Scranton, Pennsylvania

Scranton, Pennsylvania is a city located in the Lackawanna County and is situated near the Endless Mountains, Pocono Mountains, and Delaware River. The city is part of the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre-Hazleton, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area and is close to the cities of Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton. Scranton is also near the Steamtown National Historic Site and the Houdini Museum. The city is home to several institutions, including the University of Scranton, Marywood University, and Lackawanna College.

Geography

Scranton is situated in the Lackawanna Valley and is surrounded by the Endless Mountains to the north and the Pocono Mountains to the east. The city is drained by the Lackawanna River, which flows into the Susquehanna River and eventually into the Chesapeake Bay. The city's geography is also characterized by its proximity to the Delaware River and the Lehigh River. Scranton is near several parks, including the Nay Aug Park, Merli-Sarnoski Park, and the Lackawanna State Park. The city is also close to the Steamtown National Historic Site, which showcases historic steam locomotives and offers train rides along the Delaware-Lackawanna Railroad.

History

The area that is now Scranton was originally inhabited by the Lenape people and was later settled by European colonists, including William Penn and the Connecticut Land Company. The city was named after George W. Scranton, a Pennsylvania industrialist, and was incorporated in 1866. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Scranton experienced significant growth and became a major center for the coal mining and iron industries, with companies such as the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad and the Scranton Iron Furnaces playing major roles. The city was also home to several notable figures, including Joe Biden, Houdini, and Jean Kerr.

Economy

The economy of Scranton is diverse and includes industries such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The city is home to several major employers, including the Geisinger Health System, Commonwealth Health, and the University of Scranton. Scranton is also a major center for tourism, with attractions such as the Houdini Museum, the Everhart Museum, and the Scranton Fringe Festival. The city is close to several major highways, including Interstate 81 and Interstate 380, and is served by the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport and the Scranton Railway.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Scranton was approximately 76,328 people. The city has a diverse population, with a mix of Italian-American, Irish-American, and Polish-American communities. Scranton is also home to a significant LGBTQ+ community and hosts several events, including the Scranton Pride Festival. The city has several neighborhoods, including Downtown Scranton, North Scranton, and South Scranton, each with its own unique character and attractions.

Culture

Scranton has a rich cultural scene, with several museums, galleries, and performance venues. The city is home to the Everhart Museum, the Houdini Museum, and the Scranton Fringe Festival, which showcases local and regional artists. Scranton is also close to several other cultural attractions, including the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts in Wilkes-Barre and the Pocono Mountains Music Festival. The city has several historic landmarks, including the Scranton City Hall, the Lackawanna County Courthouse, and the Cathedral of Saint Peter.

Government

The government of Scranton is a mayor-council government, with a Mayor of Scranton and a Scranton City Council. The city is part of the Lackawanna County government and is represented in the Pennsylvania General Assembly by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the Pennsylvania State Senate. Scranton is also part of the United States House of Representatives and is represented by the Pennsylvania's 8th congressional district. The city has several sister cities, including Ballina in Ireland, Guardia Lombardi in Italy, and Trnava in Slovakia.