AREA HISTORY:  Fairview Township, York County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Kathy Francis

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History of York County, Pennsylvania.  John Gibson, Historical Editor.
Chicago: F. A. Battey Publishing Co., 1886.
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THE TOWNSHIP OF FAIRVIEW – Page 640	

THE name first designated by the petitioners for the formation of this township 
out of Newberry was “Franklin.”  The township now bearing that name had not then 
been formed.  The viewers in crossing the ridge dividing the Fishing Creek 
Valley from the Redland Valley, with delight and admiration began to “view the 
landscape o’er.”  The fertile valleys mostly within the limits of the proposed 
new township, and the broad expanse of Cumberland, Dauphin and Lancaster 
Counties were presented within the extended horizon that bounded their field of 
vision.  The name “Fairview” was then suggested as more appropriate.  It was 
accepted and so confirmed by the court.

The original settlers here were English and English Quakers, who commenced to 
locate in the township as early as 1730; by the year 1735 the most valuable 
lands were occupied.  The English language has always been used by citizens of 
this township.