Hanover Municipal Water Works

Hanover Municipal Water Works Municipal Water Report Info

In 1717, approximately 300 immigrants from Germany's Upper Rhine region arrived in Philadelphia aboard three vessels. These pioneers represented the first wave of Germanic settlers who would populate this area throughout the 18th century. Among these early arrivals was Lutheran minister Reverend Anthony Jacob Henkel, approximately 50 years old, who along with his family and son-in-law Valentine Geiger became the earliest known permanent settlers in New Hanover.

By spring 1718, Rev. Henkel had established his household on 250 acres just west of present-day Hickory Park. During late 1717 or early 1718, he organized Pennsylvania's first German Lutheran congregation in New Hanover. Shortly after, on August 20, 1720, German Reformed schoolmaster Johannes Philip Boehm arrived on the ship Laurel, leading Reformed refugees to settle along Minister Creek. In 1725, Boehm and neighbors including Henry Antes established Pennsylvania's first German Reformed Congregation across the creek from the Lutherans—both historic congregations continue thriving today.

Throughout the 19th century, New Hanover's economy was predominantly agricultural, supporting related trades like blacksmithing, tanneries, and grist mills. The population remained entirely German, originating from the Palatinate region of the Upper Rhine. They maintained their regional dialect known as "Pennsylvania Dutch" for family, social, and business communications well into the 20th century.

The 20th century brought substantial transformation. Beginning around 1960, New Hanover's population surged as housing developments replaced farmland and agricultural fields transitioned to suburbs. Proximity to Philadelphia's thriving economy drove population growth, doubling between 1960 and 1990. The Township continues expanding today as residents discover New Hanover's ideal balance of accessibility to urban centers while maintaining a peaceful rural environment.