Good Intent, Pennsylvania Explained

Good Intent
Settlement Type:Unincorporated community
Pushpin Map:USA Pennsylvania#USA
Pushpin Map Caption:Location within the state of Pennsylvania
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:United States
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Name1:Pennsylvania
Subdivision Type2:County
Subdivision Name2:Washington
Unit Pref:Imperial
Population As Of:2000
Population Density Km2:auto
Timezone:Eastern (EST)
Utc Offset:-5
Timezone Dst:EDT
Utc Offset Dst:-4
Elevation Ft:1043
Coordinates:40.0369°N -80.4453°W
Postal Code Type:ZIP codes
Blank Name:FIPS code
Blank1 Name:GNIS feature ID
Blank1 Info:1175795

Good Intent is an unincorporated community in Washington County, Pennsylvania, United States.

Location

Good Intent is located in West Finley Township[1] in Southwestern Washington County, which is itself in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The community sits where Hutchison Road and Robinson Run Road intersect with State Road 3025, also known as Good Intent Road.

History

In 1795, Edward Tighlman bought 30,000 acres from Robert Morris of Philadelphia. This land was laid out into 75 tracts. It is presumed this is when Good Intent received its name. In the early 1800s a mill was built at Good Intent by Robert Wolf, using power provided by Wheeling Creek.[2] Some time in the mid-19th century a post office was established, the original postmaster being John Ensel. This post office operated at least until the early 1900s[3] In 1850 the area was served by two doctors and four nurses based in Good Intent. A general store opened in 1845, was operated by M. J. Flynn in the early 20th century,[4] and closed in the mid-20th century. By 1882 the community boasted several businesses, including two blacksmith shops and a tannery. Oil production was known in the area by 1888.[5] In the mid-1900s the community had a church. Several business including a barbershop and a blacksmith shop still operated in Good Intent at this time, although by 2010 the community consisted of only around 10 houses.[6]

Education

A school was established in Good Intent in the 19th century, and it operated until the mid-20th century.

Economy

Employment centers around coal production and various mills in the area.

Notes and References

  1. News: Good Intent, Pa. William A.. White. The Pittsburgh Press. 21. April 30, 1953. March 29, 2013.
  2. Book: Pitzer, Sara. Pennsylvania: Off the Beaten Path. 1997. Globe Pequot Press. 9780762700721. 7.
  3. Book: Moonis, Raza. Geographical Dictionary Of The World In The Early 20th Century With Pronouncing Gazetteer. March 29, 2013. 1990. Concept Publishing Company. 9788172680114. 734.
  4. News: M. J. Flynn, Retired Realtor, Celebrates 90th Birthday. The Washington Observer. December 28, 1951. 2. March 29, 2013.
  5. Book: Board of Commissioners for the Geological Survey. Seventh Report on the Oil and Gas Fields of Western Pennsylvania for 1887, 1888. March 29, 2013. 1890. Geological Survey of Pennsylvania. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 305.
  6. News: State government too abstract, too far down road to stir voters' imaginations. Dennis B.. Roddy. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. September 26, 2010. March 29, 2013.