The name Susquehanna is probably derived from a tribe of Indians known as the Susquehannocks. Prior to June 4, 1785, what is now Dauphin County was part of Lancaster County. After the legislature created Dauphin County it was basically divided into three Townships: Upper Paxtang, Middle Paxtang and Lower Paxtang. The spelling "Paxtang" is from the original Indian name "Peshtank," which meant "stan
ding water." Today we use the word Paxton instead of Paxtang. Susquehanna Township was formed on May 1, 1815, and was created out of "Lower Paxtang Township," which would embrace the areas now known as Lower Swatara, Swatara, Lower Paxton, Derry and Susquehanna Townships. The first settlement in what is now know as Susquehanna Township was the section called Estherton, which was laid out by a Dr. John Cox, Jr. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on October 2, 1757, and was first called "Coxestown." It was subsequently renamed Estherton in honor of his wife Esther. Historically, Estherton should be remembered as the second oldest town in Dauphin County, preceded only by Middletown. Estherton served as a supply base for the armed forces during the French and Indian War. The second settlement is what is now known as Rockville, which was settled in 1774 by a Mr. Roberts, and was first known as "Brushy Rock." Roberts Valley could be assumed to have been named after Mr. The only settlement in the eastern portion of the Township mentioned in the 1815 period was Progress, by which name it is known today. Due to annexations by the City of Harrisburg in 1951 the Supervisors petitioned the Dauphin County Court to become a First Class Township, in place of a Second Class Township. This petition was acted upon by the Court and on January 2, 1952 Susquehanna became the second First Class Township in Dauphin County. The population is 22,043 with an area of 17.3 square miles. The housing is 8,656 and the Township roads total 98.40 miles. The Township has 32 employees and is serviced by 3 volunteer fire companies and 36 Police Officers.
