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Welcome To JACOBUS BOROUGH Pennsylvania

A Place to Call Home

About JACOBUS BOROUGH in Pennsylvania

Nestled about 100 miles West of Philadelphia and 45 miles North of Baltimore, JACOBUS is a vibrant community ideal for all ages. Established in 1837, JACOBUS BOROUGH offers the perfect blend of historic charm and modern conveniences.

A Community That Thrives

JACOBUS boasts excellent educational opportunities, low crime rates, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Located just a couple of miles from Interstate 83, our community is surrounded by picturesque landscapes featuring lush rolling hills, fertile farmland, wooded trails, and beautiful parks and lakes.

Harmony of Past and Present

In JACOBUS, the past and present comfortably coexist. Enjoy the quaint small-town feel while being in close proximity to city amenities. Experience the serene beauty and tranquil lifestyle that our community proudly offers.

Directions to JACOBUS BOROUGH

Exit 10 - Loganville
From Interstate 83, take Exit 10. Whether you're heading North or South on I-83, turn right at the end of the exit ramp and follow the traffic signal. Turn right onto the Susquehanna Trail and continue straight into JACOBUS BOROUGH.
Exit 14 - Leader Heights
Heading North on I-83: Turn left at the end of the exit ramp onto Leader Heights Road. At the 3rd traffic signal, turn left onto South George Street (also known as Susquehanna Trail). Continue straight into JACOBUS BOROUGH, where South George Street becomes N. Main Street.
Heading South on I-83: Turn right at the end of the exit ramp onto Leader Heights Road. At the 2nd traffic signal, turn left onto South George Street and continue as described above.

History

History and Overview of JACOBUS BOROUGH by Councilman Jeffrey C. Hammers
The town now known as JACOBUS had its beginnings in 1837 when the first house was erected on the southeast corner of Main and Water Streets. New Paradise, as the town was then known, grew from that humble beginning with commercial establishments, including a hotel, a wagon shop, and a cigar factory soon following.
The location of New Paradise along the Baltimore to York Turnpike made it a convenient stopping-off place for travelers between the two cities. As local farmers retired and moved to town when their children took over the operation of the surrounding farms, the town grew slowly at first, then more rapidly in the late 1800s. Soon, a post office was deemed necessary. To avoid confusion with the town of Paradise in Lancaster County, the name was changed to JACOBUS in honor of the first postmaster, Jacob Geiselman.
Local lore has it that JACOBUS was derived from "Jacob United States," but it is more likely that the name mimics the German form of Jacob, which is Jacobus. The population of the town at that time, and continuing well into the mid-20th century, was primarily of German descent. The Pennsylvania Dutch dialect could still be heard on the streets and in the churches and shops of JACOBUS well into the 1950s.
JACOBUS was incorporated as a Borough in 1929 and is the youngest municipality in York County. The borough's proximity to Interstate 83 and its bucolic setting and small-town atmosphere have made it attractive to commuters from the northern suburbs of Baltimore, spurring increased residential and commercial development in recent years. According to the 2018 census count, JACOBUS BOROUGH’S population is now 1841, up approximately 35% from the 2000 Census count of 1203.
JACOBUS has, over the years, passed through a process of legislative change common to many American communities. While only a few simple laws were necessary at the time of the establishment of the Borough, the subsequent growth of the community, together with the complexity of modern life, has created the need for new and more detailed legislation for the proper functions and governing of the Borough.
The recording of local law is an aspect of municipal history, and as the community develops and changes, the review and revision of old laws and consideration of new laws, in the light of current trends, must keep pace. The orderly collection of these records is an important step in this ever-continuing process. Legislation must be more than mere chronological enactments reposing in the pages of old records. It must be available and logically arranged for convenient use and must be kept up-to-date.
With these thoughts in mind, the Council of JACOBUS continues to order the codification of new Borough legislation. You may view the current "Code of JACOBUS BOROUGH," plus any recent amendments under eCode360.

Disclaimer

The JACOBUS BOROUGH website was created to provide its residents and the public with easier access to Borough information, such as announcements, ordinances, and regulations. JACOBUS BOROUGH will make reasonable efforts to include accurate and current information; however, the Borough makes no warranties or representations as to the accuracy or timeliness of the information. Any information contained on this website should be confirmed with the Borough office prior to reliance. In the event of a discrepancy between the information on this website and the official information available at the Borough office, the information available at the Borough office shall prevail. Users agree that reliance upon the content of the Borough website is at their sole risk.
The data and graphics on this website are not legal documents and are not intended to be such. Furthermore, JACOBUS BOROUGH shall not be liable for the improper or incorrect use of the data described herein or contained on this website.
Contacts
(717) 428-1752
Email
jacobusborough@gmail.com
Address
126 N. Cherry Lane JACOBUS BOROUGH, PA 17407-1000
© Copyright 2025 JACOBUS BOROUGH. All rights reserved. All registered trademarks herein are the property of their respective owners.

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