Bethany

🏡 Bethany, Pennsylvania is a quaint borough tucked into Wayne County, rich in history and small-town charm. Though tiny in size—just 0.5 square miles—it played a surprisingly prominent role in the region’s early development.

🗺️ Geography & Location

• Coordinates: 41.614°N, 75.289°W
• Elevation: ~1,486 feet
• Located just north of Honesdale, in the heart of the northern Pocono Mountains
• Surrounded by scenic countryside, with nearby spots like Dyberry Township and Tanners Falls

👥 Demographics

• Population: 241 (2020 Census)
• Median Age: ~41 years
• Racial Makeup: ~95% White, with small percentages of Asian, Hispanic, and multiracial residents
• Median Household Income: ~$95,000
• Poverty Rate: Just 1.6%, all among adults aged 18–64

🏛️ Historical Significance

• Incorporated: March 31, 1821
• Once served as Wayne County’s seat of government before Honesdale took over in 1841
• Hosted the county’s first courthouse and jail, with colorful stories of debtors being jailed for unpaid bills
• Home to notable figures like David Wilmot, author of the Wilmot Proviso, and George W. Woodward, a U.S. Congressman and Pennsylvania Supreme Court judge

🏘️ Community Life

• Known for its historic architecture, including the Wilmot House and Wilmot Mansion, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places
• Served by the Wayne Highlands School District
• Offers a peaceful, residential atmosphere with a strong sense of heritage