in the neighboring Borough of Parkesburg provides convenient access to rail travel throughout the Amtrak network.

The bulk of the township comprises rolling hills, old forest woodlands, and some of the most beautiful and productive farmland in the state. Residents eagerly anticipate the annual bounty of fresh produce like sweet corn, tomatoes, and pumpkins that are sold at the numerous roadside farm stands throughout the township. The Township aggressively works to protect and preserve its agricultural heritage and to “Keep Farming First!”

Through the establishment of Agricultural Security Areas and the use of Conservation Easements, large expanses of irreplaceable farmland and open space have been protected from development and preserved for future generations. Consistent with this conservation effort, the Township recently acquired a 30-acre property that is being maintained in its natural state as a “woodland preserve” for the enjoyment and education of residents.

West Sadsbury is one of the eight municipalities in Chester and Lancaster Counties that comprise the Octorara School District. In addition to the extensive extracurricular and sports programs provided by the school district, youth in the area participate in numerous clubs and organizations such as Little League, 4H Clubs, Boy and Girl Scouts, soccer, football, and wrestling programs, and church-sponsored youth groups.

Many of the township’s residents trace their family’s roots in the township back several generations. There are also families new to the area that bring with them fresh vitality. A strong sense of community is nurtured through numerous church and service groups such as the Lions Clubs, Rotary Club, and Habitat for Humanity, etc., and by participation in volunteer organizations like Meals On Wheels and the Fire and Ambulance Companies.

With a population of approximately 2,700 residents within its 12 square mile area, West Sadsbury Township is classified by The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Second Class Township. Its governmental functions are performed by a three-member Board of Supervisors that are elected by the residents. The Township utilizes a minimal size work force, including primarily part-timers, to ensure that the basic needs and protective services of the residents are met while keeping the tax burden as low as possible.