About Clearfield Township, Butler, PA

Clearfield Township is located in eastern Butler County, along the Armstrong County border. It contains the unincorporated communities of Coylesville and Fenelton. U.S. Route 422 passes through the township, leading east to Kittanning and west to Butler. According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 23.6 square miles (61.2 km2), all land. 

The Township consists of 54.28 miles of township road and 7.81 miles of state roads totaling 62.09 miles of road.

The 2020 Census resulted in a population count of 2,427. The 2010 Census resulted in a population of 2645, making our population a loss of 266. 

Clearfield Township now vote at the St. John’s Catholic Church Social Hall at 668 Clearfield Road, Fenelton, PA (at the intersection of Clearfield Road and McGrady Road). 

Call the Butler County Election Bureau to verify your voting location (724-284-5309).

The Agricultural Security Area was formed in 1996. The Agricultural Security is reviewed every 7 years. The 2024 review now shows approximately 3,381.1113 total acreage. 

When the early pioneers now known as Clearfield Township, Butler County, arrived in the area around 1794, they were surprised to discover a large square of cleared land near a settlement owned by the Milligan Family on Buffalo Creek. From its condition, they concluded that it was an Indian corn field. The freshly turned ground suggested cultivation was recent.The name “Cleared Field” or “Clearfield, seemed appropriate in describing the area in the otherwise dense and almost impenetrable forests. So, upon organization of the township in 1804, the name became official. Later, Summit and Donegal Townships also were formed from the original Clearfield Township. Several streams-including the west branch of Big Buffalo, Long Run, tributaries of Rough Run, the headquarters of Bonny Brook, and a branch of the Connoquenessing-rise in the township. The municipality has a natural divide, with the waters moving east and west from its summit.Settlers in Clearfield Township found natural minerals plentiful, also. Upper Freeport, Kittanning, and Darlington coals were found in many places near the surface and mined easily. Sandstone, limestone, and iron ore were mined. Oil was discovered in Clearfield Township, as well, investors nevertheless made small fortunes by drilling wells. Today, Clearfield Township remains a “bedroom community” for neighboring municipalities, and the only businesses are service-oriented, such as restaurants, convenience stores, and auto repair shops. 

*Published in Pennsylvania Township News, April 1999.