Stonycreek Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania
Stonycreek Township is a township situated within Somerset County, Pennsylvania, United States. Its name originates from the rocky creek that defines its western border, named for the stream's stony riverbed. According to the 2020 census, the township's population was 2,087. It forms part of the Johnstown metropolitan region.
The township became internationally recognized following the September 11 attacks when United Airlines Flight 93, which was en route to the United States Capitol, crashed nearby after passengers intervened against the al-Qaeda hijackers.
History
Established in 1762 and officially incorporated in 1792 from sections of Quemahoning Township, Stonycreek Township was the final addition among Somerset County’s original six townships.
The Glessner Bridge earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
September 11 attacks
On September 11, 2001, Stonycreek Township was thrust into global prominence as the crash site of United Airlines Flight 93. The flight had been hijacked during the coordinated Al-Qaeda terrorist attacks and was believed to be headed for the United States Capitol. Passengers fought to regain control of the aircraft, resulting in its crash before reaching its intended target. All 44 individuals aboard lost their lives. The location is now preserved as the Flight 93 National Memorial to commemorate those who died.
Flight 93 National Memorial
Initially, a temporary memorial was established close to where the plane went down. On July 8, 2010, a new temporary memorial opened at "The Western Overlook," which served as the FBI command post and primary viewing area for victims’ families. The first phase of the permanent memorial, including a visitor center inspired by Paul and Milena Murdoch’s Crescent of Embrace design, was completed and dedicated on September 10, 2011. This memorial traces the flight path and protects the "Sacred Ground" crash site, which remains accessible only to family members.
Geography
Covering a total area of 61.4 square miles (159.0 km²), Stonycreek Township consists mostly of land—61.1 square miles (158.3 km²)—with water bodies making up just 0.44% of its area. It is located approximately three miles west-southwest of Indian Lake, Pennsylvania. Adjacent townships include Shade Township to the northeast, Quemahoning Township northwest, Somerset Township westward, Brothersvalley Township southwest, and Allegheny Township to the east.
Major roadways serving the township are Pennsylvania Route 31 along its southwestern boundary adjoining Brothersvalley Township; U.S. Route 30 (Lincoln Highway) bordering Shade Township to the northeast; and Pennsylvania Route 160 running through from Brothersvalley to Shade Township. Notably, Routes 160 and 31 intersect at Roxbury, while Routes 160 and U.S. Route 30 meet at Reels Corner.
Demographics
The population recorded in the 2020 census was 2,087, reflecting a decline from 2,237 in 2010 and slightly higher than the 2,221 reported in 2000. The population density stood near 36.3 individuals per square mile. The racial makeup was overwhelmingly White at 98.96%, with minimal representation from African American, Native American, Asian populations, and other races. Hispanic or Latino residents comprised about 0.23%.
There were a total of 820 households; among these, 35.5% included children under eighteen years old. Married couples accounted for 68.3% of households, while female householders without a husband present made up 5.9%. Non-family households represented 22.6%, with individuals living alone aged sixty-five or older constituting 8.2%. Average household size was calculated at 2.71 persons; average family size was slightly larger at 3.10.
Age distribution showed that 26.5% were under eighteen years old, with another significant segment (29.4%) between twenty-five and forty-four years old; median age was recorded as thirty-eight years. Gender proportions were nearly balanced.
Median household income reached $33,828; median family income was $38,418. Median earnings for males were $30,236 compared to $21,714 for females. Per capita income amounted to $14,463. Around 9.6% of families and approximately 10.8% of all residents lived below the poverty threshold.
Education
The Shanksville-Stonycreek School District is responsible for providing public education within the community through its local schools.
See also
References
[1] Blackburn & Welfley, History of Bedford & Somerset Counties, 1906. Lewis Publishing Co., Vol. II, pp. 641–643