Hummelstown Map
Hummelstown is a borough in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 4,360 as of the 2000 census. It is part of the Harrisburg–Carlisle Metropolitan Statistical Area. Fredrickstown was the original village of present-day Hummelstown; it was established in 1762. The town is currently 247 years old. The borough's current mayor is Bradley Miller. Hummelstown is a Tree City; (List of Tree Cities USA). Hummelstown is in District 15 of the Pennsylvania Senate. Hummelstown is centrally located between both Harrisburg and Hershey; making it a common tourist drive-through, stopping point, or resting area. With numerous businesses, shops, restaurants, hotels, gas stations, and bars designed to capitalize on the amount of tourist travel through the small town. Coming into Hummelstown from Hershey, you can take Main Street through Hummelstown straight onto U.S. 322 which will lead directly into Harrisburg - making it a one-road town for many travelers looking to get from Hershey to Harrisburg.
Hummelstown was founded as Fredrickstown in 1762 by two Germans, Frederick and Rosina Hummel. They purchased the land for 200 pounds sterling – then divided the area into building lots, which were sold to German settlers. During the mid 19th century, the Union Canal at Swatara Creek was an important factor in the development of the local economy, promoting trade and transportation.
The town was located at the Burks-Dauphin Turnpike a toll road, later it was served by the Union Canal. The Union Canal which paralleled the Swatara Creek bordering the north and the west, was opened in 1827. The Lebanon Valley Railroad arrived in 1858. This brought about many jobs of stone cutting and shipyard work. This further helped facilitate the Hummelstown Brownstone Company which became the leading employer of Hummelstown residents.
Nearby cities include Wormleysburg, York Haven, Annville, Camp Hill, Enola.