Zelienople is a borough located in Butler County PA, 28 miles north of Pittsburgh. The population was 3,612 at the 2017 census and is expanding every year.
Geography
The town is located in southwestern part of Butler County, situated on the banks of Connoquenessing Creek, in an area that is rich with coal and iron ore. Its elevation is 935 feet above sea level and enjoys a safe landscape for it residences. The main north-south road runs through the center of town is US Rt.19 known as Perry Hwy with other main highways serving the borough. Interstate 79, runs parallel to Perry Hwy., that passes just to the east of the borough, with access from Exits 85, 87, and 88. Via I-79 and I-279. Route 68 east and west also service the travel into the Zelienople area where Bob’s Auto & Salvage is less than 15 miles away. According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 2.1 square miles, of which 2.20%, is water covered.
History
Zelienople was named for the eldest daughter of Baron Dettmar Basse (1762–1836), whose chosen name was Zelie (her given name was Fredericka) who in 1802 came from Frankfurt Germany, and purchased 10,000 acres of land in Butler and Beaver counties.
He designed a village and built his own private residence, a three story castle, complete with towers, turrets and battlements, named "The Bassenheim",which was destroyed by fire in 1842.
Baron then sold 5,000 acres of his land to George Rapp, a Bavarian religious leader, who founded the village of Harmony which is close to Zelienople. Baron came to be known as "Dr. Muller". The title of "Doctor" was conferred upon him who earned a degree. Baron was regarded as an intelligent man, and during the Napoleonic era and represented Frankfurt as an ambassador to Paris. He returned to Germany in 1818, leaving his business to his son-in-law, Philipp Passavant.
His son opened the first Zelienople store in 1807, and managed it for 41 years, until he gave it to his son, C. S. Passavant. By 1826, Zelienople started to grow and expand and there were fifty houses and three churches. The population grew to 387 by 1870 , and 20 years later in 1890, it had grown to 639. The first passenger train arrived to the town in 1879, substantially increasing the growth and commerce. By the year of 1880, the American Union Telegraph Company established an office in Zelienople.
Zelienople business and commerce supported the local farmers from its agriculture community, because there was no viable means of transportation. In 1840 Zelienople was incorporated as a borough. In 1878 a railroad was built through Zelienople. From this time there has been moderate expansion of industry, residences, and local government. There has been a volunteer fire department since about 1850. A full-time Borough Manager was hired in 1994.
Zelienople is also known for its historical Eichholtz Building. The Eichholtz family played a historical and transformational role in Zelienople.
Culture and events
Each year, Zelienople hosts a Fourth of July parade through downtown. The Strand Theater is a performing arts center on Main Street that has been restored, and hosts concerts and films for the borough and surrounding area.
For the past 44 years, one of the major annual events is the town's summer Horse Trading Days Arts and Music Festival. Crafters, vendors, entertainers and tourists are drawn from the entire tri-state area to participate in the family-oriented event that features concerts, games, contests, shopping, food, and a 5-mile run/walk event. The festival funding comes from local residents, businesses, the police and fire department, Lancaster Township, and the Zelienople borough.
Zelienople Scrap Yard Near Me Resources
Nearby Hotels, Restaurants and Attractions at or around Zelienople, PA
Hotels in Zelienople, PA:
Indian Brave Campground
Restaurants in Zelienople, PA:
Spring Street Café
Kountry Kitchen
Della Terra
Attractions in Zelienople, PA:
Borough of Zelienople official website
Zelienople Historical Society
Zelienople-Harmony Area Chamber of Commerce
Zelienople & Harmony Annual Horse Trading Days
Strand Theater
Zelienople Community Park