Mountville
History
200 Years of Progress
Located in western Lancaster County, it is roughly four miles east of Columbia Borough and seven miles west of Lancaster City. Founded on January 11, 1814, by Isaac Rohrer, it was originally called Mount Pleasant. Rohrer laid out a village plan of 130 building parcels sold through a lottery, each costing $140.
​
Rohrer named the village Mount Pleasant because it was situated on an elevation affording a very pleasant view of the surrounding countryside in every direction. In 1842, when the first post office was opened, the name was changed to Mountville because the postal service already had another Mount Pleasant registered in Pennsylvania. The town was incorporated as a borough in 1906 when it was decided that a municipal water system was needed.
.png)
.png)
The Borough consists of just under one square mile of residential, commercial, industrial and public property. Mountville boasts an impressive ratio of public park space per capita with five parks in the Borough. The Mountville Community Park has a playground, sports fields, and picnic areas.
According to the 2020 decennial census, there are 3,017 residents. It is governed by a seven-person Council and a Mayor. In 2020, a Borough Manager was appointed to oversee the everyday operations. The Borough is served by the West Hempfield Township Police Department, protected by the Mountville Volunteer Fire Company, and educated by the Hempfield School District with an elementary school located in the Borough.
.png)
The Borough's convenient location near major highways makes it an attractive place for commuters. Businesses and industries contribute to the robust local economy, providing jobs and services to the community.
You will find a thriving business community, many of which are family-owned and managed within the municipal limits. The Business Center on College Avenue has a pharmacy, a dental practice, a beauty salon, a daycare center, a real estate office, insurance offices, and a physical therapy practice. Mountville also has a convenience store, a laundromat, several restaurants, a lawn and garden equipment store, a propane and heating store, a funeral home, and a recreational vehicle store – all of which can be found on Main Street. Other businesses throughout the Borough include beauty salons, an amusement attraction, a farm equipment manufacturing parts depot, and a towing and recovery operations business.
The Borough also has a rich historical heritage, with buildings and sites that reflect its early 19th century origins.
.png)
.png)
Cultural and recreational activities can be found in Mountville. There is a Community Center managed by the Mountville Borough Authority. This building houses the Mountville Public Library, the Mountville Museum, a dance center, and a private K-12 learning academy.
The Mountville Community Pool at Froelich Park, which is managed by The Mountville Community Services Foundation, can be found on the west end of town. This park also hosts various local youth football and baseball team events.
There are several annual events hosted by volunteer and civic organizations, including the Mountville Days Carnival, the Memorial Day Parade, the Community Picnic and the Easter Egg Roll.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Mountville Historical Society was established in 2014, as part of the legacy of the Bicentennial Celebration. The mission of the Society is to oversee the Mountville Museum and its collections, preserve and research Mountville history, and provide resources to educate Mountville residents on the Borough’s past to aid in charting a course for the future. The Society members serve on a strictly volunteer basis, and all share a love for Mountville and its history. The Mountville Museum is located in the old 1901 school building at 2 College Avenue, and is open to the public 1- 4 pm on the second and fourth Sundays of the month May through December. The museum is closed during January through April to allow for the changing out of displays in preparation for its re-opening each year. The museum does not charge admission, and welcomes donations of artifacts related to the history of Mountville.
Mountville's combination of historical charm, recreational opportunities, and community spirit make it an appealing place to live, work, and play.