Center Township, Butler County, was first settled in 1796 by
a colony of 60 men migrating primarily from Westmoreland and Allegheny
Counties. Mostly of Scotch-Irish descent, the men agreed to place their
names into a hat in order to draw for the 400-acre parcels of land located in
the area that is now Center, Franklin, Clay, and Oakland Townships.
In hopes of promoting business, on October 8, 1805, the
Township was officially established. Votes were then taken for governor,
congressman, senator, and commissioners to represent the citizens of the
Township.
Located in the “center” of Butler County, the Township’s
principal industry had been farming with coal mining a distant second.
However, today, retail and service industries lead the way with farming still
an integral part of many residents’ way of life. Beautiful rolling hills,
picturesque views, and a close proximity to the city of Butler combine to make
Center Township an excellent place for people who want to live in the “country”
and still have all the advantages of city life.
Center
Township has been experiencing growth over the past 30 years. During the
30-year period from 1970 to 2000, the township’s population grew by over 35%.
During the same time, the number of housing units grew by 70%.