Lawrence County, Pennsylvania

Lawrence County, Pennsylvania
Lawrence County is a county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As of the 2020 census, the population was 86,070. The county seat and largest city is New Castle.
The county was created on March 20, 1849, from parts of Beaver and Mercer counties. It was named after the flagship of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, the USS Lawrence. Lawrence County is part of the Pittsburgh, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area.
History
Lawrence County was created on March 20, 1849, from parts of Beaver and Mercer counties due to the rapid growth of New Castle, which was primarily in Mercer County but was rapidly expanding into Beaver County. The former borders between Beaver and Mercer Counties are still evident in Lawrence County today, as the northern borders of North Beaver Township, Shenango Township, and Slippery Rock Township with (respectively) the southern borders of Mahoning Township, Hickory Township, and Scott Township make up the former boundaries between Beaver and Mercer Counties. In addition, County Line Road in New Castle where the Lawrence County Courthouse is located also marks the former boundaries.
The county was named after the flagship of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, the USS Lawrence, which was disabled in the 10 September 1813 Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. The ship's complement included local raw recruits. That niagara-class brig (more correctly: snow) was itself a namesake, of Perry's friend and naval officer James Lawrence, who died during the War of 1812.
Lawrence County Flag
In August of 1981, county commissioner Paul L. Tanner proposed the creation of a flag for Lawrence County as well as a flag for each of the county's 27 municipalities These were to be displayed at the courthouse. Over the next few months, flags for Perry Township, New Beaver Borough, and Wampum Borough were presented to the commissioners
On January 12, 1982, commissioner chairman, Frank A. Vitril, announced a county flag design contest and asked residents of Lawrence County to submit entries on an 8.5 by 11 inch sheet of paper with their name, address, and telephone number on an attached sheet of paper. The winner would receive $100 prize contributed in equal parts from the county commissioners and would not come from taxpayers. They also announced the formation of a committee, coordinated by the Lawrence County Planning Commission, to select the winner. The commissioners said in a statement, "As public officials, we are aware of the need to generate public spirit and interest in the affairs of local government. The promotion of a county flag will enable interested citizens (schools, art groups, etc.) of Lawrence County participation in an historic event."
The winning flag was announced on June 4, 1982, and a ceremony was held at the courthouse on June 15, 1982, in observance of Flag Day, as the courthouse was closed on June 14. Rosemary Ann Marino, a commercial artist from New Castle, submitted several designs and her winning entry was one of 43 designs submitted by 15 individuals. The design depicts the shape of Lawrence County in green and edged with gold off-center on a white background with the words "Lawrence County, Pennsylvania" emblazoned on the bottom. The center logo features a shaft of wheat, symbolizing prosperity, against a background of rolling farmlands on the left and waves of water on the right. Marino received a check for $100 at a ceremony at the courthouse as well as a telegraph from Governor Dick Thornburgh who congratulated Lawrence County on its new flag.
A painting of the design was revealed at the ceremony and was painted on masonite by Harry Broschart, who was on the flag selection committee. He and other committee members, Dominic Caminite and former director of arts and crafts at West Side Community Center, Virginia Rankin, gave the award presentations. Honorable mentions included a covered bridge design by Grayce D. Sharek, a blue and gold circular design stating "Lawrence County, Government for the People, founded 1849" by Betty Stone, an outline of the courthouse against a red keystone on a blue background by Steve T. Grala, and a two-tone green flag with an outline of the county by James E. Hamilton. Entries were judged based on originality, creativity, theme, clarity, and design.
President Judge Glenn McCracken offered remarks urging those present to take pride in their home, Lawrence County, and the flag which symbolizes it, and saying Lawrence County needs the kind of American pride in their heredity that was reawakened by the television show Roots.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of , of which is land and (1.3%) is water. Major waterways are the Shenango River, Neshannock Creek and the Mahoning River which form the Beaver River. Also, the Slippery Rock Creek and Connoquenessing Creak empty into the Beaver River.
Climate
Lawrence County has a humid continental climate (Dfa/Dfb) and average monthly temperatures in New Castle range from 27.7 °F in January to 72.2 °F in July.
Adjacent counties
Mercer County (north)
Butler County (east)
Beaver County (south)
Columbiana County, Ohio (southwest)
Mahoning County, Ohio (west)
Demographics
As of the 2000 census there were 94,643 people, 37,091 households, and 25,889 families residing in the county. The population density was . There were 39,635 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the county was 94.98% White, 3.61% Black or African American, 0.10% Native American, 0.27% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.19% from other races, and 0.84% from two or more races. 0.56% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 34.2% English or Welsh, 14.6% were of Italian, 12.4% American, 9.0% German, 8.1% Irish, and 6.8% Scotch-Irish, 2.5% Polish, and 1.9% African ancestry.
There were 37,091 households, out of which 28.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.50% were married couples living together, 11.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.20% were non-families. 27.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 3.00.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.10% under the age of 18, 8.30% from 18 to 24, 25.70% from 25 to 44, 23.60% from 45 to 64, and 19.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.90 males.
2020 census
Micropolitan Statistical Area
The United States Office of Management and Budget has designated Lawrence County as the New Castle, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). As of the 2010 U.S. census the micropolitan area ranked 3rd most populous in the State of Pennsylvania and the 48th most populous in the United States with a population of 91,108. Lawrence County is also a part of the Pittsburgh–New Castle–Weirton combined statistical area (CSA), which combines the population of Lawrence, and Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Indiana, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties in Pennsylvania. In West Virginia, the counties included are Brooke and Hancock. And in Ohio, Jefferson County. The combined statistical area ranked the fourth most populous in Pennsylvania and 20th most populous in the U.S. with a population of 2,660,727.
Government and politics
Voter registration
As of June 12, 2023, there are 55,256 registered voters in Lawrence County. Republicans hold a plurality of voters. There were 27,370 registered Republicans, 21,263 registered Democrats, 4,574 registered non-affiliated voters, and 2,049 voters registered to other parties.
|}
County commissioners
Lawrence County is administered by a three-member publicly elected commission. Each commissioner serves in four-year terms. Elections occur in the odd-numbered years that precede U.S. presidential elections. All three Commissioners are chosen in the same election, and voters may vote for no more than two of the candidates. By state law, the commission must have a minority party guaranteeing a political split on the commission. The Commissioners are responsible for the management of the fiscal and administrative functions of the county.
County row offices
State House of Representatives
State Senators
United States House of Representatives
United States Senate
Education
Colleges and universities
Westminster College - New Wilmington
Community, junior, and technical colleges
Butler Community College Lawrence Crossing Campus
Public school districts
Blackhawk School District (part)
Ellwood City Area School District (part)
Laurel School District
Mohawk Area School District
Neshannock Township School District
New Castle Area School District
Shenango School District
Union Area School District
Wilmington Area School District (part)
Tech schools
Lawrence County Career Technology Center - New Castle
New Castle School of Trades - New Castle
Private schools
Apple Grove School - New Wilmington
Cherry Hill School - New Wilmington
Cotton School - New Wilmington
Ellwood City Children's Center, Inc.
Faith Country Chapel Preschool and Kindergarten - New Castle
Fayette School - Volant
Hillside Parochial School - New Wilmington
Indian Run School - New Wilmington
J R Wilson School - New Wilmington
Ligo School - New Wilmington
Little Beaver Parochial School - Enon Valley
Lusk School - Volant
Meadow Lark School - New Wilmington
New Castle Christian Academy - New Castle
Parents Preschool Ellwood City
Shepherd School - Volant
St Vitus Catholic School - New Castle
Thorn Hill School - Volant
Westminster Preschool - New Wilmington
Per data provided at Pennsylvania EdNA
Libraries
Ellwood City Area Public Library
F D Campbell Memorial Library - Bessemer
Lawrence County Federated Library System - New Castle
New Castle Public Library
Transportation
Airports
New Castle Municipal Airport
Public transit
New Castle Area Transit Authority
Major roads and highways
Recreation
Parks
Cascade Park (New Castle)
Ewing Park (Ellwood City)
Gaston Park (New Castle)
McConnells Mill State Park (Slippery Rock Twp)
Pearson Park (Neshannock Twp)
West Park Nature Center (Union Twp)
Marti Park
New Wilmington Borough Park
State game lands
SGL 148 (New Beaver)
SGL 150 (Pulaski Twp)
SGL 151 (Washington Twp near Volant)
SGL 178 (Neshannock Twp north of New Castle)
SGL 216 (Scott Twp near Harlansburg)
Trails
North Country Trail (entire trail)
North Country Trail (local)
Stavich Bike Trail
Neshannock Creek Trail
Communities
Under Pennsylvania law, there are four types of incorporated municipalities: cities, boroughs, townships, and, in at most two cases, towns. The following cities, boroughs and townships are located in Lawrence County:
Cities
New Castle (county seat)
Boroughs
Bessemer
Ellport
Ellwood City
Enon Valley
New Beaver
New Wilmington
S.N.P.J.
South New Castle
Volant
Wampum
Townships
Hickory
Little Beaver
Mahoning
Neshannock
North Beaver
Perry
Plain Grove
Pulaski
Scott
Shenango
Slippery Rock
Taylor
Union
Washington
Wayne
Wilmington
Census-designated places
Census-designated places are geographical areas designated by the U.S. Census Bureau for the purposes of compiling demographic data. They are not actual jurisdictions under Pennsylvania law. Other unincorporated communities, such as villages, may be listed here as well.
Chewton
Frizzleburg
New Bedford
New Castle Northwest
Oakland
Oakwood
West Pittsburg
Unincorporated communities
Various unincorporated communities that lie within and are part of official municipalities.
Altman
Castlewood
Cottage Grove
Coverts
Duckrun
Eastbrook
East New Castle
Edinburg
Elliott Mills
Energy
Fayette
Gibsondale
Grant City
Harbor
Harlansburg
Hillsville
Joyce
Lawrence Junction
McCaslin
Moravia
Mount Jackson
Nashua
Neshannock Falls
New Castle Junction
Park Gate
Parkstown
Possum Hollow
Princeton
Pulaski
Rockville
Rose Point
Skidmore
Sunnyside
Sunset Valley
Villa Maria
Walmo
Westview Heights
Wiegletown
Willow Grove
Wurtemburg
Former community
Big Beaver Borough- became a borough on March 7, 1958. Until that date it was known as Big Beaver Township which was formed in 1802 when South Beaver Township was divided. In 1849 when Lawrence County was created, the new county line split Big Beaver leaving a township of that name in each county. Big Beaver in Lawrence County is now known as New Beaver Borough.
Population ranking
The population ranking of the following table is based on the 2010 census of Lawrence County.
† county seat
Notable people
W. Thomas Andrews – former Pennsylvania state senator
Joseph Baldwin – educator
Charlie Bennett – Major League Baseball catcher for four teams
John Blangero – human geneticist; highly cited scientist in the field of complex disease genetics
Charles Joseph Carter – magician
George Chip – middleweight boxing champion of the world from 1913 to 1914
William C. Chip – Major general, USMC, son of George Chip
Ben Ciccone – NFL player for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Ralph J. Cicerone – scientist, president of the National Academy of Sciences
Bruce Clark – professional football player with the New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs and Penn State All-American
Jack Cole – cartoonist and creator of the superhero Plastic Man
Paul Cuba – American football player
Nick DeCarbo – NFL player
Matt DeSalvo – Major League Baseball starting pitcher with the Florida Marlins and formerly the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves
Darrell Dess – former football player for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the New York Giants, and the Washington Redskins
Thomas Fee – former member of the U.S. House of Representatives
Israel Gaither – National Commander of The Salvation Army in the United States, the first black person to serve in that capacity
Helen Thornton Geer – prominent librarian and academic
Louis E. Graham – former member of the U.S. House of Representatives
Edmond Hamilton – prolific science fiction author writing chiefly in the genre described as space opera
Gabbie Hanna – YouTuber, singer and author
Malik Hooker – Indianapolis Colts safety, drafted 15th pick in 2017
Donnie Iris – rock singer and guitarist, best known for his work with the Jaggerz, Wild Cherry and Donnie Iris and the Cruisers.
Francis Jackson – born free (circa 1815 to 1820), he was kidnapped in 1850 and sold into slavery and was finally freed in 1855 with the resolution of Francis Jackson v. John W. Deshazer.
Oscar Lawrence Jackson – former member of the U.S. House of Representatives
John Kiriakou – former CIA operative who in 2007 was the first to admit that the agency used waterboarding as a form of interrogation
Charles McMeen Kurtz – art critic, writer, museum curator
Donald N. Levine – sociologist, educator, social theorist and writer
Mark Mangino – former head coach of the University of Kansas football team
Mike Marshall – musician
Scott McCurley – NFL assistant coach with the Green Bay Packers
Bill McPeak – football player and National Football League coach
Andrew R. Morgan – US astronaut, selected in 2013
Lance Nimmo – NFL player with Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots
Thomas Wharton Phillips – former member of the U.S. House of Representatives
Rick Razzano – professional football player
Trent Reznor – lead singer for industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails
Christopher Sainato – former member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Ira D. Sankey – gospel singer and composer
Raymond P. Shafer – 39th governor of Pennsylvania from 1967 to 1971
Frank Shields – former Oregon state senator
John W. Slayton – prominent socialist and labor union leader
Robert Sterling – film and television actor who starred in many films including the 1951 MGM hit Show Boat
Chuck Tanner – former left fielder and manager in Major League Baseball, and skipper of the Pittsburgh Pirates' 1979 World Series champion team
George Zambelli, Sr. – American fireworks entertainer, and long-time president and manager of Zambelli Fireworks
Jack Zduriencik – Seattle Mariners general manager, former Pittsburgh Pirates scout
See also
List of counties in Pennsylvania
National Register of Historic Places listings in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania
List of Pennsylvania state historical markers in Lawrence County
USS Lawrence County
New Castle News
Jordan Brown case
References
External links
Tourism - http://www.visitlawrencecounty.com/
Government - http://www.co.lawrence.pa.us/
Economic Development - http://www.lawrencecounty.com/
Chamber of Commerce - https://web.archive.org/web/20071006161144/http://www.lawrencecountychamber.com/
Fishing - http://www.fish.state.pa.us/
Hunting - http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/
History - http://www.lawrencechs.com/
Pittsburgh metropolitan area
Populated places established in 1849
1849 establishments in Pennsylvania
Counties of Appalachia