Susquehanna, Pennsylvania
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| Susquehanna, Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|
| Name | Susquehanna, Pennsylvania |
| Settlement type | Borough |
| Pushpin label position | left |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Pennsylvania |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Susquehanna |
| Established title | Settled |
| Established date | 1812 |
| Established title1 | Incorporated |
| Established date1 | 1853 |
| Government type | Borough |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total km2 | 3.20 |
| Area land km2 | 3.20 |
| Area water km2 | 0.00 |
| Area total sq mi | 1.24 |
| Area land sq mi | 1.24 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.00 |
| Elevation ft | 1014 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 2140 |
| Population density km2 | 668.8 |
| Population density sq mi | 1725.8 |
| Timezone | Eastern (EST) |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 18847 |
| Area code | 570 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 42-75632 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1214818 |
| Website | https://www.susquehannaboro.com/ |
Susquehanna, Pennsylvania is a borough and the county seat of Susquehanna County in the northeastern part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Located along the Susquehanna River, from which it derives its name, the community developed in the 19th century as a significant railroad hub for the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad. The borough is part of the Scranton–Wilkes-Barre–Hazleton Metropolitan Statistical Area and is known for its historic architecture and role in regional transportation.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Lenape people before European settlement. The borough was formally settled in 1812 by colonists from Connecticut as part of the disputed land claims in the Wyoming Valley. Its growth was catalyzed by the arrival of the Delaware and Hudson Railway and the Erie Railroad, with the Starrucca Viaduct, a massive stone railroad bridge completed in 1848 near Lanesboro, Pennsylvania, becoming a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. The Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad established extensive rail yards and repair shops, making the town a critical junction and earning it the nickname "The Railroad Town." The borough was officially incorporated in 1853, separating from Harmony Township. Historic events include a visit by President Ulysses S. Grant and the establishment of the Susquehanna County Courthouse in 1854.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 1.24 square miles, all of it land. It is situated in the Allegheny Plateau region, with the Susquehanna River forming its western border. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills and valleys, with Oakland Township to the north and Great Bend Township to the south. The climate is classified as humid continental, with cold, snowy winters and warm summers, typical of northeastern Pennsylvania. Nearby geographic features include the Starrucca Creek and the Lackawanna River watershed.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 2,140. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Native American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The population density was approximately 1,726 people per square mile. The median age was above the national average, reflecting trends in many rural Pennsylvania communities. Household data from the American Community Survey indicates a median household income below the state average, with a portion of the population living below the federal poverty line.
Economy
The historical economy was dominated by the railroad industry, centered on the massive shops of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad. Following the decline of railroading in the mid-20th century, the economy shifted toward light manufacturing, retail, and healthcare services. Major employers have included Procter & Gamble and various automotive parts suppliers. The borough's status as the county seat provides government-related jobs at the Susquehanna County Courthouse and associated offices. Tourism related to outdoor recreation on the Susquehanna River, historical sites like the Starrucca Viaduct, and events such as the Susquehanna River Sojourn also contribute to the local economy.
Transportation
The borough's identity is inextricably linked to transportation, primarily rail. It is served by the Canadian Pacific Railway, which acquired the Delaware and Hudson Railway. While passenger rail service via Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited is no longer available, the region is accessible by road. Key highways include U.S. Route 11 and Pennsylvania Route 92, which connect the borough to Binghamton, New York and Scranton, Pennsylvania. The nearest major airport is the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport. Public transportation is limited, with some service provided by the county's shared-ride system.
Notable people
Notable individuals associated with the borough include John Mitchell, former president of the United Mine Workers; Eddie August Schneider, pioneering aviator who set transcontinental speed records; and George W. Lyle, a U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania. Musician and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Michael Brecker spent part of his childhood in the area. James L. Spangler, a Major League Baseball player for the Philadelphia Phillies, was also born here.
Category:Boroughs in Pennsylvania Category:Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania Category:Populated places established in 1812