Welcome to East Cocalico Township
Located in northeastern Lancaster County along the Berks County border, East Cocalico Township is a growing community that combines small-town character, a strong agricultural heritage, thriving businesses, and convenient access to the region’s major transportation corridors.
Established in 1838, East Cocalico Township encompasses approximately 20.4 square miles and is home to more than 11,000 residents.
From our historic communities and preserved farmland to growing residential neighborhoods, businesses, parks and recreational opportunities, East Cocalico offers a unique blend of the past and present.
Township Quick Facts
Established: 1838
County: Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Area: Approximately 20.4 square miles
Population: 11,124 (2025 U.S. Census Bureau estimate)
Government: Second Class Township
Governing Body: Three-member Board of Supervisors
Township Roads: Approximately 60 miles
Municipal Building: 100 Hill Road, Denver, PA 17517
Our History
East Cocalico Township was created in 1838 when the original Cocalico Township was divided into East and West Cocalico Townships.
The name Cocalico comes from the Cocalico Creek and the Native American village that existed in the area when European settlers arrived. The name is believed to have originated from Delaware Indian words traditionally interpreted as meaning “den of serpents,” referring to the abundance of snakes once found near the creek.
European settlement in the area dates to the early 1700s. In 1723 or 1724, Johann Eberhard Ream settled his family near a spring in what is now Reamstown. The Ream family had arrived from Germany in 1717, and Eberhard Ream was granted a patent for 389 acres by the William Penn family in 1736.
In 1759, Eberhard and his wife, Anna Schwab Ream, divided their property among their sons. Their son Tobias received 54 acres, which he divided into building lots. The new community was originally called Zoar, or Zohar, but by 1772 it had become known as Reamstown.
Reamstown's location helped shape its early growth. During the mid-1700s, the road connecting Lancaster and Reading through the community was known as the King's Highway. A stagecoach route developed along the road, and Reamstown became an important stopping point between Lancaster and Reading.
Another early road connected Churchtown and Schaefferstown. Located near the intersection of these important transportation routes, Reamstown became a natural center of commerce and government for the original Cocalico Township.
Before the Township was divided in 1838, Cocalico Township encompassed a much larger area that included land that would eventually become the present-day boroughs of Adamstown, Akron, Denver and Ephrata, as well as East Cocalico, West Cocalico and Ephrata Townships and a portion of Clay Township.
From Farmland to a Growing Community
Agriculture has played an important role in East Cocalico Township for generations. Fertile soils, abundant water and the area's varied landscape made the region attractive to early settlers and helped establish the farming tradition that remains visible throughout the Township today.
Small villages developed around important crossroads, followed by country stores, churches, schools and other community institutions. Many of these historic development patterns can still be seen throughout East Cocalico.
Today, the Township continues to evolve. Residential neighborhoods, commercial areas and industry coexist with farms, historic communities and natural areas, creating a community that reflects both its agricultural heritage and continued growth.
East Cocalico Today
More than 185 years after its formation, East Cocalico Township continues to be a vibrant and growing place to live, work, do business and enjoy the community.
Today, more than 11,000 residents call East Cocalico home. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates the Township's 2025 population at 11,124, an increase of approximately 3.4% from the 2020 population estimate base. The Township encompasses approximately 20.4 square miles, offering a mix of established neighborhoods, newer residential communities, farmland, commercial centers and industrial areas.
East Cocalico is also home to a strong and diverse business community. Its convenient location near U.S. Route 222, PA Route 272 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike provides easy access to Lancaster, Reading and the surrounding region, making the Township an attractive location for businesses, employers and residents alike.
Parks, Recreation & Community
Recreation and community involvement are an important part of life in East Cocalico. The Township maintains several parks and recreational areas, including Reamstown Memorial Park, Stoney Pointe Park, Old Homestead Park and Fishing Creek Park, providing opportunities for playgrounds, sports, walking, picnicking and outdoor recreation.
The Reamstown Community Pool has been a summertime tradition for generations, offering swimming, recreation and special community events for residents and visitors.
Throughout the year, Township programs and community events bring residents together, from seasonal activities and recreation programs to public-safety events and other family-friendly opportunities.
Serving Our Community
East Cocalico Township provides a wide range of municipal services to support residents, businesses and visitors. Township staff oversee administration, planning and zoning, permitting, public works, road maintenance, parks and recreation, stormwater management and other essential community services.
The East Cocalico Township Police Department, local fire companies and emergency medical service providers work together to help protect and serve the community.
The Township also continues to invest in its infrastructure, parks, recreational facilities and public services while planning responsibly for future residential and economic growth.
Looking Ahead
East Cocalico has changed considerably since its agricultural villages and early crossroads first developed, but the qualities that shaped the Township remain an important part of the community today.
As East Cocalico continues to grow, the Township is committed to providing quality municipal services, maintaining and improving infrastructure, supporting a strong local economy, protecting natural and agricultural resources, and creating opportunities for residents to connect with their community.
It is that combination of history, community, business, recreation and opportunity that makes East Cocalico Township a great place to live, work and visit.
Location & Transportation
East Cocalico Township enjoys a convenient location between the Lancaster and Reading areas and provides easy access to communities throughout southeastern and south-central Pennsylvania.
Major transportation routes serving the Township and surrounding area include:
- U.S. Route 222
- Pennsylvania Route 272
- Pennsylvania Route 897
- Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76), Exit 286 – Reading/Lancaster
The Township's location provides convenient access to Lancaster, Reading, Harrisburg, Allentown and Philadelphia, with Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and New York City also within several hours' drive.
East Cocalico Township maintains approximately 60 miles of local roads, in addition to state-owned roadways within the municipality.
Our Natural Landscape
East Cocalico Township's approximately 20.4 square miles include everything from gently rolling farmland to the ridges and wooded areas of the northern portion of the Township.
The Furnace Hills and Adamstown Ridge create some of the Township's highest elevations, while Cocalico Creek, Little Cocalico Creek and their tributaries contribute to an extensive network of streams and wetlands.
Significant natural features in and around the Township include the Cocalico Creek wetlands, Little Cocalico Creek, Denver Watershed and Horseshoe Trail.
These natural areas, together with the Township's agricultural land and open spaces, contribute greatly to East Cocalico's character and quality of life.
Township Government
East Cocalico is a Township of the Second Class governed by a three-member Board of Supervisors. Supervisors are elected at large and serve six-year terms.
The Board establishes Township policy, adopts ordinances and resolutions, approves the annual budget and appoints residents to various boards, commissions and authorities.
The Township's appointed boards and commissions include the Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board and Recreation Board, among others.
Daily Township operations are overseen by the Township Manager and Township staff, who provide services ranging from administration and community development to public works, parks and recreation, permitting and public safety.
A Community Connected
East Cocalico Township continues to grow while maintaining the characteristics that have defined the community for generations.
Our location, transportation network and strong business community provide opportunities for continued economic development, while our farms, waterways, parks, neighborhoods and historic communities help preserve the qualities that make East Cocalico a special place to call home.
