Definition Drums, Pennsylvania, is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) located in Butler Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States.
Overview Situated in the eastern part of Pennsylvania, Drums is geographically positioned between the cities of Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre. It functions as a residential and commercial center within Butler Township, offering various local services and businesses to its inhabitants. According to the 2020 United States Census, the Drums CDP had a population of 2,058. Its strategic location near the intersection of Interstate 81 and Interstate 80 makes it a logistical point in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Etymology/Origin The name "Drums" is generally attributed to an early prominent family that settled in the area. Jacob Drum, a German immigrant, is recognized as one of the first settlers in the late 18th or early 19th century, acquiring significant landholdings. Over time, the area became known by the name of this influential family. The community developed around these early settlements, eventually adopting "Drums" as its official designation.
Characteristics
- Geography and Climate: Drums is located within the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians, characterized by rolling hills and valleys. It experiences a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters.
- Economy: Historically, the region's economy was heavily influenced by the anthracite coal industry. While coal mining is no longer a primary driver, Drums and the surrounding Butler Township have diversified into light industry, warehousing, logistics, and retail. Its proximity to major interstates has fostered the development of several industrial and business parks.
- Education: Public education services for residents of Drums are provided by the Hazleton Area School District. Students typically attend Butler Elementary School and Hazleton Area High School.
- Infrastructure: The community is served by its own United States Post Office (ZIP code 18222). Road infrastructure is well-developed, with local routes connecting to Interstate 81 and Interstate 80, facilitating regional and interstate travel.
- Community Life: As an unincorporated community, Drums relies on Butler Township for local governance and many public services. It features a mix of residential areas, local businesses, churches, and recreational facilities that cater to its residents.
Related Topics
- Luzerne County: The county in which Drums is located, known for its history in coal mining and its major urban centers like Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton.
- Butler Township: The specific municipal entity that governs the area of Drums, responsible for local services and zoning.
- Hazleton Area School District: The public school system serving Drums and surrounding communities.
- Anthracite Coal Region: The broader historical and geographical area of northeastern Pennsylvania, where anthracite coal mining played a critical role in economic and social development.
- Interstate 80 and Interstate 81: Major east-west and north-south highway corridors that intersect near Drums, making it a strategic location for transportation and logistics.