Hermitage is a city in western Mercer County, Pennsylvania, United States. Hermitage is located virtually 15 miles (24 km) northeast of Youngstown, about 65 miles (105 km) southeast of Cleveland and nearly 60 miles (97 km) northwest of Pittsburgh. The population was 16,230 at the 2020 census. It is share of the Youngstown–Warren metropolitan area.

Formerly known as Hickory Township (hence Hickory High School subsequently its Hickory Hornet mascot), the City of Hermitage, in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, was first settled in 1796, and the Township of Hickory was incorporated in 1832 from portions of the Shenango and Pymatuning townships. Following the raptness of the cities of Sharon and Farrell and the boroughs of Sharpsville and Wheatland, the remainder of the Township was incorporated into a First Class Township.

The Home Rule Charter and Optional Plans Law, Act 62 of 1972, provided everything local governments in Pennsylvania a unique opportunity of true “home rule” On August 9, 1972, Ordinance 13–72 was enacted by the Board of Commissioners, providing for a referendum upon electing a Governmental Study Commission of nine members. On November 17, 1972, the electors voted supportive of a commission and fixed nine members in the tune of the task of studying present Township admin and the exchange of an Optional plot of Government or a Home Rule Charter.

On March 13, 1974, the perfect report of the Government Study Commission recommended a Home Rule Charter, which was approved on May 21, 1974 by a vote of 1,375 to 546. The Charter was to become effective upon January 1, 1976.