Northumberland, Pennsylvania

Northumberland, Pennsylvania
Jakec · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	Northumberland, Pennsylvania
Settlement type	Borough

Northumberland, Pennsylvania is a borough located in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, along the Susquehanna River, near the cities of Sunbury, Pennsylvania, Shamokin, Pennsylvania, and Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. The borough is situated in the Susquehanna Valley, approximately 50 miles north of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the state capital, and is part of the Bloomsburg–Berwick–Sunbury, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area. Northumberland is also close to the Ricketts Glen State Park, Worlds End State Park, and the Susquehanna River Valley.

Geography

The borough of Northumberland is nestled in the heart of the Susquehanna Valley, surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains to the south and the Endless Mountains to the north. The Susquehanna River forms the western boundary of the borough, while the Chillisquaque Creek flows through the center of town, providing scenic views and recreational opportunities. Nearby cities, such as Williamsport, Pennsylvania, State College, Pennsylvania, and Scranton, Pennsylvania, offer a range of cultural and economic attractions, including Penn State University, Bucknell University, and the Houdini Museum. The borough's geography is also influenced by its proximity to the Marcellus Shale formation, a major source of natural gas in the region, with companies like ExxonMobil, Chevron Corporation, and Royal Dutch Shell operating in the area.

History

The area that is now Northumberland was originally inhabited by the Lenape and Iroquois Native American tribes, who were later displaced by European settlers, including William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania. The borough was formally incorporated in 1828 and was named after the County of Northumberland in northeastern England, which was also the namesake of the Duke of Northumberland. During the American Civil War, Northumberland played a significant role as a transportation hub, with the Northumberland, Pennsylvania, railroad station serving as a key stop on the Philadelphia and Erie Railroad and the Pennsylvania Railroad. The borough was also home to several notable figures, including John W. Geary, a Union Army general, and Simon Cameron, a United States Senator from Pennsylvania.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the borough of Northumberland had a population of approximately 3,800 people, with a diverse range of ages, incomes, and occupations. The median household income in the borough is around $40,000, with major employers including Geisinger Health System, Weis Markets, and Walmart. The borough is also home to a number of community organizations, such as the Northumberland County Historical Society, the Northumberland Public Library, and the American Legion. Nearby institutions, including Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Susquehanna University, and Bucknell University, provide access to higher education and cultural events, such as the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble and the Weis Center for the Performing Arts.

Economy

The economy of Northumberland is driven by a mix of industries, including healthcare, retail, and manufacturing, with major employers like GAF Materials Corporation, CertainTeed, and Procter & Gamble. The borough is also home to a number of small businesses, including restaurants, shops, and services, such as Dollar General, Family Dollar, and Rite Aid. The nearby Marcellus Shale formation has also created new economic opportunities in the region, with companies like Halliburton, Schlumberger, and Baker Hughes operating in the area. Additionally, the borough's location along the Susquehanna River makes it an attractive location for outdoor recreation and tourism, with nearby attractions like Knoebels Amusement Resort, Ricketts Glen State Park, and the Susquehanna River Valley.

Education

The borough of Northumberland is served by the Shikellamy School District, which operates several schools in the area, including Shikellamy High School, Shikellamy Middle School, and Chief Shikellamy Elementary School. The district is also part of the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit, which provides support services and resources to schools in the region. Nearby institutions, such as Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Susquehanna University, and Bucknell University, offer a range of academic programs and degree options, including Penn State University, University of Pennsylvania, and Carnegie Mellon University. The borough is also home to a number of community organizations, such as the Northumberland County Historical Society, which provides educational programs and resources to the public.

Infrastructure

The borough of Northumberland has a well-developed infrastructure, with several major roads and highways passing through the area, including U.S. Route 11, U.S. Route 15, and Interstate 80. The borough is also served by the Northumberland, Pennsylvania, railroad station, which provides access to Amtrak and Norfolk Southern Railway services. The nearby Susquehanna River offers opportunities for boating and fishing, with several marinas and boat launches in the area, including the Shikellamy State Park Marina and the Susquehanna River Valley Marina. The borough's infrastructure is also supported by several utility companies, including PPL Corporation, UGI Corporation, and Verizon Communications.