Merion, Pennsylvania

Merion, Pennsylvania is a community located in Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. It is part of the Philadelphia Main Line, a series of affluent Philadelphia suburban communities named after the Pennsylvania Railroad's Main Line.

History

Merion was settled by Welsh immigrants in the 1680s who named it after Merionethshire, their home in Wales. The community was primarily agricultural until the late 19th century when it became a resort area for wealthy Philadelphians. The Pennsylvania Railroad's Main Line, completed in 1863, made Merion easily accessible and contributed to its growth.

Geography

Merion is located in the eastern part of Lower Merion Township. It is bordered by the communities of Narberth, Wynnewood, and Bala Cynwyd. The community is characterized by its tree-lined streets and historic homes.

Education

Merion is served by the Lower Merion School District. The district's Merion Elementary School is located in the community. Merion is also home to Merion Mercy Academy, a private Catholic girls' high school, and Waldron Mercy Academy, a Catholic coeducational elementary school.

Notable Places

Merion is known for the Barnes Foundation, an art collection and educational institution featuring works by Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early Modernist artists. The Merion Cricket Club, founded in 1865, is another notable institution in the community.

Transportation

Merion is served by the SEPTA Merion Station on the Paoli/Thorndale Line. The community is also accessible by several major roads, including U.S. Route 1 and Pennsylvania Route 23.

Notable People

Notable people from Merion include Albert C. Barnes, the founder of the Barnes Foundation, and Ezra Pound, a modernist poet and critic.