John Pritiskutch Reproductions

History of Berks County - Greenwich Township

The following is reproduced from the 1876 Atlas of Berks County, Pennsylvania

Previous to 1752 Greenwich was a part of Albany township. Its first settlers were principally Germans, though among them were some of the descendants of French Huguenots.

Like all the frontier settlements of Berks, the inhabitants of Greenwich experienced much alarm during the French and Indian War. In March, 1755; the Indians made incursions on the borders of this township, and killed several persons. Much fear was felt at the report of the murder of Jacob Gerhart's family, an account of which is given in the history of Albany township.

The surface of Greenwich is principally hilly, and the soil is gravelly. Round-top on the northern boundary, is a prominent feature of the landscape.

The principal stream is the Maiden Creek. Other smaller creeks are found, all of which afford the water-power necessary for the use of the inhabitants.

There are four villages in Greenwich, Klinesville, on the State road, between Hamburg and Allentown, Grinsville, Lenhartville and Smithsville.

The principal industries of the township, besides farming, are tanneries, forges, saw and grist-mills, potteries, etc.

Unlike many of the townships, Greenwich has increased considerably in population within the past forty years. In 1870, there were 2,141 inhabitants.

Greenwich is bounded on the north by Albany township ; on the northeast by Lehigh county ; on the southeast by Maxatawny ; on the south by Richmond ; on the west by Windsor.