Today, the Wilkes-Barre and Easton Turnpike is known as State Route 115. The turnpike, originally known as the Sullivan Trail, was built in 1808 and was a main thoroughfare through the township, linking Monroe County with the Wyoming Valley. One of the most essential roads in Chestnuthill Township was the Wilkes-Barre and Easton Turnpike. Many of the early settlers of Chestnuthill Township travelled to the Christ Church in Hamilton Township for worship. Other early Monroe County family surnames include (but are not limited to) Altemose, Kresge, Huffsmith, Hoeth, Serfass, Brong, Gearhart, Brodhead, Brown, Everitt, and Weiss. In fact, the first township elections were held in his home. He purchased land west of the village of Brodheadsville from the Moravians of Bethlehem. George Hood (Hoeth) is believed to be one of the earliest European colonial settlers of Chestnuthill Township. In 1763, Chestnuthill Township included an area that consisted of present-day Eldred, Polk, and Ross townships.
When the township was originally formed, it was much larger that it is today. The Quarter Session Docket of Northampton County shows that Abraham Smith was appointed constable of Chestnuthill Township on that date. This 1763 date is the first time that written documentation appears regarding the township.
Unfortunately, the chestnut trees were killed off during the Chestnut Blight in the early 1900s.Īlthough European settlers had been calling the area that is now Chestnuthill Township home for many years prior to the French and Indian War, the date given as the creation of Chestnuthill Township is September 20, 1763.Īt the time of the township’s formation, the name Prospect Hill was also considered. Many long-time residents of the township know that the large hill one summits when driving into McIlhaney along Route 115 is known as Chestnut Hill. Part 3 of a series of articles commemorating the 175th anniversary of Monroe CountyĬhestnuthill Township, located in the western portion of Monroe County, was named for its once-abundant chestnut trees, which lined many roadsides and dotted the rolling countryside of the area.
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