Exurb of the Week: Harmony Township (Beaver County) (Washington, Economy: military, shop)

[runpens1]

Harmony is a small township (2.91 sq. mil.) located in southeastern Beaver County, to the north and east of the borough of Ambridge and just across the Allegheny County line from Leetsdale/Leet Township area, and bordering Baden and Economy boroughs.

What is found regarding the history of Harmony Township dates back to the mid 18th Century when it was the site of the Native American village of Logstown. This was where the Treaty of Logstown was signed, along with where George Washington initially passed through Beaver County in 1753. In the late 18th Century, Legionville was established within the township's boundaries as the nation's first military basic training facility where Gen. “Mad” Anthony Wayne trained his legions for battle in the Northwest Indian War to prepare for their engagement in many battle, including the Battle of Fallen Timbers. It was not until 1851, that the township was officially established, carved out of part of Economy Township (now borough). Throughout its years, the township saw growth leftover from the industrial sector of Ambridge, with a mix of town-like housing (that blend in with the nicer parts) along with suburban-like developments later on. Its population appeared to have peaked around 1960 at 5,100.

Today, Harmony Township has just about 3,000 residents. Its population decline likely come from the age and industrial decline of the this general area, as it mostly served ad a direct suburb of Ambridge. There is still somewhat of an industrial sector and some business including a couple bars, a medium sized Shop n Save and car dealership within the township. Its main business district is along Duss Avenue north of Ambridge. There is still some undeveloped rural land in the northeast portion of the township. Recreational opportunites include a golf course and and part of both the Economy and Ambridge borough parks extends into the township. In the future, it seems as if Harmony Township will remain a safe enough area close enough to a diverse range of opportunities, but will not do anything real big due to decline of the industrial sector of the general area.

[Blue Shift]

Don't forget about the beer store. Essential infrastructure right there.