HISTORY

    Dating back to the 1700's, Bethel Park's roots are based on a strong Indian heritage.  Bethel went through several territorial changes over the following years first belonging to Westmoreland County in 1780, then Washington County in 1781, and finally, to its current designation as a part of Allegheny County in 1788.  Farmers who felt overtaxed sought to have their own township - thus, the courts granted a charter in 1886 creating Bethel Township.  The following years witnessed the development and growth of the area attributed mostly to the opening of the coal mines around 1900.  By the 1950's, the area's population more than doubled.  In 1960, Bethel Borough was changed to Bethel Park; and in 1978, Bethel Park became what it is today - a Home Rule Municipality.