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Pennsylvania, one of the original 13 colonies, is steeped in history and tradition. Its cities and towns, each with their own unique narratives, have significantly contributed to the tapestry of American history. However, like many regions across the United States, Pennsylvania has seen its share of economic challenges. Several of its cities, towns, and counties, once bustling with industry and commerce, have experienced economic decline and are now among the poorest in the state. This article delves into the histories of these places, tracing their journeys from prosperity to hardship and exploring the potential for their future revitalization.
State College:
State College, Pennsylvania, has a rich history that is deeply intertwined with Pennsylvania State University. The town evolved from a small village to serve the needs of the university, which was founded in 1855 as the Farmers’ High School of Pennsylvania. The town was incorporated as a borough in 1896 and has grown alongside the university, which was renamed Pennsylvania State University in 1953. The town’s growth and development have been significantly influenced by the university’s presence, with many businesses, services, and community events centered around the university and its students. Despite its high poverty rate, largely due to the student population, State College is known for its vibrant community spirit, high-quality education, and cultural opportunities.
Johnstown:
Johnstown, Pennsylvania, was formally platted as Conemaugh Old Town in 1800 by Swiss German immigrant Joseph Johns. The settlement was initially known as “Schantzstadt,” but was soon anglicized to Johnstown. The community was incorporated as Conemaugh Borough in 1831 but was renamed Johnstown in 1834. Johnstown’s history is marked by a series of devastating floods, the most notorious of which occurred in 1889, when a dam failure resulted in the deaths of over 2,200 residents. Despite these tragedies, Johnstown has shown resilience, rebuilding and reinventing itself time and again. However, the decline of the steel industry in the late 20th century led to significant economic challenges and population loss, contributing to its current status as one of the poorest cities in Pennsylvania.
Reading:
Reading, Pennsylvania, was chosen as a settlement site in 1733 due to its strategic location at the intersection of the east Penn-Lebanon Valley and the Schuylkill River. The city grew rapidly during the 19th century due to the Reading Railroad, which transported coal from the Pennsylvania Anthracite Coal Region to the eastern United States. Reading became a major industrial center, with industries ranging from iron and steel to textiles and hardware. However, the decline of these industries in the late 20th century led to economic hardship and high poverty rates. Today, Reading is working towards economic revitalization, with efforts focused on education, healthcare, and new business development.
York:
York, Pennsylvania, has a history dating back to 1741, when it was laid out by the son of William Penn, Thomas Cookson. It played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War, serving as the temporary capital of the Continental Congress. The Articles of Confederation were drafted and adopted in York, earning it the nickname “the first capital of the United States.” York evolved into a major industrial city in the 19th and 20th centuries, with many factories producing goods ranging from steam engines to paper products. However, the decline of manufacturing in the late 20th century led to economic challenges. Today, York is known for its historic architecture, cultural institutions, and efforts towards economic revitalization.
Chester:
Chester, Pennsylvania, incorporated in 1682, is the oldest city in Pennsylvania. It was the location of William Penn’s first arrival in the Province of Pennsylvania. Chester was a major shipbuilding center during the Revolutionary War and later became a hub of manufacturing and industry. However, the decline of these industries in the late 20th century led to economic hardship and a high poverty rate. Despite these challenges, Chester is known for its rich history, diverse community, and ongoing efforts towards economic and community development.
McKeesport:
McKeesport, Pennsylvania, was incorporated as a borough in 1842, and the city’s first steel mill was established in 1851. The National Tube Works opened in 1872, and in the years immediately following, McKeesport was the fastest-growing municipality in the nation. The city was once a bustling hub of industry, with steel production driving its economy. However, the decline of the steel industry in the late 20th century hit McKeesport hard, leading to job losses, population decline, and economic hardship. Despite these challenges, McKeesport has been working towards revitalization, with efforts focused on attracting new businesses, improving education, and enhancing community services.
Butler:
Butler, Pennsylvania, was named for Maj. Gen. Richard Butler, who fell at the Battle of the Wabash, also known as St. Clair’s Defeat, in western Ohio in 1791. In 1803, John and Samuel Cunningham became the first settlers in the village of Butler. The city developed quickly during the 19th century, with the discovery of oil and natural gas in the district prompting a financial expansion. However, the decline of these industries in the late 20th century led to economic challenges. Today, Butler is known for its historic downtown, cultural institutions, and community events. Despite its economic challenges, the city has been making efforts towards revitalization, with a focus on tourism, small business development, and community engagement.
Sharon:
Sharon, Pennsylvania, has a history dating back to 1768, when it was settled by pioneers from Connecticut. The city grew rapidly during the 19th century due to the discovery of coal and iron ore in the region. Sharon became a major industrial center, with steel mills, coal mines, and manufacturing plants driving its economy. However, the decline of these industries in the late 20th century led to economic hardship and population loss. Despite these challenges, Sharon is known for its historic downtown, cultural institutions, and annual events. The city has been working towards economic revitalization, with efforts focused on tourism, small business development, and community engagement.
Duquesne:
The city of Duquesne, Pennsylvania, was settled in 1789 and incorporated in 1891. The city derives its name from Fort Duquesne. Duquesne Works, a productive steel mill that was part of Carnegie Steel Corporation and later part of U.S. Steel, was the heart and soul of Duquesne during its brightest moments in the early 20th century. However, the decline of the steel industry in the late 20th century led to significant economic challenges and population loss. Despite these challenges, Duquesne has been making efforts towards revitalization, with a focus on attracting new businesses, improving education, and enhancing community services.
Edgewood:
Edgewood, Pennsylvania, was incorporated on December 1, 1888. The borough is located in Allegheny County and is adjacent to the city of Pittsburgh. Despite its small size, Edgewood has a rich history and a strong sense of community. The borough is known for its historic homes, tree-lined streets, and community events. However, like many communities in the region, Edgewood has faced economic challenges due to the decline of industry in the late 20th century. Despite these challenges, the borough has been making efforts towards revitalization, with a focus on preserving its historic character, enhancing community services, and promoting small business development.
Conclusion
The cities, towns, and counties of Pennsylvania each hold a unique place in the annals of American history. From the bustling industrial centers of the 19th and 20th centuries to the economic challenges of the present day, these places have experienced both prosperity and hardship. Despite their current status as some of the poorest places in Pennsylvania, they are defined not just by their economic struggles but also by their resilience, their rich histories, and their enduring community spirit. As they look to the future, these communities continue to strive for economic revitalization, driven by the hope and determination that have characterized their journeys thus far. Their stories serve as a poignant reminder of the ever-changing nature of economic landscapes and the enduring spirit of American communities.
References
- State College, Pennsylvania – Wikipedia
- Johnstown, Pennsylvania – Wikipedia
- Reading, Pennsylvania – A Brief History
- History – City of York, Pennsylvania
- Chester, Pennsylvania – Wikipedia
- McKeesport, Pennsylvania – Wikipedia
- Butler, Pennsylvania – Wikipedia
- History of Sharon — Sharon Historical Society
- Duquesne, Pennsylvania – Wikipedia
- Edgewood, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania – Wikipedia