Smithfield, PA

Smithfield is a borough in Chester County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 9,972 at the 2010 census. Smithfield is located at 40°15′N 75°5′W (40.2700,-75.0933). According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 2.4 square miles (6.1 km2), all of it land.

The history of Smithfield can be traced back to 1729 when John Smith and his wife settled on what is now known as Main Street in what was then called "Smith's Ferry." In 1753, William Penn granted a tract of land on which the borough now stands to John and James Logan for their services in defending Philadelphia during the French and Indian War. The Logan family continued to own land in Smithfield until 1892 when they sold it to the borough for $120,000 ($2 million today).

The first businesses in Smithfield were taverns and general stores that served travelers on the road between Philadelphia and Lancaster County. As more people moved into the area to work in nearby factories or mines, housing became an increasingly important issue. In 1892, Mayor George Wickersham organized an eight-man committee to study housing needs in town and recommend solutions. Their report led to construction of 200 homes on what are now known as "the hills." These homes were built by local craftsmen using locally quarried stone and brick with slate roofs. Today, many of these homes remain occupied by descendants of those who built them more than 100 years ago.

As Smithfield grew into an industrial center during the late 19th century, its residents began looking for ways to improve their quality of life without having to leave town. In 1912, they voted unanimously to incorporate as a borough with a mayor-council form of government modeled after those found in larger cities such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The new government provided residents with more control over their own affairs while also providing them with police protection and streetlights downtown courtesy of private donations from local businessmen eager to promote economic development within their community