History of Spring Grove, PA
The history of Spring Grove, Pennsylvania, begins in 1747 when the area was laid out along the banks of Codorus Creek, strategically located between York City and Hanover. This early planning was carried out by a surveyor for the Penn family. Since its founding, Spring Grove’s development can be divided into two significant periods of approximately 100 years each: its initial growth as an iron-making center and its later emergence as a papermaking hub, a role it continues to play today. Both eras of growth have been shaped by the area’s abundant natural resources.
Originally part of Paradise Township within Lancaster County, Spring Grove became part of York County after its establishment in 1749. In 1853, it was incorporated into the newly formed Jackson Township. By 1882, the community’s residents petitioned for Spring Grove to be incorporated as a borough, a request that was granted in August of that year. Over time, the Borough expanded through annexations, the most notable occurring in 1953.
The first major industry in Spring Grove arose in the 1770s when an iron forge, known as “Spring Forge,” was established. This development was drawn to the region by the abundance of water, iron ore, and wood for charcoal found in the nearby Pigeon Hills. The early German and English settlers who worked as woodchoppers for this Pennsylvania iron industry became the foundation of the Spring Grove community. By the mid-19th century, the area’s iron production reached nearly 200 tons of iron bars annually.
However, by 1851, the iron business had ceased operations. The vacant buildings were repurposed for paper manufacturing, taking advantage of the area’s plentiful wood and water. In 1865, P. H. Glatfelter purchased the paper plant for $14,000, marking the beginning of a new era for the Borough.
Over the years, other industries such as brick-making and explosives manufacturing also emerged in Spring Grove, but none have matched the longevity or success of the paper mill. Since its establishment, the growth of the Borough has been closely tied to the Glatfelter Paper Mill. For more than 150 years, the mill has dominated the economic and social fabric of Spring Grove, making it a quintessential one-industry town.
Today, Spring Grove’s history as both an iron-making and papermaking center reflects the resilience and resourcefulness of the community, rooted in its rich natural resources and industrious spirit.
