Sand Hill has its own local history. The surrounding landscape and points of interest in the neighboring municipality of North Lebanon Township also come into view. The place was formerly called Mount Airy; 14 sand pits led to the name being changed. The founding of Sand Hill is associated with the year 1845.

Local History and Historical Figures

Solomon Weber, born in 1840, lived on Sandhill Road, fought at Gettysburg, and was the only known Civil War veteran in North Lebanon Township. The local history can therefore be viewed from two angles: through the name change and through Weber’s personal connection to the Civil War.

Historic Sites in North Lebanon Township

The Union Canal Tunnel is located in North Lebanon Township. It is the oldest surviving transportation tunnel in the United States and was recognized as a National Historic Landmark on April 19, 1994. At this site, a place in transportation history is linked with a precisely dated historic designation.

Light’s Fort was once within the boundaries of North Lebanon Township and is now an official historic landmark of Pennsylvania. Its former location within the township’s boundaries and its present-day designation are distinct aspects of its historical significance.

The dates refer to different events: 1845 is associated with the founding of the settlement, 1840 is Weber’s birth year, and April 19, 1994, is the date the tunnel was recognized.

Landscape and Change

The areas around Sand Hill were used for agriculture; today, there are fewer farms there than in the past. Agriculture is therefore part of both the area’s earlier character and its transformation.

A defining feature of North Lebanon Township is a U-shaped ridge ranging in elevation from 600 to 700 feet. It runs east of Rockwood south to Sand Hill and then continues northeast. Sand Hill marks the point where the ridge continues northeast.

The Smutzie links nature with a history of use: it was once a settling basin for Bethlehem Steel and served as a wildlife refuge for Cleaver Brooks. Today, the area has a rich variety of flora and fauna; the Smutzie is privately owned.

Parks and Activities

Union Canal Tunnel Park in North Lebanon Township offers hiking trails, fishing, and picnic areas. Lions Lake Park has a 13-acre lake with opportunities for fishing and boating. It also has a paved walking path; one loop is three-quarters of a mile long. Check before visiting to confirm whether the lake and activities are currently accessible.

The Community Park has facilities for tennis, pickleball, baseball, soccer, and basketball. The parks have clearly distinct offerings: Lions Lake Park combines lake activities with a measured loop, the Community Park focuses on five sports, and Union Canal Tunnel Park offers trails, fishing, and picnic areas.

Discover more destinations: Jonestown, Annville, Myerstown, Lebanon, Palmyra, Campbelltown.

Go to the main travel overview: Lebanon.