Pottsville, Pennsylvania
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| Pottsville, Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|
| Name | Pottsville |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | "Patches" |
| Pushpin label | Pottsville |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Pennsylvania |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Schuylkill |
| Established title | Settled |
| Established date | 1806 |
| Established title1 | Incorporated (borough) |
| Established date1 | 1828 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated (city) |
| Established date2 | 1911 |
| Government type | Mayor-Council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Dave Clews |
| Area total sq mi | 4.24 |
| Area land sq mi | 4.24 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.00 |
| Elevation ft | 702 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 13,346 |
| Population density sq mi | 3147.64 |
| Timezone | EST |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 17901 |
| Area code | 570/272 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 42-62432 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1213649 |
| Website | www.pottsvillepa.gov |
Pottsville, Pennsylvania. Pottsville is a city and the county seat of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. Located in the heart of the state's Anthracite coal region along the Schuylkill River, it developed as a major industrial and commercial hub in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The city is historically significant for its role in American labor history and is known as the home of the Yuengling brewery, the oldest operating brewing company in the United States.
History
The area was originally part of a land grant from William Penn to the descendants of John Potts, for whom the city is named. Settlement began in earnest after the discovery of extensive anthracite coal deposits, with the community being formally laid out in 1816. Pottsville was incorporated as a borough in 1828 and became the county seat of the newly formed Schuylkill County in 1851. The city's growth was fueled by the Industrial Revolution and the booming coal mining industry, attracting immigrants from Ireland, Wales, Germany, and later Eastern Europe. Pottsville was a central location during the labor unrest of the Molly Maguires, with several members tried and executed in the city's prison in the 1870s. It was incorporated as a city in 1911. Notable historical residents include John O'Hara, the novelist, and Henry W. Shoemaker, a prominent folklorist and conservationist.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.2 square miles, all of it land. Pottsville is situated in the Ridge and Valley geographic province of Pennsylvania, within the Schuylkill River valley. The city's terrain is characterized by steep hills surrounding the central business district. Major waterways include the Schuylkill River and the west branch of the Schuylkill River, which converge nearby. The city is located approximately 40 miles northwest of Reading and 95 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Neighboring communities include St. Clair, Cressona, and Port Carbon.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 13,346. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Hispanic, and Asian residents. The population density was over 3,100 people per square mile. Historically, the population peaked near 25,000 during the height of the coal industry in the early 20th century before declining due to deindustrialization. The city has a significant number of residents claiming German, Irish, Italian, and Polish ancestry, reflecting its immigration waves.
Economy
Pottsville's economy was historically dominated by anthracite coal mining and related industries, including railroads and manufacturing. The decline of the coal industry in the mid-20th century led to significant economic restructuring. Today, the economy is more diversified, with major employers in the healthcare, retail, and service sectors. The Pottsville Hospital and Warren Clinic are leading healthcare providers. The city remains famous as the home of D. G. Yuengling & Son, the oldest brewery in America, which operates its original plant on Mahantongo Street and is a major tourist attraction. Other significant employers include TE Connectivity and various distribution centers.
Culture and recreation
Pottsville is home to several cultural landmarks, including the Yuengling brewery, which offers public tours. The Schuylkill County Historical Society operates the Museum of Anthracite Mining and the Henry W. Shoemaker Memorial. The city's architectural heritage is displayed in buildings like the Pottsville Free Public Library, a Carnegie library, and the historic Pottsville Armory. Annual events include the Pottsville Maroons reunion, celebrating the city's former National Football League team, and the Summerfest celebration. Outdoor recreation is available at the nearby Sweet Arrow Lake County Park and along trails in the Schuylkill River corridor. The city is also the setting for many of John O'Hara's novels and short stories.
Government
Pottsville has a mayor-council form of government. The mayor is elected to a four-year term, and the city council consists of seven members elected at-large to four-year staggered terms. The city provides services including police through the Pottsville Police Department, fire protection, and public works. Pottsville is part of Pennsylvania's 9th congressional district and the 29th Pennsylvania Senate District. The city is also the location of the Schuylkill County Courthouse, which houses county government offices and courts, including the Court of Common Pleas.
Category:Cities in Pennsylvania Category:Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania Category:County, Pennsylvania Category:Pottsville, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania