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About Middle Smithfield Township
Overview
Middle Smithfield Township is a township located in Monroe County of Pennsylvania, right in the heart of the Pocono Mountain region at the eastern portion of the state. This township happens to be one of the larger townships in the region, in regards to its population and land area.
This township stretches over 54 square miles, most consisting of land while there's quite a few bodies of water in the surrounding region. Middle Smithfield Township's population is at an estimated 14,900, according to the 2008 census. In comparison, there were over 1,000 people living in the township around the mid 1800s.
Like other Monroe County townships, Middle Smithfield Township is home to many historical locations and monuments that commemorate Pennsylvania's role in containing some of the first establishments within the Northeastern United States.
Some of most notable historical places in the township like John Turn Farm, Zion Lutheran Church, Schoonover Mountain House and the Cold Spring Farm Springhouse are located in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in the township. Naturally, they're listed in the National Register of Historic places.
Middle Smithfield Township Today
Thanks to its relatively large area and close proximity to the Pocono Mountain region, Middle Smithfield Township is considered a relatively good place to live, particularly if looking for choice Pocono real estate properties.
The large population naturally indicates that there are many Pocono homes and dwellings any prospective residents can consider for a relocation.
History
Middle Smithfield Township was first established in 1794, following its separation from Smithfield – or Upper Smithfield Township – and Northampton County. Over the years, it was integrated into Pike County; by the mid 1800s, a portion of Pike County was eventually separated to form what's known as Monroe County today. This portion happened to host Middle Smithfield Township, where it currently still resides today.
Middle Smithfield Township was portioned off from the northern area of Smithfield Township, created by the Northampton County courts in August 1794. It was actually officially named in November of the same year. Some of the early names used for places within the township included Bushkill, Resica Falls, Coolbaughs, Dimmicks Ferry and Wooddale.
The first known family to settle in the Middle Smithfield Township was the family of Manuel Gunsaules, who moved himself and his family to live along the Bushkill Creek. The surnames of the earliest settlers of Middle Smithfield Township are still used throughout the area.
Most of the early roads within Monroe County were improved extensions of previously established Native American paths. One of the earliest paths, in fact, closely followed the present-day State Route 209 through Middle Smithfield Township.
This path, known as the Minsi Path, connected the southeastern portion of Pennsylvania to Kingston, New York. Since then, the road helped many settlers transport goods to northern Hudson Valley markets.
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