Harrisburg
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| Harrisburg | |
|---|---|
| Name | Harrisburg |
| Settlement type | Capital city |
| Nickname | "Pennsylvania's Capital City" |
| Motto | "Our strength is in our diversity" |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Pennsylvania |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Dauphin |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1719 |
| Established title1 | Incorporated (borough) |
| Established date1 | 1791 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated (city) |
| Established date2 | 1860 |
| Government type | Mayor–council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Wanda Williams |
| Area total sq mi | 11.86 |
| Area total km2 | 30.72 |
| Area land sq mi | 8.11 |
| Area land km2 | 21.00 |
| Area water sq mi | 3.75 |
| Area water km2 | 9.71 |
| Elevation ft | 320 |
| Elevation m | 98 |
| Population total | 50,099 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density sq mi | 6,177.4 |
| Population density km2 | 2,385.1 |
| Timezone | EST |
| Utc offset | −5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | −4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 17101-17113, 17120-17130, 17140, 17177 |
| Area code | 717 and 223 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 42-32800 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1213649 |
| Website | harrisburgpa.gov |
Harrisburg. It is the capital city of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Dauphin County. Situated on the east bank of the Susquehanna River, the city has played a pivotal role in the industrial development and political history of the United States. As the seat of the Pennsylvania General Assembly and home to the domed Pennsylvania State Capitol, it is a central hub for state government and political activity.
History
The site was originally known as Paxtang and was settled by John Harris Sr., an English trader, around 1719. His son, John Harris Jr., laid out the town in 1785, and it was incorporated as a borough in 1791. Its strategic location led to its selection as the state capital in 1812, moving the seat of government from Lancaster. During the American Civil War, it was a significant training and supply center for the Union Army, with Camp Curtin serving as the largest such camp in the North. The city was a major industrial center in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for its steel production and the massive factories of the Pennsylvania Railroad. The Three Mile Island accident in 1979 occurred just downstream, profoundly impacting the region's economy and energy policy.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.86 square miles, with the Susquehanna River forming its western border. The landscape includes Bald Eagle Mountain to the north and the fertile Cumberland Valley to the west. Major geographic features include City Island, a recreational park in the river, and the expansive Harrisburg Greenbelt park system. The city's topography is relatively flat near the riverfront but becomes more rolling and hilly in its eastern residential sections, part of the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 50,099, representing a diverse community. The racial makeup is approximately 52.1% African American, 32.1% White American, and 21.8% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The city is home to a significant population of Pennsylvania Dutch heritage and has seen growth in its Asian American and Somali American communities. Educational attainment data shows 83.4% of residents have a high school diploma or higher, while 19.5% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The Census Bureau also reports a median household income of $44,661.
Economy
Historically dominated by heavy industry and railroading, the modern economy is centered on public administration, healthcare, and professional services. The presence of the Pennsylvania State Government is the largest employer, alongside major institutions like the Penn State Health network and UPMC. Other significant employers include Rite Aid, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, and D&H Distributing. The city is a hub for the region's healthcare and insurance sectors, with companies like Highmark having a major presence. The Harrisburg International Airport in Middletown supports commerce and logistics.
Culture and recreation
The city offers numerous cultural venues, including the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, the Susquehanna Art Museum, and the National Civil War Museum. Annual events include the expansive Pennsylvania Farm Show, the Harrisburg ArtsFest, and Kipona, a Labor Day festival on the river. The City Island complex hosts the Harrisburg Senators minor league baseball team at FNB Field. Outdoor recreation is prominent along the Susquehanna River and the Appalachian Trail, which passes nearby. The State Museum of Pennsylvania and the ornate Pennsylvania State Capitol, often called a palace of art, are major attractions.
Government
The city operates under a strong mayor–council form of government. The current mayor is Wanda Williams, and legislative authority rests with the seven-member Harrisburg City Council. The city emerged from a state-directed financial recovery process in 2021 after facing severe fiscal distress. It is also the seat of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government, housing the executive offices of the Governor of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania General Assembly, and the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. The city is part of Pennsylvania's 10th congressional district, represented in the U.S. House by Scott Perry.
Category:Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Category:Capitals of states of the United States Category:County seats in Pennsylvania