Pennsylvania Wilkes-Barre 1940 Original Photo Flood Gasoline Explosion Vintage 1

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Seller: memorabilia111 ✉️ (807) 100%, Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan, US, Ships to: US & many other countries, Item: 176257785505 PENNSYLVANIA WILKES-BARRE 1940 ORIGINAL PHOTO FLOOD GASOLINE EXPLOSION VINTAGE 1. Official records for Avoca/Wilkes-Barre–Scranton kept at downtown Scranton from January 1901 to 17 April 1955 and at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport since 18 April 1955. 1920 73,833 10.0%. WILKES-BARRE PENNSYLVANIA VINTAGE ORIGINAL 8X10 INCH PHOTO FROM 1940 DEPICTING FLAMING GASOLINE TANKS ADD TERROR TO WILKES-BARRE FLOOD 550126 S-BARRE FrOM expLODINg TaNKs add To FLOOD TERROr -Flaming Gasoline, spurting from the Storage tanks that were torn from their moorings the relentless pounding of the flood waters, spreads across the waters of the Susouehanna River here, April Ist, adding to the terror of the rabing floor and endangering waterfront structures here and in Kinsston, across the river, The tanks, containing 400,000 sallons of the volatile fluid, exploded and sent huge columns of blacks smoke into the skies and spurted flames on The flood of 1940 devastated areas across Pennsylvania. In the pages of The Evening News, one headline after another on April 1 was about the rising Susquehanna River - "FOUR UPSTATE CITIES MENACED BY FLOOD" "15,000 DRIVEN FROM HOMES; 125,000 MORE READY TO FLEE" "Steelton Filter Plant Closed by Rising Water" "Rising Waters Threaten West Shore Boroughs" "Families Flee at Duncannon" "Water Covering Nearby Highways" "Four cities along the raging Susquehanna River were threatened with complete evacuation today as rising flood waters inundated a 200-mile-long area extending from New York to the southern Pennsylvania border. Hardest hit were Wilkes-Barre, Kingston, Plymouth and Sunbury. 19 Gallery: The flood of 1940, vintage photos Nine persons were known dead. Three others were reported missing and feared drowned. At least 15,000 persons were homeless. Some 125,000 were ordered to prepare to evacuate." "Sunbury Is Hard Hit by Flood; 350 Homeless" "Leaving Homes at Selinsgrove" "Part of Easton is Under Water" On April 2, 1940, The Evening News reported the most significant damage from the flood: "WILKES-BARRE BRIDGES ARE GIVING WAY." "PART OF SPAN CARRIED OFF, 12 DIE, 30,000 ARE HOMELESS" "Bridges connecting Wilkes-Barre to Kingston and Plymouth began giving away today under the relentless pounding of flood waters from the torrent-choked Susquehanna River. The center of the span linking this city to Plymouth was carried away by the 15-mph current of the raging river." In central Pa., the Susquehanna River crested at 19.85 feet. Flood stage is 17 feet. Pennsylvania Gov. Arthur James toured flood-damaged parts of the state. His own home in Plymouth was under water. Pennsylvania Flood Situation at a Glance by United Press, April 2 Wilkes-Barre - Susquehanna reached crest of 31.6 and receding steadily. With warm weather and rain predicted Wyoming Valley was not sure that all danger had subsided. It will be tomorrow before safety can be predicted. Ten thousand homeless. Relief work underway. Schools and many business establishments closed. Wilkes-Barre unit of National Guard mobilized to assist in emergency work. Sunbury - Susquehanna rising. Crest of 21 feet expected today. Half of 16,000  inhabitants forced to evacuate with one-third of city under water. Dike which protecting rest of city weakening. National Guard unit mobilized to assist local authority in patrol and rescue work. Food requested. Plymouth - Most of city under water but Susquehanna receding. Home of Gov. Arthur H. James flooded. Most families forced to evacuate. Williamsport - West Branch of Susquehanna receding and danger passed. Two hundred homeless. Lock Haven - 200 homeless, water falling. In The Evening News on April 3, it was reported that value of the flood damage could go as high as $10,000,000.


Wilkes-Barre (/ˈwɪlksˌbɛər/ or /-bɛəri/) is a city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Luzerne County. Located at the center of the Wyoming Valley, it had an estimated population of 44,328 in 2020.[3] It is the second-largest city (after Scranton) of the Scranton–Wilkes-Barre–Hazleton, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area, which had a population of 563,631 as of the 2010 Census and is the fourth-largest metropolitan area in Pennsylvania. Wilkes-Barre and the surrounding Wyoming Valley are framed by the Pocono Mountains to the east, the Endless Mountains to the north and west, and the Lehigh Valley to the south. The Susquehanna River flows through the center of the valley and defines the northwestern border of the city. Wilkes-Barre was founded in 1769 and formally incorporated in 1806. The city grew rapidly in the 19th century after the discovery of nearby coal reserves and the arrival of hundreds of thousands of immigrants who provided a labor force for the local mines. The coal mining fueled industrialization in the city, which reached the height of its prosperity in the first half of the 20th century. Its population peaked at more than 86,000 in 1930. Following World War II, the city's economy declined due to the collapse of industry. The Knox Mine disaster accelerated this trend after large portions of the area's coal mines were flooded and could not be reopened. Today, the city has around half of its peak population of the 1930s, making it the largest city in Luzerne County and the 13th-largest city in Pennsylvania. Contents 1 History 1.1 18th century 1.2 19th century 1.3 20th century 1.3.1 Flooding 1.4 21st century 1.4.1 Revitalization and construction 2 Geography 2.1 Neighborhoods 2.2 Adjacent municipalities 2.3 Climate 3 Parks and recreation 4 Demographics 4.1 Dialect 4.2 Religion 5 Economy 6 Government 6.1 City government 6.1.1 Executive 6.1.2 Legislative 6.1.3 Audit and Control 6.1.4 Judicial 6.2 County government 6.3 State and federal representation 6.3.1 State 6.3.2 Federal 7 Education 7.1 High schools 7.2 Colleges 7.3 Libraries 8 Infrastructure 8.1 Transportation 8.1.1 Airports 8.1.2 Highways 8.1.3 Buses 8.1.4 Rail 9 Arts and culture 9.1 Local attractions 9.2 Media 9.3 Popular culture 9.4 Sports 10 Notable people 11 See also 12 Notes 13 References 14 External links History 18th century Further information: Pennamite–Yankee War A map of Pennsylvania in 1792. Wilkes-Barre is visible in the northeast. At the time, Luzerne County occupied a vast portion of Northeastern Pennsylvania. By the 18th century, the Wyoming Valley was inhabited by the Shawnee and Delaware Indian (Lenape) tribes. In 1753, the Susquehanna Company was founded in Connecticut for settling the Wyoming Valley (in modern-day Pennsylvania). Connecticut succeeded in purchasing the land from the Native Americans; however, Pennsylvania already claimed the very same territory through a purchase they made in 1736. In 1762, roughly two hundred Connecticut settlers (Yankees) established a settlement near Mill Creek. They planted wheat and constructed log cabins. The Yankees returned to New England for the winter.[6] The Connecticut settlers returned in the spring of 1763 with their families and additional supplies. A party of Iroquois also visited the area with the dual purpose of turning the Delaware (Lenape) against the colonists and killing Teedyuscung, a local Delaware chief. On April 19, 1763, the residence of the chief, along with several others, was set ablaze. Chief Teedyuscung perished in the inferno. The Iroquois let the Delaware believe that this atrocity was committed by the settlers. As a result, the Delaware attacked the colonists on October 15, 1763. Thirty settlers were killed, and several others were taken prisoner. Those who managed to escape fled back to New England. The Delaware then burned what was left of the Yankee settlement.[6] In 1769, the Yankees returned to the Wyoming Valley. Five townships were established by Connecticut. Each one was five square miles and divided amongst forty settlers. Wilkes-Barre Township was one of the original townships; it was named in honor of John Wilkes and Isaac Barré—two British members of Parliament who supported colonial America. Pennsylvanians (Pennamites) also arrived in the valley that same year.[6] The Connecticut settlers established Fort Durkee, which was named in honor of their leader (Colonel Durkee). This was immediately followed by a series of skirmishes between the Pennsylvanians and Connecticut settlers. The land changed hands several times between the two groups. The Congress of the Confederation was asked to resolve the matter. With the Decree of Trenton, on December 30, 1782, the confederation government officially decided that the region belonged to Pennsylvania; the Wyoming Valley became part of Northumberland County.[6] Pennsylvania ruled that the Connecticut settlers (Yankees) were not citizens of the Commonwealth. Therefore, they could not vote and were ordered to give up their property claims. In May 1784, armed men from Pennsylvania force-marched the Connecticut settlers away from the valley. By November, the Yankees returned with a greater force. They captured and destroyed Fort Dickinson in Wilkes-Barre. With that victory, a new state (which was separate from both Connecticut and Pennsylvania) was proposed. The new state was to be named Westmoreland. To ensure that they didn't lose the land, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania worked out a compromise with the Connecticut (Yankee) settlers. The Yankee settlers would become citizens of Pennsylvania and their property claims would be restored (prior to the Decree of Trenton). As part of the compromise, Pennsylvania would establish a new county in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Yankees agreed to the terms.[6] On September 25, 1786, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed a resolution which created Luzerne County. It was formed from a section of Northumberland County and named after Chevalier de la Luzerne, a French soldier and diplomat during the 18th century. Wilkes-Barre became the seat of government for the new territory. This resolution ended the idea of creating a new state.[6][7][8] In 1797, several decades after the community's founding, Louis Philippe, later the King of France from 1830 to 1840, stayed in Wilkes-Barre while traveling to the French Asylum settlement.[9] 19th century Panoramic map of Wilkes-Barre (1872) Hotel Sterling (built in 1897) Wilkes-Barre's population skyrocketed due to the discovery of anthracite coal in the 19th century. In 1808, Judge Jesse Fell of Wilkes-Barre discovered a solution to ignite anthracite with the usage of an iron grate; it allowed for the coal to light and burn easier. This invention increased the popularity of anthracite as a fuel source. This led to the expansion of the coal industry in Northeastern Pennsylvania; Wilkes-Barre was nicknamed "The Diamond City" due to its high productivity of mining coal. The growing demand for coal as a domestic heat source resulted in changes to patterns of immigration to Wilkes-Barre in the 19th century. The Pennsylvania guide, compiled by the Writers' Program of the Works Progress Administration in 1940, noted that:[10] Until 1870 all immigration was from the north of Europe, with the Irish predominating. Then mine operators sent representatives to central and southern Europe to induce peasants to come to the American coal fields. Many of the older workers consequently were supplanted by newcomers willing to work for low wages, and bitter conflicts followed. The cleavage along national lines, however, gave to Wilkes-Barre such picturesque sections as Five Points, now East End, where a crowd of miners used to gather nightly on the steps of Mackin Brothers' Store, a scene described by Con Carbon in a popular ballad of the 1890s: And once thy peaceful tide The Far Downs and Connaught men Fight, and then make up again, Dutch and Scotch and English men— All like chickens in a pen. The powder smoke does be so thick, You could not cut it with a pick, The smell of gas would make you sick In front of Mackin's store. — Federal Writers'Project, "Part II: Cities and Towns", Pennsylvania: A Guide to the Keystone State (1940) Throughout the 1800s, canals and railroads were constructed to aid in the mining and transportation of coal. Hundreds of thousands of immigrants flocked to the city; they were seeking jobs in the numerous mines and collieries that sprang up throughout the region. In 1806, Wilkes-Barre Borough was formed from a segment of Wilkes-Barre Township; it was later incorporated as a city in 1871. This was the direct result of the population boom. At its peak, Wilkes-Barre had a population of over 86,000 in the 1930s and 40s. New industries were established and the Vulcan Iron Works was a well-known manufacturer of railway locomotives from 1849 to 1954. During Wilkes-Barre's reign as an industrial and economic force in America, several major companies and franchises became based in the city, such as Woolworth's, Sterling Hotels, Miner's Bank, Bell Telephone, Luzerne National Bank, and Stegmaier.[11] Even though the overall economy was doing very well, the city was still prone to natural disasters. Besides frequent flooding from the Susquehanna River, Wilkes-Barre also endured a devastating F3 tornado on August 19, 1890. The twister killed 16 people, injured 50, damaged or destroyed 260 buildings, and cost at least $240,000 (in 1890 money).[12] 20th century Children working in Wilkes-Barre's coal industry overseen by a man with a whip (1906) South Main Street from Public Square (c. 1940) Wilkes-Barre is located within Pennsylvania's Coal Region. The anthracite coal mining industry, and its extensive use of child labor in the early 20th century, was one of the industries targeted by the National Child Labor Committee and its hired photographer, Lewis Hine. Many of Hine's subjects were photographed in the mines and coal fields near Wilkes-Barre. The impact of the Hine photographs led to the enactment of child labor laws across the country.[13] The coal industry continued despite several disasters, including an explosion at Wilkes-Barre's Baltimore Colliery in 1919, which killed 92 miners. The industry declined when the United States switched to other energy sources, and most coal operations had left Wilkes-Barre by the end of World War II. The 1959 Knox Mine Disaster, resulting in the flooding of numerous mines, marked the end of large-scale coal mining in the area. Industrial restructuring also caused the city to lose jobs and begin a decades-long decline.[14] In 1926, Planters Peanuts Company was founded in Wilkes-Barre by two Italian immigrants. The company maintained its headquarters in the city until 1961.[15] In 1929, baseball player Babe Ruth hit one of the longest home runs in history at Artillery Park in Wilkes-Barre.[16] On November 8, 1972, Wilkes-Barre became the birthplace of modern cable television programming, when Home Box Office (HBO) launched over the city’s Teleservice Cable system (now Service Electric Cable). Around 365 Teleservice subscribers were the first to receive the premium cable service when it commenced broadcasts. (As local ordinances prohibiting direct-to-cable telecasts of theatrical feature films prevented Time-Life from launching HBO over its New York City-based Sterling Manhattan cable franchise, the company initially sought an agreement with Teleservice to launch it on the provider’s Allentown system; possible television blackout conflicts for HBO-televised NBA games, as Allentown was located within the Philadelphia 76ers's 75-mile [121 km] blackout radius, resulted in Teleservice electing to offer it on its Wilkes-Barre system instead.)[17] Wilkes-Barre became the sight of a mass shooting on September 25, 1982. George Emil Banks killed 13 people and wounded one.[18] Banks was deemed incompetent to be executed yet currently resides on death row.[19] Flooding Temporary flood walls on Market Street in Wilkes-Barre (September 2011) Wilkes-Barre during the September 2011 flood Manufacturing and retail remained Wilkes-Barre's strongest industries, but the city's economy took a major blow from Tropical Storm Agnes in 1972. The storm pushed the Susquehanna River to a height of nearly 41 feet (12 m), four feet above the city's levees, flooding downtown with nine feet of water. A total of 128 deaths were attributed to the storm. Most drowning deaths were caused by people trapped in their cars. Almost 400,000 homes and businesses were destroyed and 220,000 Pennsylvanians were left homeless (as were hundreds of thousands in other states). Damage was estimated to be $2.1 billion in Pennsylvania alone. President Richard Nixon sent aid to the area, after flying over in his helicopter on his way to his Camp David retreat (on June 24, 1972).[20][21] Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Wilkes-Barre attempted to prevent the damage from storms as intense as Agnes by building a levee system that rises 41 feet (12 m); completed in January 2003, the network of levees cost roughly $250 million.[22] It has successfully resisted other threatening floods in 1996, 2004, and 2006. The Army Corps of Engineers has praised the quality of the levees. In 2006, the city made the front page of national newspapers when 200,000 residents were told to evacuate in the wake of flooding that was forecast to reach levels near that of 1972, though the flooding fell short of predictions.[23] In late August 2011, Hurricane Irene off the New Jersey coast caused the Susquehanna River to rise to flood level, but there was no cause for alarm. Then, from September 6 to 8, heavy rains from the inland remnants of Tropical Storm Lee and Hurricane Katia offshore funneled heavy rain over the Wyoming Valley and into the Susquehanna River watershed. The Susquehanna swelled to record levels across the state. In Wilkes-Barre, it crested on September 9 at an all-time record of 42.66 feet (13 m),[24] nearly 2 feet (0.6 m) higher than water levels reached during Hurricane Agnes in 1972. The levees protected Wilkes-Barre, but nearby boroughs were not as lucky. West Pittston, Plymouth, and parts of Plains Township were affected by extreme flooding. 21st century Revitalization and construction Judge Edmund Taylor House (built 1895), now part of the River Street Historic District Public Square On June 9, 2005, Mayor Thomas M. Leighton unveiled his "I believe..." campaign for Wilkes-Barre, which was intended to boost the city's spirits. Construction began on a planned downtown theatre complex, which had a grand opening on June 30, 2006. Renovation of the landmark Hotel Sterling was being pursued by CityVest, a nonprofit developer. The expansion of Wilkes University and King's College took place. Also, the canopy and matching street lights in Public Square and across downtown were removed; they were replaced by new green lampposts. The city of Wilkes-Barre celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2006. Several events, including a Beach Boys concert, were planned but canceled due to extremely heavy rains. Most of the city's population was ordered to evacuate on June 28, 2006. The Bicentennial celebration was postponed to Labor Day weekend, September 3, 2006, and was attended by Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell and the Beach Boys. The Riverfront revitalization project (River Common), broke ground in 2007 and was completed in early 2010. It has made the riverfront accessible to the public. The area also has a new amphitheater for live performances and improved access through ramps and sidewalks. Fountains and color-changing lights have been added underneath two bridges which carry pedestrian traffic across the normally-open levee. The project stretches approximately four blocks from the Luzerne County Courthouse to the intersection of South River Street and West South Street. The River Common has since hosted concerts and charity events. Since completion of the River Common, additional improvements to city infrastructure have been progressing. New crosswalks have been installed downtown, including signage emphasizing that pedestrians have the right-of-way. The completion of the James F. Conahan Intermodal Transportation Facility has added parking and relocated Luzerne County buses from their former Public Square staging sites. This has reduced traffic congestion around the square. Private carrier Martz offers coach bus service from the terminal as well.[25] The widening and realignment of Coal Street, a major road connecting Wilkes-Barre City with Wilkes-Barre Township, was completed in 2012. The new Coal Street provides four lanes over the original two lanes, making travel between the highly commercial Wilkes-Barre Township and the city much easier. In 2013, Hotel Sterling was demolished due to flood damage in the hotel's basement (which compromised the building's integrity). As of today, several buildings are in the process of being constructed on the site of the former hotel.[26] Geography The Susquehanna River and Wilkes-Barre City Downtown Wilkes-Barre at night Stegmaier Federal Building Roth Residence Hall McClintock House (built 1841) According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.2 square miles (19 km2), of which 6.8 square miles (18 km2) is land and 0.3 square miles (0.78 km2), or 4.60%, is water. The city is bordered by the Susquehanna River to the west. Most of Downtown is located on a wide floodplain. Floodwalls were constructed to protect a large percentage of the city. The elevation of the downtown area is about 550 feet (170 m) above sea level. As you travel inland, away from the river, the elevation rises. Wilkes-Barre Mountain is a physical barrier southeast of the city. Neighborhoods Wilkes-Barre houses over one dozen neighborhoods: Central City: It is also referred to as "Downtown." This section of the city is located between the Susquehanna River and Wilkes-Barre Boulevard, and between South and North Streets. It is the original foundation of Wilkes-Barre (the 16 blocks claimed by the Connecticut settlers who founded the city). The neighborhood is home to most of the city's high-rises and its one Public Square. Throughout the city's history, the area has remained a hub for all of Luzerne County. During the city's boom, this small area was home to the headquarters of more than 100 national corporations. Today, it still houses the NEPA Headquarters for Verizon, Citizen's Bank, Blue Cross, PNC Bank, Luzerne National Bank, Guard Insurance, and a number of other companies. Thousands of people live and/or work in Downtown Wilkes-Barre every day. North End: This is the area northeast of Downtown. It comprises a number of urban and suburban communities. North End is renowned for its architecture. Parsons: This neighborhood is also northeast of Downtown. This is a quiet part of the city (with a suburban atmosphere). It includes two city parks, a golf course, and a number of factories. Miners' Mills: This community was named after a prominent local family (who lived in the area). Miners' Mills is the last neighborhood on the northeastern border of the city. East End: This neighborhood is directly east of Downtown. East End, Heights, and Mayflower are fairly new areas compared to the rest of the city, having only been developed in the 20th Century. Old pictures of the Stegmaier Building indicate that everything east of Downtown was undeveloped until the 1900s. Heights: This section of the city is located southeast of Downtown. It is centered between East End and Mayflower. Mayflower: This area is located south of Downtown. It was once home to numerous mansions owned by various "bigwigs." Today it houses the OKT, Lincoln Plaza, and Park Avenue residential housing communities. The best view of Downtown can be seen from the high streets of Mayflower. South Wilkes-Barre: This neighborhood is located directly southwest of Downtown. It was home to the national headquarters of Planter's Peanuts and the Bell Telephone Company (in the 20th Century). One of the tallest churches in Luzerne County, St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church, dominates the south end skyline (standing at nearly 200 feet). Goose Island: This area is located in the southwestern section of the city between South Wilkes-Barre and Rolling Mill Hill. Rolling Mill Hill: This neighborhood is also located in the southwestern part of the city. Iron Triangle: This is another community southwest of Downtown. Other neighborhoods and sub-neighborhoods: There are other smaller neighborhoods and sub-neighborhoods in Wilkes-Barre City (e.g., Brookside, Upper Miners' Mills, Lower Miners' Mills, and Barney Farms). Adjacent municipalities Wilkes-Barre Township (southeast) Plains Township (east and northeast) Kingston (north) Edwardsville (northwest) Larksville (west) Hanover Township (southwest) Bear Creek Township (southwest) Climate Wilkes-Barre has a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfa) with four distinct seasons.[27] Winters are cold with a January average of 28.0 °F (−2.2 °C).[28] The surrounding mountains have an influence on the climate (including both precipitation and temperatures), leading to wide variations within a short distance.[29] On average, temperatures below 0 °F (−17.8 °C) are infrequent, occurring 2.5 days per year, and there are 34.9 days where the maximum temperature remains below 32 °F (0.0 °C).[28] The average annual snowfall is 45.1 inches (115 cm) during the winter (in which severe snowstorms are rare).[29][28] However, when snowstorms do occur, they can disrupt normal routines for several days.[29] Summers are warm with a July average of 73.7 °F (23.2 °C).[28] In an average summer, temperatures exceeding 90 °F (32.2 °C) occur on 11.7 days and but rarely exceed 100 °F (37.8 °C).[30] Spring and fall are unpredictable with temperatures ranging from cold to warm (although they are usually mild). On average, Wilkes-Barre receives 38.72 inches (983 mm) of precipitation each year, which is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year (though the summer months receive more precipitation).[30] Extreme temperatures range from −21 °F (−29.4 °C) on January 21, 1994, to 103 °F (39.4 °C) on July 9, 1936.[30] Wilkes-Barre averages 2,303 hours of sunshine per year, ranging from a low of 96 hours in December (or 33% of possible sunshine) to 286 hours in July (or 62% of possible sunshine).[31] vte Climate data for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Int'l Airport, Pennsylvania (1991–2020 normals,[a] extremes 1901–present[b]) Parks and recreation The River Common along the Susquehanna River Wilkes-Barre has a Downtown Riverfront Park system that contains 91 acres of open space.[33] Kirby Park is a public park located along the western bank of the Susquehanna River. Kirby Park is one of the region's most valued recreational resources. Given to the city of Wilkes-Barre by the Kirby Family, the park welcomes hundreds of thousands each year. The park is the setting for the city's annual Cherry Blossom Festival (held during the last weekend of April) and the city's 4th of July Celebration. Its amenities include tennis courts, a fitness trail, pond, walking paths, running track, softball fields, parking area, volleyball courts, pavilions, and more.[34] Nesbitt Park is also located on the west side of the Susquehanna River. It is located across from Kirby Park. Nesbitt is open to the public. It has walking paths and areas for picnicking. The River Common is located along the eastern bank of the Susquehanna River. The Market Street Bridge bisects the park. The River Common joins with the Luzerne County Courthouse grounds. Its features include a 750-person amphitheater, paved walk-ways, gardens, ornamental trees, seating areas, a fishing pier, and two grand gateways connecting the city to the river. Demographics Historical population Census Pop. %± 1800 835 — 1810 1,225 46.7% 1820 755 −38.4% 1840 1,718 — 1850 2,723 58.5% 1860 4,253 56.2% 1870 10,174 139.2% 1880 23,339 129.4% 1890 37,718 61.6% 1900 51,721 37.1% 1910 67,105 29.7% 1920 73,833 10.0% 1930 86,626 17.3% 1940 86,236 −0.5% 1950 76,826 −10.9% 1960 63,068 −17.9% 1970 58,856 −6.7% 1980 51,551 −12.4% 1990 47,523 −7.8% 2000 43,123 −9.3% 2010 41,498 −3.8% 2020 40,766 −1.8% U.S. Decennial Census[35] St. Stephen's Church The city's population has been in constant decline since the 1930s, but the decline has been slowing in recent decades. As of the 2010 census, the city was 79.2% White, 10.9% Black or African American, 0.3% Native American, 1.4% Asian, and 2.9% were two or more races. Of the population, 11.3% were of Hispanic or Latino ancestry.[36] The Hispanic population was just 1.58% of the population as of the 2000 census. As of the 2000 census, there were 43,123 people, 17,961 households, and 9,878 families residing in the city. The population density was 6,296.3 people per square mile (2,430.6/km2). There were 20,294 housing units at an average density of 2,963.1 per square mile (1,143.9/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 92.30% White, 5.09% African American, 0.11% Native American, 0.79% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.53% from other races, and 1.15% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.58% of the population. The average household size was 2.20, and the average family size was 2.96. In the city, the population was spread out, with 19.9% under the age of 18, 12.6% from 18 to 24, 26.1% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 20.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.2 males. For every 100 females (age 18 and over), there were 90.7 males. Dialect The local accent of American English is Northeast Pennsylvania English. Religion More than half (59.3%) of the city's population is religious: 43.8% Catholic, 4.4% Methodist, 3.1% Lutheran, 2.0% Presbyterian, 1.1% Pentecostal, 0.8% Judaism, 0.6% Episcopalian, 0.5% Baptist, 0.5% Islam, and 0.3% The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.[37] Economy As of March 2019, income per capita in Wilkes-Barre was $18,375, compared to the national average of $31,177. Household income was $32,484, compared to the national average of $57,652. Family median income was $42,782, compared to the national average of $70,850. The city's unemployment rate in March 2019 was 6.4%. Recent job growth was 0.8%.[38] 49% of jobs were in sales, office, administrative support, production, transportation, and material moving sectors. In 2016, 30.1% of residents lived below the poverty line, more than double the Pennsylvania average of 12.9%.[39] Large employers in the city include GUARD Insurance Group and Lord & Taylor. Government City government Wilkes-Barre City Hall See also: List of mayors of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Executive The city is headed by an elected mayor, who serves four-year terms. The current mayor is George Brown (Democrat). He has been in office since 2019. Before becoming mayor he was a business man and a former city councilman. Legislative The legislative branch consists of a five-member City Council. They are elected by a single-member district to four-year terms. The following are current members of the council: Bill Barrett, Mike Belusko, Tony Brooks, Beth Gilbert, and John Marconi. Audit and Control The office of Audit and Control is the third branch of Wilkes-Barre City government. It is headed by the City Controller, elected to a four-year term. Darren G. Snyder, the current City Controller, is a Democrat and has been in office since 2016. The City Controller has the following powers and duties: Examine, audit, and verify all books, records, and accounts of the various administrative and legislative units, departments, offices, and officials under the control or supervision of the Mayor or Council, and for this purpose have access to all such books, records, and accounts at any time. Examine and approve for payment all contracts, purchase orders, and other documents by which the City incurs financial obligations, having ascertained before approval that monies have been duly appropriated or provided for, and allotted to meet such obligations. Audit and approve all bills, invoices, payrolls, and other evidence of claims, demands, or charges paid from City funds. Submit reports to the City Council and the Mayor of any records deemed in violation of law or contrary to accepted accounting procedures. Prepare and submit to Council and the Mayor within sixty (60) days of the end of every fiscal year a complete financial statement of the affairs of the City with such comments as the Controller deems appropriate. Employ a Deputy and/or other personnel essential to the accomplishment of his duties. Delegate any duty and/or responsibility to the Deputy Controller that he shall deem necessary. Audit Authorities of the City as he deems appropriate and not contrary to law. Judicial The city of Wilkes-Barre is served by two City Attorneys (Timothy Henry and Maureen Collins). They advise both the mayor and city council. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Wilkes-Barre is 1 in 35. Based on FBI crime data, Wilkes-Barre is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Pennsylvania, Wilkes-Barre has a crime rate that is higher than 91% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes. County government The Luzerne County Courthouse houses the county government. See also: Luzerne County Council and Luzerne County Manager The Luzerne County government operates out of Wilkes-Barre. The city is the administrative center of Luzerne County. The county government is responsible for imposing taxes, providing services to the public, and administering laws and regulations. They govern over a population of nearly 320,000 people. Many government offices are situated within the county courthouse (located at 200 North River Street in Downtown Wilkes-Barre). The Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas also operates out of the same building. On November 2, 2010, the voters of Luzerne County held a referendum on the question of home rule. A total of 51,413 (55.25%) voted in favor of home rule, while another 41,639 (44.75%) voted against the move. This vote was the direct result of the corruption, wasteful spending, higher property taxes, and out-of-control debt facing the county.[40] The home rule charter took effect on January 2, 2012; the Luzerne County Board of Commissioners was abolished and replaced with the new form of government (council–manager government). This government consists of a county council. The council chair, who is appointed by his or her fellow council members, is both the highest-ranking officer on the assembly and the head of county government for ceremonial purposes.[41] The council also appoints and works alongside a full-time manager (who supervises the county's day-to-day operations). The county government is also made up of many other officials (e.g., the county controller, district attorney, and sheriff). State and federal representation See also: Pennsylvania General Assembly and United States Congress State Eddie Day Pashinski (D) represents Wilkes-Barre in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. John T. Yudichak (I) represents the city in the Pennsylvania State Senate. Federal Matthew Cartwright (D) represents Wilkes-Barre on the federal level (in the U.S. House of Representatives). Bob Casey (D) and Pat Toomey (R) represent the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the U.S. Senate. Education Administration Building, King's College Osterhout Free Library in Wilkes-Barre High schools Wilkes-Barre City is part of the Wilkes-Barre Area School District. The district operates three high schools: James M. Coughlin High School G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic) Memorial High School Elmer L. Meyers High School The Diocese of Scranton also has a high school in Wilkes-Barre—Holy Redeemer High School. Colleges The area in and around Wilkes-Barre is home to several colleges and universities: King's College Wilkes University Misericordia University Luzerne County Community College Penn State Wilkes-Barre Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Wilkes Barre Campus Libraries Along with the libraries associated with the colleges, Wilkes-Barre has several libraries. These include three branches of the Osterhout Free Library, with the headquarters for the Luzerne County Library System in the main branch.[42][43][44] Infrastructure Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport Transportation Airports Five international airlines fly from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport in nearby Pittston Township. Smaller, private planes may also use the Wilkes-Barre Wyoming Valley Airport in Forty Fort. Highways Interstate 81 passes north–south near Wilkes-Barre, and the city is also located near the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. It is also about 10 miles (16 km) north of Interstate 80. The North Cross Valley Expressway, starting at the junction of Interstate 81 and Pennsylvania Route 115, carries Pennsylvania Route 309 through northern Wilkes-Barre, connecting the city to Dallas in the north. Route 115 provides access from the Pennsylvania Turnpike's Northeast Extension, but it does not enter Wilkes-Barre city limits. Buses Public transportation is provided by the Luzerne County Transportation Authority. In addition to servicing the city, it provides transportation for the northern half of the county. It also has a connecting bus to Scranton via an interchange at Pittston with the Transit System of Lackawanna County (COLTS), the public transit authority of Lackawanna County. Martz Trailways provides intercity bus service from the Martz Trailways Bus Terminal in downtown Wilkes-Barre to Scranton, New York City, Philadelphia, Atlantic City, and Wind Creek Bethlehem.[45] Rail The city was at one time served by the Lehigh Valley Railroad, Central Railroad of New Jersey, the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad (later Erie Lackawanna Railway), Delaware and Hudson Railway, the Pennsylvania Railroad, the Wilkes-Barre and Eastern Railroad, and the Lackawanna and Wyoming Valley Railroad (known as the Laurel Line). CNJ trains included the Interstate Express (ending in 1957) and local service to Allentown and Philadelphia. The last Lehigh Valley trains were the Black Diamond (ending in 1959), John Wilkes and Maple Leaf (the last two, ending in 1961). The Wilkes-Barre Traction Company formed a streetcar line from Georgetown to Nanticoke and over the river into Plymouth (it ceased operations in the mid-1940s). Today, the Norfolk Southern Railway (which acquired the former Delaware and Hudson line from successor Canadian Pacific Railway) and the Luzerne and Susquehanna Railway (designated-operator of a county-owned shortline) provide freight service within the city. Arts and culture A Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins hockey game at the Mohegan Sun Arena just outside of Wilkes-Barre in Wilkes-Barre Township, PA Mohegan Sun Pocono hotel Local attractions Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts, located on the campus of Wilkes University[46] F. M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts[47] Frederick Stegmaier Mansion[48] Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre[49] Luzerne County Convention and Visitors Bureau Luzerne County Museum[50] Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, Pennsylvania's first slots casino River Street Historic District Stegmaier Brewery Wilkes-Barre station Wyoming Monument Media Times Leader and The Citizens' Voice are the two largest daily newspapers in Wilkes-Barre. The Wyoming Valley's NBC affiliate, WBRE-TV 28, is the only television station licensed to Wilkes-Barre, but WNEP-TV 16 (ABC), WYOU 22 (CBS), WVIA-TV 44 (PBS), and WSWB 38 (CW), all in Scranton, WOLF-TV 56 (Fox) in Hazleton, and WQMY 53 (MyNetworkTV) in Williamsport also serve the city. Wilkes-Barre's radio market is ranked No. 69 by Arbitron's ranking system. There are news, adult alternative, and music radio stations which are receivable in the area. Popular culture Wilkes-Barre's economic plight is featured in the movie Capitalism: A Love Story, directed by Michael Moore.[51] The Wilkes-Barre variation (or Traxler variation, as it is more commonly known) of the Two Knights' Defense is named for the Wilkes-Barre chess club.[52] A hardcore / straight-edge scene with an international influence exists in Wilkes-Barre, notably with bands like Title Fight, Cold World, Dead End Path and One Step Closer, but also with smaller bands like Disengage, Stick Together, Worn, among many others. The album cover of Title Fight's Hyperview is a light-reflective mural installed by the band and the artist John Slaby during 2014 on the side wall of a privately-owned building located at 91 South Main Street. On 16th July 2021, pictures started popping up online of the mural covered by metal brackets and black strips that appear to be ready to hold a billboard being installed by Barletta Outdoor Media LLC. After several complaints from fans and relatives from the band, and after a meeting with the mayor's office, members of the band and other downtown-related officials[53], the company and the town decided to save the mural and to hold the billboard just above, allowing people to come and see it. In a 2014 video directed by Title Fight's guitarist Shane Moran, Slaby discussed the creative process behind the mural. In the TV series Supernatural episode 8.13 "Everyone Hates Hitler," the lead protagonists investigate a case in Wilkes-Barre.[54][55] In the TV series The Office, In the episode "Michael's Birthday", Dwight gives Michael a jersey from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, a local professional hockey team that plays in Wilkes-Barre. Throughout the series there is a magnet that is on the Kitchen Fridge that reads "Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees." In the TV series Days of our Lives, Episode 8/31/2021, Phillip tells Belle that Brady and Chloe are in Wilkes-Barre PA. In the end of the episode Phillip tells them to fuel up the jet for Wilkes-Barre PA." Sports Club League Venue Established Parent Club League Championships Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders IL, Baseball PNC Field 1989 New York Yankees 2 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins AHL, Ice hockey Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza 1999 Pittsburgh Penguins 0[citation needed] Notable people Jane Alexander, lawyer and Pennsylvania state representative George Emil Banks, spree killer Hazel Barnes, philosopher Douglas Carter Beane, playwright[56] Al Bedner, NFL player David Bohm, quantum physicist Benjamin Burnley, lead singer and guitarist for rock band Breaking Benjamin Lillian Cahn, co-founder of Coach, Inc. and Coach handbag designer[57] George Catlin, artist Britton Chance, bio-physicist and Olympic sailor Catherine Chandler, poet Mark Ciavarella, disgraced judge in kids for cash scandal Mark Cohen, street photographer Colleen Corby, 1960s fashion model[58] Mary Helen Peck Crane (1827–1891), activist, writer; mother of Stephen Crane Amasa Dana, former U.S. Congressman Charles B. Dougherty, Army National Guard major general who commanded the 28th Infantry Division Mark Duda, NFL player, Lackawanna College football head coach Francis A. "Mother" Dunn, football player for the Canton Bulldogs Benjamin F. Evans Jr. (1912–1991), U.S. Army Major General, U.S. military’s chief of joint U.S. military aid mission in Turkey.[59] Dave Evans, Hollywood filmmaker most known for the movie The Sandlot Jesse Fell, early experimenter with anthracite coal Pat Finn, game show host whose shows include Lifetime's, The Family Channel's, and PAX's Shop 'til You Drop Ham Fisher, cartoonist Tess Gardella, actress Bob Good, U.S. congressman William Harmatz, jockey, winner of 1959 Preakness Stakes Laning Harvey, Pennsylvania state senator George Washington Helme, businessman and founder of Helmetta, New Jersey Joe Hergert, former professional football player William Henry Hines, U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district from 1893-1895 Raye Hollitt, bodybuilder and actress Qadry Ismail, former NFL wide receiver on the Baltimore Ravens Raghib Ismail, former NFL player and Heisman Trophy runner-up Florence Foster Jenkins, unconventional operatic soprano, subject of film starring Meryl Streep Candy Jones, fashion model, writer, radio personality[60] Dorothy Andrews Elston Kabis, Treasurer of the United States James Karen, actor Mary Holland Kinkaid, journalist Michael J. Kirwan, represented Youngstown, Ohio in Congress, 1938–1970 Franz Kline, abstract expressionist painter Mike Konnick, former MLB player Mary Jo Kopechne, passenger killed in car driven by Ted Kennedy at Chappaquiddick Harley Jane Kozak, actress and author Matthew Lesko, infomercial personality Edward B. Lewis, winner of the 1995 Nobel Prize in physiology and medicine Santo Loquasto, production designer Garrick Mallery, ethnologist Herman Mankiewicz, screenwriter of Citizen Kane Joseph L. Mankiewicz, Academy Award-winning director and producer Al Markim, actor (Tom Corbett, Space Cadet)[61] Mary McDonnell, actress twice nominated for Academy Award Edward Peter McManaman, Roman Catholic bishop Edward Meneeley, painter Albert Mudrian, author and magazine editor Leo C. Mundy, Pennsylvania state senator and physician Jozef Murgas, radio pioneer Claudette Nevins, actress Amedeo Obici, founder of Planters Peanuts Rose O'Neill, cartoonist, illustrator, artist, and writer. Jerry Orbach, Tony award-winning actor Phil Ostrowski, NFL player John Paluck, football player for Washington Redskins and Pro Bowl selection William Daniel Phillips, co-recipient of the 1997 Nobel Prize in Physics Mendy Rudolph, NBA referee from 1953 to 1975 Sam Savitt, equestrian artist, author Michael Schoeffling, actor, played Jake Ryan in film Sixteen Candles Don Schwall, MLB pitcher M. Gerald Schwartzbach, California criminal defense attorney[62] Greg Skrepenak, former NFL player, convicted felon Jonathan Slavin, character actor Ron Solt, former NFL player Jacob Sullum, journalist and author, featured in Academy Award-nominated documentary Super Size Me[63] Bob Sura, basketball player, Houston Rockets Louis Teicher, pianist; member of the duo Ferrante & Teicher Alexis Toth (St. Alexis of Wilkes-Barre), saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church John Walsh, MLB third baseman Helen L. Webster (1853–1928), philologist and educator Michael Whalen, actor Ira W. Wood, represented New Jersey's 4th congressional district from 1904 to 1913[64] Tom Woodeshick, professional football player[65] Frank Zane, bodybuilder, three-time Mr. Olympia, won Mr. America, Mr. Universe, Mr. World; donated gym at Wilkes University See also Luzerne County is a county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 906 square miles (2,350 km2), of which 890 square miles (2,300 km2) is land and 16 square miles (41 km2) is water. It is Northeastern Pennsylvania's second-largest county by total area. As of the 2010 census, the population was 320,918, making it the most populous county in the northeastern part of the state. The county seat and largest city is Wilkes-Barre.[1] Other populous communities include Hazleton, Kingston, Nanticoke, and Pittston. Luzerne County is included in the Scranton–Wilkes-Barre–Hazleton Metropolitan Statistical Area, which has a total population of 555,426 (as of 2017). On September 25, 1786, Luzerne County was formed from part of Northumberland County. It was named after Chevalier de la Luzerne, a French soldier and diplomat during the 18th century. When it was founded, Luzerne County occupied a large portion of Northeastern Pennsylvania. From 1810 to 1878, it was divided into several smaller counties. The counties of Bradford, Lackawanna, Susquehanna, and Wyoming were all formed from parts of Luzerne County.[2][3] The county gained prominence in the 19th and 20th centuries as an active anthracite coal mining region, drawing a large portion of its labor force from European immigrants. At its peak (in 1930), the county's population was 445,109. By the early 21st century, many factories and coal mines were closed. Like most counties in the Rust Belt, Luzerne witnessed population loss and urban decay. Contents 1 History 1.1 18th century 1.1.1 Post-Revolutionary War 1.2 19th century 1.3 20th century 1.4 21st century 2 Geography 2.1 State parks and forests 2.2 Adjacent counties 3 Climate 4 Demographics 4.1 Languages 4.2 Religion 5 Government 5.1 Background 5.2 County Council 5.3 County Manager 5.4 Other county officials 6 Politics 6.1 United States Senate 6.2 United States House of Representatives 6.3 State Senate 6.4 State House of Representatives 7 Public safety 8 Healthcare 8.1 Hospitals 9 Education 9.1 Public school districts 9.2 Charter schools 9.3 Public vocational technical schools 9.4 Private schools 9.5 Colleges and universities 9.6 Libraries 10 Culture 10.1 Local attractions 10.2 Media 10.3 Sports 11 Transportation 11.1 Highways 11.2 Railroads 11.3 Airports 12 Communities 12.1 Cities 12.2 Boroughs 12.3 Townships 12.4 Census-designated places 12.5 Other places 12.6 Population ranking 13 Notable people 14 See also 15 Notes 16 References 17 External links History The Luzerne County Historical Society maintains the storehouse for the collective memory of Luzerne County and its environs. It records and interprets the history, traditions, events, people, and cultures that have directed and molded life within the region.[4] 18th century Further information: Pennamite–Yankee Wars, Battle of Wyoming, Sullivan Expedition, Sugarloaf Massacre, and State of Westmoreland A map of Native American tribes before European arrival. A map of Pennsylvania and the competing land claims. Battle of Wyoming (1778) A map of Pennsylvania in 1792. At the time, Bradford, Lackawanna, Susquehanna, and Wyoming were still part of Luzerne County. Long an area occupied by indigenous peoples, by the 1700s the Wyoming Valley was inhabited by several historical Native American tribes (including the Susquehannock, who spoke Iroquoian language, and the Delaware, who spoke an Algonquian language). In the mid-18th century, Connecticut settlers of primarily English ancestry ventured into the valley. These were the first recorded Europeans in the region. Some came to conduct missionary work with the Native Americans, while others came to farm the fertile land near the Susquehanna River. Ultimately, the violence of the French and Indian War (the North American front of the Seven Years' War between Great Britain and France) drove these Connecticut settlers away.[5] The British colonies of Pennsylvania and Connecticut both claimed the Wyoming Valley as their own. King Charles II of England had granted the land to the Colony of Connecticut in 1662, and also to William Penn (the founder of Pennsylvania) in 1681. In the mid to late eighteenth century, immigrants came also from the British Isles, especially Scots-Irish. Colonists carried out a series of military skirmishes known as the Pennamite-Yankee Wars. By 1769, Yankee settlers from Connecticut returned to the valley and founded the town of Wilkes-Barre. However, they were not alone. Pennsylvanians (Pennamites) were also in the region. Armed bands of Pennsylvanians harassed the Connecticut settlers. While the land dispute continued, a much larger conflict began. The Thirteen Colonies were waging a war of independence against Great Britain (the mother country). Most residents of both Pennsylvania and Connecticut were largely loyal to the cause of American independence. On June 30, 1778, British (Tory) forces, under the command of Colonel John Butler, arrived in the Wyoming Valley to confront the American settlers. The following day — July 1 — the American militia at Fort Wintermute (Wintermoot) surrendered. Several miles away, Fort Jenkins (a Patriot stockade in present-day West Pittston) also capitulated. It was later burned to the ground.[6] On July 3, the British spotted the American militia near Forty Fort. Butler wanted to lure the Americans away from their fortifications. He ordered for Fort Wintermute to be set ablaze. The Patriots, believing it signified a British retreat, advanced rapidly. British soldiers, with the assistance of about 700 Native American allies, mostly from Iroquois nations, ambushed the oncoming American militia. In the end, nearly 300 Wyoming Valley settlers were killed in what would be known as the Wyoming Massacre. Today, in the Borough of Wyoming, a monument marks the gravesite of the victims from the battle.[7] On July 4 — the following morning — the American colonel, Nathan Denison, agreed to surrender Forty Fort along with several other posts. A portion of Fort Pittston (located in present-day Pittston City) was destroyed when it surrendered to the British. Two years later, the Americans stormed the fortification and recaptured it. From then on, it was under Patriot control until the end of the war.[8] In September 1778, revenge for the Wyoming defeat was taken by American Colonel Thomas Hartley. He and his 200 soldiers burned roughly one dozen Iroquois villages along the Susquehanna River (in both Pennsylvania and western New York).[9] Two years later, in September 1780, reports of British (Tory) activity in the region caused Captain Daniel Klader and a platoon of 40 to 50 Patriots (from Northampton County) to investigate. Captain Klader's men made it as far north as present-day Conyngham, when they were ambushed by warriors of the Iroquois Seneca nation and Tory soldiers. Eighteen of Klader's men were killed in what is now known as the Sugarloaf Massacre.[10] Post-Revolutionary War The American Revolutionary War ended three years later (in 1783) with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. With the signing of the treaty, Great Britain finally recognized the sovereignty of the United States of America. The land dispute between Pennsylvania and Connecticut continued after the war. Connecticut established its own county (by the name of Westmoreland) in the Wyoming Valley. However, Pennsylvania insisted that they owned the land. The Congress of the Confederation was asked to resolve the matter. With the Decree of Trenton, on December 30, 1782, the confederation government officially decided that the region belonged to Pennsylvania; the Wyoming Valley became part of Northumberland County. Pennsylvania ruled that the Connecticut settlers (Yankees) were not citizens of the Commonwealth. Therefore, they could not vote and were ordered to give up their property claims. In May 1784, armed men from Pennsylvania force-marched the Connecticut settlers away from the valley. By November, the Yankees returned with a greater force. They captured and destroyed Fort Dickinson in Wilkes-Barre. With that victory, a new state (which was separate from both Connecticut and Pennsylvania) was proposed. The new state was to be named Westmoreland. To ensure that they didn't lose the land, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania worked out a compromise with the Connecticut (Yankee) settlers. The Yankee settlers would be allowed to become citizens of Pennsylvania and their property claims would be restored (prior to the Decree of Trenton). As part of the compromise, Pennsylvania would establish a new county in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Yankees agreed to the terms.[11] On September 25, 1786, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed a resolution which created Luzerne County. It was formed from a section of Northumberland County and named after Chevalier de la Luzerne, a French soldier and diplomat to the American rebels and new government of the independent United States of America during the late 18th century. Wilkes-Barre was designated as the seat of government for the new territory. This resolution ended the idea of creating a new state. When it was founded, Luzerne County occupied a large portion of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The future counties of Bradford, Lackawanna, Susquehanna, and Wyoming were all part of the original Luzerne County.[2][3] In the following years, elections were held, the courts were established, a courthouse was constructed, and a government was formed. In 1787, Lord Butler was elected the first sheriff of Luzerne County. A board of commissioners was also assembled to manage the county government. Some of the first county commissioners included Jesse Fell, Alexander Johnson, John Phillips, John Jenkins, and Thomas Wright (from 1794 to 1796).[12] The population of the new county grew rapidly. In 1790, fewer than 2,000 people resided within the Wyoming Valley. By 1800, the number of residents increased to nearly 13,000.[13] 19th century Further information: History of anthracite coal mining in Pennsylvania, Avondale Mine Disaster, Twin Shaft Disaster, and Lattimer Massacre A coal breaker in Plymouth (built in 1869) Photo taken just before the Lattimer massacre (1897) The county gained prominence in the 19th century as an active anthracite coal mining region. In 1791, German immigrant Philip Ginder stumbled across anthracite (or "hard coal") near Summit Hill. This resulted in the creation of the Lehigh Coal Mine Company. The company had a slow start because of the difficulty in igniting anthracite coal and the inability to transfer it to urban markets. In 1807, Brothers Abijah and John Smith were the first to successfully transport anthracite down the Susquehanna River on an ark. In 1808, Judge Jesse Fell of Wilkes-Barre discovered a solution to ignite anthracite with the usage of an iron grate; it allowed for the coal to light and burn easier. This invention increased the popularity of anthracite as a fuel source. This led to the expansion of the coal industry in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Throughout the 1800s, canals and railroads were constructed to aid in the mining and transportation of coal.[13] As the mining industry grew, a large region north of the Wyoming Valley — close to the New York border — sought independence from Luzerne County. On February 21, 1810, the counties of Bradford — originally called Ontario — and Susquehanna were created from parts of Luzerne County. The two counties were officially formed in 1812.[14][15] Thirty years later, on April 4, 1842, Wyoming County — the region in and around present-day Tunkhannock — was also formed from a section of Luzerne County.[16] The County of Luzerne witnessed a population boom as a result of the growing coal mining industry. Carbondale, with a population of nearly 5,000 residents, was incorporated as a city on March 15, 1851.[17] Scranton, with a population of nearly 35,000, was incorporated as a city on April 23, 1866.[18] And Wilkes-Barre, with a population of just over 10,000, was incorporated as a city in 1871.[19] By 1875, anthracite coal from Luzerne County alone represented half the anthracite produced in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.[13] Since 1839, the people in and around the cities of Scranton and Carbondale sought independence from Luzerne County. Wilkes-Barre was determined to preserve the integrity of the county; it did not want to lose its assets in the region. Decades later, in the 1870s, residents of the proposed territory were allowed to vote for independent status. Voters favored a new county by a proportion of 6 to 1, with Scranton residents providing considerable support. Lackawanna County was finally created from a portion of Luzerne County in 1878.[20] Even through Luzerne County lost a vital region (the coal mining cities of Scranton and Carbondale), its boroughs and townships continued to grow. Hazleton (in 1891)[21] and Pittston (in 1894) were both incorporated as cities due to their expanding populations. Thousands of European immigrants poured into Luzerne County due to the booming coal industry. The growing population quickly attracted the attention of factory owners in New York City and Philadelphia. Dozens of factories throughout Luzerne County were established to take advantage of the ever-increasing pool of available labor. With an increasing population and the build-up of industry in the region, tragedies became more frequent in the second half of the 19th century. Sixteen people were killed — largely in factories — when a devastating F3 tornado struck Wilkes-Barre on August 19, 1890.[22] It was the deadliest tornado in the county's history.[23] The region's first significant mining disaster occurred on September 6, 1869, when a massive fire at the Avondale Colliery in Plymouth Township killed 110 people.[24] Another consequential mining accident occurred on June 28, 1896, when the Newton Coal Company's Twin Shaft Mine in Pittston City caved-in and killed 58 miners.[25][26] Towards the end of the 19th century, labor unrest and union activity intensified in the region. Miners protested poor working conditions and unfair pay. This revved up tensions throughout the county. One of the most notable and deadly confrontations occurred on September 10, 1897 (near Hazleton). Luzerne County Sheriff James Martin formed a posse and fired on a group of unarmed striking miners in what is now known as the Lattimer Massacre. Roughly nineteen people were killed and dozens more were wounded. Luzerne is infamous for being the last county whose sheriff legally formed a posse to restore order in a time of civil unrest.[27] The Wyoming Valley in the 1860s Wilkes-Barre in 1872 Hazleton in 1884 Pittston in 1892 20th century Further information: Coal strike of 1902, Laurel Run mine fire, Baltimore Mine Tunnel Disaster, Erie Railroad Co. v. Tompkins, Knox Mine Disaster, and Hurricane Agnes Children working in Wilkes-Barre's coal industry (1906) Breaker boys in Pittston (1911); the photo was taken by Lewis Hine A historical marker of the 1919 Baltimore Colliery Disaster Nanticoke in the first half of the 20th century. At the beginning of the 20th century, Luzerne County was in the midst of an economic boom. Industry, which included manufacturing and coal mining, drew thousands of immigrants (mostly from Europe) to the region. However, there were several drawbacks to the industrial boom. Labor unrest, mining accidents, and child labor were just a few problems facing the county. Labor disputes led to miners striking in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The Great Strike of 1902 gained national attention when it threatened to shut down the winter fuel supply for major U.S. cities. At that time, residences were typically heated with anthracite (or "hard coal"). The United Mine Workers of America protested for higher wages, shorter workdays, and the recognition of their union. President Theodore Roosevelt became involved and set up a fact-finding commission that suspended the strike. The strike never resumed, as the miners received a ten percent wage increase and reduced workdays (from ten to nine hours). It was the first labor dispute in which the U.S. federal government intervened as a neutral arbitrator.[13] Also, in the early 1900s, the anthracite coal mining industry — and its extensive use of child labor — was one of the industries targeted by the National Child Labor Committee and its hired photographer, Lewis Hine. Many of Hine's subjects were photographed in the mines and coal fields in and around Pittston and Wilkes-Barre. The impact of the Hine photographs led to the enactment of child labor laws across the country.[28] Despite the better working conditions, industrial accidents were still commonplace. On December 6, 1915, an underground mine fire started in the Red Ash Coal Mine near the communities of Laurel Run and Georgetown. Hundreds of residents living near the mine fire were later relocated. The fire continued to burn well into the 21st century.[29] On June 5, 1919, another major mining accident occurred nearby. An explosion killed 92 miners at the Baltimore Colliery in Wilkes-Barre.[30] Regardless of the industrial setbacks, the region continued to grow economically. In 1906, construction began on a new county courthouse in Wilkes-Barre.[31] Twenty years later (in 1926), Nanticoke, with a population of just over 22,000, was incorporated as a city.[32] It was the last city established in the county. By 1930, the county's population peaked at 445,109. It was obvious that industry was the driving force behind the expanding population. From the 1930s to the 1980s, Pittston City emerged as a national center for clothing manufacturing. Thousands of workers, mainly women, labored in many factories throughout the Greater Pittston area. Most were members of the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union (ILGWU). It advocated for higher wages, improvements in workplace health and safety, and employee rights. The ILGWU was active in civic and political life throughout Pennsylvania.[33] Railroad accidents were common throughout the United States in the 1800s and 1900s. In 1934, the right arm of Hughestown resident Harry Tompkins was crushed by an Erie Railroad train. This resulted in the U.S. Supreme Court case Erie Railroad Co. v. Tompkins, which laid the foundation for a large part of modern American civil procedure.[34] As the United States entered the age of mass air transportation, Scranton and Wilkes-Barre (the largest cities in Northeast Pennsylvania) recognized the need for a large-scale airport. Despite the Great Depression and hard times affecting the local coal mining industry, a windfall multimillion-dollar opportunity to plan and build a regional airport was presented to the counties of Luzerne and Lackawanna through the federal government's Public Works Administration. It became apparent that a modern airport would be needed for the economic survival of the region. The site in and around Pittston Township was first surveyed in 1939 by the county commissioners of both counties. In 1941, John B. McDade, president of the Heidelberg Coal Company and father of Congressman Joseph M. McDade, donated 122 acres on which part of the airport now sits. Most of the land was previously owned by various coal companies. By 1945, the two counties entered into a legal agreement to co-sponsor and operate the airport. Between 1945 and 1947, construction of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport took place in and around Pittston Township. Today, the airport is known as the "Gateway to Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Pocono Mountains." It is the fifth busiest airport in Pennsylvania. By the mid-20th century, anthracite production was declining at a steady rate. Consumers were gradually switching from coal to other forms of energy (e.g., oil, gas, and electricity). The Knox Mine Disaster was the final blow to the industry. On January 22, 1959, the Susquehanna River broke through the River Slope Mine in Port Griffith, Jenkins Township; it claimed the lives of twelve people. In the following months, two of the area's largest coal companies announced a full withdrawal from the anthracite business. Thousands of jobs were lost and the mining industry never recovered in Luzerne County.[35] The Wyoming Valley witnessed historical flooding from the Susquehanna River in the past. In June 1972, Hurricane Agnes devastated much of the Eastern Seaboard (including Pennsylvania). The Susquehanna River rose to 40.9 feet and breached the levees of several communities in the Wyoming Valley. In Wilkes-Barre, hundreds were trapped in their homes; nearly nine feet of water inundated Public Square. At the historic cemetery in Forty Fort, 2,000 caskets were washed away, leaving body parts on porches, roofs, and in basements. In Luzerne County alone, 25,000 homes and businesses were either damaged or destroyed. Losses in the county totaled $1 billion.[36] Luzerne County's economy was hit hard with the collapse of the mining industry and the devastating Agnes flood. To make matters worse, factories throughout the county were shutting down. They could not compete with lower labor costs elsewhere. By the end of the 20th century, Luzerne County was in the midst of a recession. Following the Agnes flood (from the 1980s to 2000), two notable tragedies occurred in Luzerne County. The first took place on September 25, 1982, when George Banks killed thirteen people in a shooting rampage in Wilkes-Barre and Jenkins Township.[37] The second incident took place on May 21, 2000, when a plane crash in Bear Creek Township (near the intersection of Bear Creek Boulevard — PA Route 115 — and the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike) killed the pilot as well as all nineteen passengers.[38] 21st century Further information: Rust Belt, Kids for cash scandal, Borough of Duryea v. Guarnieri, and Tropical Storm Lee (2011) Ashley's abandoned Huber coal breaker in 2008 Levees and temporary flood walls protected Wilkes-Barre from flooding in September 2011. Many factories and coal mines were long since closed by the turn of the 21st century. Like most regions in the Rust Belt, Luzerne County witnessed population loss and urban decay over many decades beginning in the mid-20th century. Luzerne County in particular had reached the apex of its population around 1930. However, despite continuing population loss in recent years, the economy has grown moderately; warehousing has replaced manufacturing as the main industry.[39] In the late 2000s, several scandals related to public corruption, cronyism, patronage hiring, and wasteful spending affected the county.[40] The "kids for cash" scandal unfolded in 2008 over judicial kickbacks at the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas in Wilkes-Barre. Two judges, President Judge Mark Ciavarella and Senior Judge Michael Conahan, were convicted of accepting money from Robert Mericle, builder of two private, for-profit youth centers for the detention of juveniles, in return for contracting with the facilities and imposing harsh adjudications on juveniles brought before their courts to increase the number of residents in the centers.[41] In the following years, additional county officials faced criminal charges (e.g., a clerk of courts, a deputy chief clerk, a director of human resources). County Commissioner Greg Skrepenak resigned in 2009; he was ultimately sentenced to prison for accepting money from a developer who received government-backed financing. In May 2009, voters approved the creation of a government study commission. The commission proposed and wrote a home rule charter for Luzerne County. On November 2, 2010, the voters of Luzerne County held a referendum on the question of home rule. A total of 51,413 (55.25%) voted in favor of home rule, while another 41,639 (44.75%) voted against the move.[42] The home rule charter would eliminate the positions of the three county commissioners; they would be replaced by an eleven-member county council (who will appoint and work alongside a county manager). This referendum "starts a new chapter in Luzerne County history," remarked James Haggerty, the chairman of the commission that wrote and proposed the charter. The first election for the new government was scheduled for 2011 — which ended up becoming an eventful year for Luzerne County. From March to June of that year, the Borough of Duryea received national attention for its role in the landmark Supreme Court case Borough of Duryea v. Guarnieri, in which the court stated that "a government employer's allegedly retaliatory actions against an employee do not give rise to liability under the Petition Clause unless the employee's petition relates to a matter of public concern."[43] The second major event occurred in September 2011, when Luzerne County witnessed historical flooding from Tropical Storm Lee. The Susquehanna River reached a record high of 42.6 feet (13 meters) in Wilkes-Barre. The river topped the 40.9-foot (12.5 meters) level in flooding caused by Hurricane Agnes in 1972. However, unlike 1972, the levee system in Wilkes-Barre and several other communities held. Those municipalities without a levee system witnessed severe flooding.[44][45][46] The first general election for Luzerne County Council was held on November 8, making it the third and final consequential event of 2011. In the end, six Democrats, four Republicans, and one independent politician were elected. The home rule charter took effect on January 2, 2012. The Luzerne County Board of Commissioners was abolished and replaced with the new form of government (council–manager government). The last three commissioners were Chairwoman Maryanne Petrilla, Stephen A. Urban, and Thomas Cooney. The first eleven council members were sworn in that same day. According to the charter, the council chair is "recognized as head of the county government for ceremonial purposes."[47] The first council chair was Jim Bobeck.[48] During the first council meeting, Tom Pribula was appointed interim county manager.[49] Several weeks later, the council officially appointed the first permanent manager (Robert Lawton).[50] Geography The Susquehanna River from the Mocanaqua Loop Trail (in Conyngham Township) Scenery of Dallas Township Nuremberg from the south Boats on Harveys Lake Photo of two red canoes on a sandy lake shore lined with trees. There are other canoes, kayaks and boats in the background, with a blue sky above. Canoes on the shores of Lake Jean (in Ricketts Glen State Park) According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 906 square miles (2,350 km2), of which 890 square miles (2,300 km2) is land and 16 square miles (41 km2), or 1.8%, is water.[51] The highest point in the county is Cherry Ridge in Fairmount Township. The ridge is 2,460 feet (750 m) above sea level.[52] The lowest point, of about 512 feet (156 m), can be found near Shickshinny. Luzerne County consists of 76 independently governing municipalities (which includes 4 cities, 36 boroughs, and 36 townships). Wilkes-Barre is the largest city; it has a total area of 7.2 square miles (19 km2). Pittston, with a total area of 1.7 square miles (4.4 km2), is the smallest city. Harveys Lake is the largest borough; it has a total area of 6.2 square miles (16 km2). Jeddo, with a total area of 0.3 square miles (0.78 km2), is the smallest borough. Bear Creek is the largest township; it has a total area of 67.8 square miles (176 km2). Wilkes-Barre Township, with a total area of 2.9 square miles (7.5 km2), is the smallest. The Wyoming Valley – also referred to as the Anthracite Valley Section of Pennsylvania – runs directly through Luzerne County. It extends from the northeastern border (with Lackawanna County) to the western border (with Columbia County). The valley is flat (at the Susquehanna Basin) and rises from 512 feet (156 m) to 2,000 feet (610 m) in some places. Bear Creek, on the eastern side of the valley, has a mean elevation of about 2,000 feet (610 m), while Shickshinny, on the Susquehanna Basin, is about 512 feet (156 m). The county is crossed by a series of east-to-west mountains (e.g., Buck Mountain, Nescopeck Mountain, Penobscot Knob, and Red Rock Mountain). They are all part of the Appalachian Mountain Range. The Susquehanna River is the largest river in the county. There are several islands located within the river; for example, Scovell Island (near Pittston), Monocanock Island (near Wyoming), and Richard Island (near Wilkes-Barre). The Susquehanna drains most of the county (including Bowman Creek, Huntington Creek, the Lackawanna River, Nescopeck Creek, Solomon Creek, and many other streams). The Lehigh River, which forms part of Luzerne County's southeastern border, drains the easternmost region. Dozens of lakes and ponds are also scattered throughout the county (e.g., Harveys Lake, Lake Jean, Lake Louise, and Long Pond). Luzerne County consists of several urban areas. The first is a contiguous quilt-work of former anthracite coal mining communities (including the cities of Pittston, Wilkes-Barre, and Nanticoke). It is located in the northeastern and central part of the county (in the Wyoming Valley). The second is Hazleton and it is located in the southern portion of the county. Other urban areas include the Back Mountain (in northern Luzerne County) and Mountain Top (between Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton). Thick forests and small farming communities are located just outside the urban centers. State parks and forests There are four state parks in Luzerne County: Frances Slocum State Park (northern Luzerne County) Lehigh Gorge State Park (eastern Luzerne County) Nescopeck State Park (southern Luzerne County) Ricketts Glen State Park (western Luzerne County) There is only one state forest in Luzerne County: Pinchot State Forest, which includes Moon Lake Park and Seven Tubs Recreation Area Other recreational areas: Bear Creek Camp Conservation Area Lehigh Gorge Trail Susquehanna Warrior Trail[53] Adjacent counties Carbon County (southeast) Columbia County (west) Lackawanna County (northeast) Monroe County (east) Schuylkill County (south) Sullivan County (northwest) Wyoming County (north) Adams Falls, Ricketts Glen State Park Grand View Trail, Ricketts Glen State Park Hayfields, Ricketts Glen State Park Summit of Mount Yeager, Nescopeck State Park Climate A beach on Lake Jean Luzerne County has a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfa/mostly Dfb) with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold with a January average of 25.8 °F (−3.4 °C).[54] The surrounding mountains have an influence on the climate (which includes both precipitation and temperature). This results in a wide array of weather conditions throughout the county.[55] On average, temperatures below 0 °F (−17.8 °C) are infrequent, occurring 3 days per year, and there are 36 days where the maximum temperature remains below 32 °F (0.0 °C).[55] In the Wilkes-Barre area, the average annual snowfall is 46.2 inches (117 cm) during the winter (in which severe snowstorms are rare).[55] However, when snowstorms do occur, they can disrupt normal routines for several days.[55] Summers are warm with a July average of 71.4 °F (21.9 °C).[54] In an average summer, temperatures exceeding 90 °F (32.2 °C) occur on 9 days and can occasionally exceed 100 °F (37.8 °C).[56] Spring and fall are unpredictable with temperatures ranging from cold to warm (although they are usually mild). On average, Wilkes-Barre receives 38.2 inches (970 mm) of precipitation each year, which is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year (though the summer months receive more precipitation).[56] Extreme temperatures range from −21 °F (−29.4 °C) on January 21, 1994, to 103 °F (39.4 °C) on July 9, 1936.[56] The hardiness zone in most of the county is 6a and ranges from 5a to 6b. [1] Wilkes-Barre averages 2,303 hours of sunshine per year, ranging from a low of 96 hours in December (or 33% of possible sunshine) to 286 hours in July (or 62% of possible sunshine). Despite being at the south end of the county, Hazleton's temperatures average lower than those of the Wyoming Valley due to its elevation. vte Climate data for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Int'l Airport, Pennsylvania (1991–2020 normals,[a] extremes 1901–present[b]) Climate data for Hazleton, Luzerne County, PA Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Average high °F (°C) 31.9 (−0.1) 35.4 (1.9) 44.1 (6.7) 57.4 (14.1) 68.1 (20.1) 75.8 (24.3) 79.7 (26.5) 77.5 (25.3) 70.8 (21.6) 59.7 (15.4) 47.8 (8.8) 36.3 (2.4) 57.1 (13.9) Daily mean °F (°C) 23.8 (−4.6) 26.9 (−2.8) 34.4 (1.3) 46.7 (8.2) 57.3 (14.1) 65.6 (18.7) 70.0 (21.1) 68.1 (20.1) 61.1 (16.2) 49.8 (9.9) 39.5 (4.2) 28.5 (−1.9) 47.7 (8.7) Average low °F (°C) 15.7 (−9.1) 18.3 (−7.6) 24.7 (−4.1) 36.0 (2.2) 46.6 (8.1) 55.4 (13.0) 60.4 (15.8) 58.6 (14.8) 51.4 (10.8) 39.9 (4.4) 31.3 (−0.4) 20.7 (−6.3) 38.3 (3.5) Average precipitation inches (mm) 3.20 (81) 2.90 (74) 3.55 (90) 4.43 (113) 4.47 (114) 5.19 (132) 4.43 (113) 4.34 (110) 4.78 (121) 4.49 (114) 4.24 (108) 3.71 (94) 49.73 (1,263) Average relative humidity (%) 74.6 69.0 64.9 61.1 64.7 73.2 73.7 77.0 77.7 74.2 73.4 75.7 71.6 Source: PRISM Climate Group[59] Demographics Average household income by county in Pennsylvania. Data shown is from the 2014 American Community Survey (a 5-year estimate). Luzerne County can be seen in the northeast. Historical population Census Pop. %± 1790 4,892 — 1800 12,839 162.4% 1810 18,109 41.0% 1820 20,027 10.6% 1830 27,379 36.7% 1840 44,006 60.7% 1850 56,072 27.4% 1860 90,244 60.9% 1870 160,915 78.3% 1880 133,065 −17.3% 1890 201,203 51.2% 1900 257,121 27.8% 1910 343,186 33.5% 1920 390,991 13.9% 1930 445,109 13.8% 1940 441,518 −0.8% 1950 392,241 −11.2% 1960 346,972 −11.5% 1970 342,301 −1.3% 1980 343,079 0.2% 1990 328,149 −4.4% 2000 319,255 −2.7% 2010 320,918 0.5% 2020 325,594 1.5% Sources:[60][61][62][63] As of the 2010 census, the county was 90.7% White, 3.4% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 1.0% Asian, 3.3% other race, and 1.5% were of two or more races. 6.7% of the population were of Hispanic or Latino ancestry.[64] According to the census of 2000, there were 319,250 people, 130,687 households, and 84,293 families residing in the county. The population density was 358 people per square mile (138/km2). There were 144,686 housing units at an average density of 162 per square mile (63/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 96.63% White, 1.69% Black or African American, 0.09% Native American, 0.58% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.43% other race, and 0.57% from two or more races. 1.16% of the population were Hispanic or Latino. 22.2% were of Polish ancestry, 15.6% of Italian ancestry, 13.8% of Irish ancestry, 12.1% of German ancestry, and 5.3% of Slovak ancestry. Luzerne County is the only county in the United States with a plurality of citizens reporting Polish as their primary ancestry;[65] the plurality of Pennsylvanians report German or Pennsylvania Dutch. There were 130,687 households, out of which 48.80% were married couples living together. 11.50% had a female householder with no husband present. 35.50% were non-families. 31.30% of all households were made up of individuals. 16% of those age 65 years and older lived alone. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.95. In the county, the population consisted of 21% under the age of 18, 8.10% from 18 to 24, 27.20% from 25 to 44, 24% from 45 to 64, and 19.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 93 males. For every 100 females (age 18 and over), there were 89.50 males. The median household income (in 2015 dollars) was $45,897. 15.1% of the population lives in poverty. 60.4% of those 16 years of age or older are in the civilian labor force. There are more white collar jobs in Luzerne County than blue collar jobs. In total, there are 91,801 white collar jobs and 62,813 blue collar jobs.[66] The mean travel time to work (for those 16 years of age or older) was 22.1 minutes. In terms of education, 88.9% (of those 25 years of age or older) are high school graduates or higher. 21.4% (of those 25 years of age or older) have a bachelor's degree or higher. In terms of healthcare, 10.8% (for those under the age of 65) are living with a disability. As of 2015, 25,317 veterans are living in Luzerne County.[67] Languages The two major languages spoken in Luzerne County are English and Spanish. 5.8% of the population speaks Spanish at home. Most of the Spanish speaking population can be found in and around the City of Hazleton.[68] Religion 59.27% of the people in Luzerne County are religious, meaning they affiliate with a religion. 43.77% are Catholic; 0.28% are LDS (or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints); 0.51% are Baptist; 0.55% are Episcopalian; 1.05% are Pentecostal; 3.11% are Lutheran; 4.40% are Methodist; 1.95% are Presbyterian; 2.33% are of some other Christian faith; 0.78% are Jewish; 0.00% are of an eastern faith; and 0.51% practice Islam.[69] Government Luzerne County Courthouse in Wilkes-Barre The courthouse dome amid the Wilkes-Barre skyline Background Luzerne County voters rejected home rule proposals in the past (once in 1974 and again in 2003). However, from 2008 to 2010, corruption plagued the county government. Three county judges, a county commissioner, a clerk of courts, a deputy chief clerk, and a director of human resources faced criminal charges. These events persuaded the voters of Luzerne County to adopt a new form of government. On Tuesday, November 2, 2010, a home rule charter was adopted by a margin of 51,413 to 41,639.[70][42] The following year (in 2011), the first election for the new government was held. On Monday, January 2, 2012, the previous government (the board of county commissioners) was abolished and replaced with the new form of government (council–manager government). The first members of the Luzerne County Council were sworn in that same day. The council's highest-ranking officer is the chair; he or she is also the head of county government for ceremonial purposes. The first council chair was Jim Bobeck.[48] The assembly consists of eleven elected members. They appoint and work alongside a full-time manager. The manager oversees the county's day-to-day operations. The first manager was Robert Lawton.[50] County Council Main articles: Luzerne County Council and Luzerne County Council elections Luzerne County Council is the governing body of the county. The council meets at the Luzerne County Courthouse. There are eleven members on the assembly — six Republicans and five Democrats. Each member is duly elected by the voters of the county. The chair is appointed by his or her fellow council members. The chair is both the highest-ranking officer on the council and the head of county government for ceremonial purposes.[47] He or she sets the agenda for the council and administers the meetings. When the group is not in session, the officer's duties often include acting as its representative to the outside world and its spokesperson. The current chair is Tim McGinley.[71] Current council members [72] Council member Tenure Party Notes Tim McGinley 2012–present Democratic Chair Chris R. Perry 2018–present Republican Vice Chair Walter L. Griffith Jr. 2020–present Republican Harry Haas 2012–present Republican Linda McClosky Houck 2012–present Democratic Lee Ann McDermott 2020–present Republican Kendra M. Radle 2020–present Republican Sheila Saidman 2018–present Democratic Robert Schnee 2016–present Democratic Stephen J. Urban 2012–2016, 2020–present Republican Matthew Vough 2018–present Democratic List of chairs Chair Tenure Party Notes 1 Jim Bobeck 2012 Democratic 2 Tim McGinley 2012–2014 Democratic 3 Rick Morelli 2014–2015 Republican 4 Linda McClosky Houck 2015–2018 Democratic First female chair 5 Tim McGinley 2018–present Democratic County Manager Main article: Luzerne County Manager The executive branch is headed by the Luzerne County Manager. The manager supervises the county's day-to-day operations. According to the home rule charter, he or she "shall serve at the pleasure of county council."[47] In other words, the council has the power to appoint and remove the manager.[73] Each ordinance, resolution, and policy established by county council should be faithfully executed by the county manager. The manager may make recommendations to the council; however, he or she does not have the authority to vote on or veto any legislation originating from the assembly.[47] The current acting manager is Romilda P. Crocamo.[74] Other county officials Controller: Michelle Bednar Director of Human Resources: Angela Gavlick District Attorney: Stefanie J. Salavantis Chief Public Defender: Steven M. Greenwald Sheriff: Brian M. Szumski Luzerne County Courthouse Luzerne County Courthouse (October 2009) The Susquehanna River and the Wilkes-Barre skyline; the courthouse is in the background Politics Presidential election results As of November 2019, there were 208,965 registered voters in Luzerne County.[76] Democratic: 105,548 (50.51%) Republican: 77,576 (37.12%) Other parties or nonpartisan: 25,841 (12.37%) The Democratic Party has been historically dominant in county-level politics. However, during the 2019 Luzerne County Council election, Republicans — for the first time — secured a majority on council, the county's governing body. Thomas Baldino, professor emeritus of political science at Wilkes University, suspected that the 2019 Luzerne County Council election results were due to the trending Republican preference in the county (mostly due to then-President Trump's popularity in the region).[77][78] During presidential elections, the county is considered a bellwether of the state. Until 2020, it had voted for the presidential candidate who carried Pennsylvania in every election since 1936. Luzerne County has leaned Democratic in past presidential elections; however, that trend has changed in recent years. During the 2000 U.S. presidential election, Democrat Al Gore won 52% of the vote to Republican George W. Bush's 44%. In 2004, it was much closer, with Democrat John Kerry winning 51% to Republican George Bush's 48%. Democrat Barack Obama carried the county twice (once in 2008, and again in 2012). During the 2016 presidential election, the county swung dramatically to Republican Donald Trump, who won it with 58% of the vote, the largest margin since President Richard Nixon in 1972. It was the first time a Republican presidential candidate carried the county since 1988. Trump won the county almost as easily in 2020. In recent years, Luzerne County has witnessed mixed results in U.S. senate elections. In 2000, 2004, 2016, and 2018, the Republican candidates for U.S. senate won the county. However, Democratic candidates for U.S. senate carried the county in 2006 (with 60.6% of the vote), 2010, and 2012. Democratic candidates for Pennsylvania governor won Luzerne County in 2002, 2006 (with 67.5% of the vote), 2014, and 2018. In recent years, the county voted for a Republican gubernatorial candidate only once (in 2010). United States Senate Bob Casey, D Pat Toomey, R United States House of Representatives Matthew Cartwright, D, Pennsylvania's 8th congressional district Dan Meuser, R, Pennsylvania's 9th congressional district State Senate John Yudichak, I, Pennsylvania's 14th Senatorial District Lisa Baker, R, Pennsylvania's 20th Senatorial District John Blake, D, Pennsylvania's 22nd Senatorial District John Gordner, R, Pennsylvania's 27th Senatorial District State House of Representatives Tarah Toohil, R, Pennsylvania's 116th Representative District Karen Boback, R, Pennsylvania's 117th Representative District Michael B. Carroll, D, Pennsylvania's 118th Representative District Gerald Mullery, D, Pennsylvania's 119th Representative District Aaron Kaufer, R, Pennsylvania's 120th Representative District Eddie Day Pashinski, D, Pennsylvania's 121st Representative District Public safety A volunteer fire department in Mocanaqua There are many fire and police departments scattered throughout Luzerne County.[79] Each individual community (city, borough, and township) determines the boundaries of each department. The firefighters provide fire protection for its citizens. Most fire departments are headed by a fire chief and are staffed by a combination of career and volunteer firefighters. The police provide full-time protection to its citizens, visitors, businesses, and public property. Most departments are headed by a chief of police and operate out of their local municipal building. The Luzerne County Sheriff's Office operates out of Wilkes-Barre's Luzerne County Courthouse. The sheriff is an official who is responsible for keeping the peace and enforcing the law throughout the county.[80] After Luzerne County adopted a home rule charter, the office of sheriff became an appointed position (and was no longer an elected one). The Pennsylvania State Police also have a presence in the county. Troop P operates out of the northern half of Luzerne County and is headquartered in Hanover Twp. as PSP Wilkes-Barre. There are also another Troop P barracks located in Salem Twp. as PSP Shickshinny. Troop N operates out of the southern portion of the county and is headquartered in West Hazleton Borough as PSP Hazleton. Healthcare Mercy Hospital in Wilkes-Barre (during the early 20th century) Hospitals First Hospital in Kingston, an affiliate of Commonwealth Health (psychiatric care only) Geisinger South Wilkes Barre Hospital (GSWB), formerly Mercy Hospital Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (GWV) in Plains Township Hazleton General Hospital (Lehigh Valley Health Network) Nanticoke Special Care Hospital, an affiliate of Commonwealth Health VA Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, an affiliate of Commonwealth Health Education Map of Luzerne County School Districts Carpenter Hall, Wyoming Seminary Administration Building, King's College Hazleton Area Public Library Public school districts Berwick Area School District (also in Columbia County) Crestwood School District Dallas School District Greater Nanticoke Area School District Hanover Area School District Hazleton Area School District (also in Carbon and Schuylkill Counties) Lake-Lehman School District (also in Wyoming County) Northwest Area School District Pittston Area School District Wilkes-Barre Area School District Wyoming Area School District (also in Wyoming County) Wyoming Valley West School District Charter schools Bear Creek Community Charter School, Bear Creek Township Public vocational technical schools West Side Career and Technology Center, Pringle Private schools Graham Academy, Kingston Holy Cross High School, located in Lackawanna County; it serves Luzerne County residents Holy Redeemer High School, Wilkes-Barre Jenny Lynn Ferraro Academy, Kingston Milford E. Barnes Junior School, Wilkes-Barre MMI Preparatory School, Freeland New Story School, Wyoming Wilkes-Barre Academy, Wilkes-Barre Wyoming Seminary, Forty Fort and Kingston[81] Colleges and universities Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Wilkes-Barre King's College, Wilkes-Barre Luzerne County Community College, Nanticoke McCann School of Business & Technology, Wilkes-Barre Misericordia University, Dallas Penn State Hazleton, Hazleton Penn State Wilkes-Barre, Lehman Township Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre Libraries The Luzerne County Library System includes the following locations:[82][83] Back Mountain Memorial Library, Back Mountain Hazleton Area Public Library, Hazleton Hoyt Library, Kingston Marian Sutherland Kirby Library, Mountain Top Mill Memorial Library, Nanticoke Osterhout Free Library, Wilkes-Barre Pittston Memorial Library, Pittston Plymouth Public Library, Plymouth West Pittston Library, West Pittston Wyoming Free Library, Wyoming Culture A Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins hockey game at the Mohegan Sun Arena A hotel near the Mohegan Sun casino Wilkes-Barre's Public Square Local attractions Main article: National Register of Historic Places listings in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania Bear Creek Village Historic District, Bear Creek Village Bittenbender Covered Bridge, Huntington Township Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts, located on the campus of Wilkes University (in Wilkes-Barre)[84] Eckley Miners' Village, Foster Township F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre[85] Frederick Stegmaier Mansion, Wilkes-Barre[86] Giants Despair Hillclimb, Laurel Run Kingston Armory, Kingston Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre, Wilkes-Barre[87] Luzerne County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Wilkes-Barre Luzerne County Museum, Wilkes-Barre[88] Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre Township Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, Plains Township Public Square, Wilkes-Barre River Street Historic District, Wilkes-Barre Stegmaier Brewery, Wilkes-Barre Swetland Homestead, Wyoming Wilkes-Barre station, Wilkes-Barre Wyoming Monument, Wyoming Wyoming Valley Mall, Wilkes-Barre Township Media The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area is the 55th-largest U.S. television market.[89] Local television stations[90] include: WNEP-TV (ABC affiliate), WBRE-TV (NBC affiliate), WYOU-TV (CBS affiliate), WVIA-TV (PBS affiliate), WOLF-TV (FOX affiliate), WQMY (MyNetworkTV affiliate), WSWB (CW affiliate), WQPX (Ion Television affiliate), and WYLN-LP (Youtoo TV affiliate). Times Leader and The Citizens' Voice are the two largest daily newspapers in the Wilkes-Barre area. Wilkes-Barre's radio market is ranked No. 69 by Arbitron's ranking system. There are news, adult alternative, and music radio stations which are receivable in the area. Sports Team name League Sport Venue Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins AHL Ice Hockey Mohegan Sun Arena Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders IL Baseball PNC Field Transportation PA 29 in Lake Township A train travels underneath the Firefighters' Memorial Bridge in Pittston Highways  I-80  I-81  I-476 / Penna Turnpike NE Extension  US 11  PA 29  PA 92  PA 93  PA 115  PA 118  PA 239  PA 309  PA 315  PA 339  PA 415  PA 424  PA 437  PA 487  PA 502  PA 924  PA 940 Railroads Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) Delaware and Hudson Railway (DH) Luzerne and Susquehanna Railway (LS) Norfolk Southern Railway (NS) North Shore Railroad (NSHR) Reading Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad (RBMN) Airports Hazleton Municipal Airport Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport Wilkes-Barre Wyoming Valley Airport Interstate 80 in southern Luzerne County Specialist Dale J. Kridlo Bridge (U.S. Route 11) North Cross Valley Expressway (PA 309) Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport Communities Wilkes-Barre, the county seat and largest city of Luzerne County Hazleton, the second largest city in Luzerne County Nanticoke, the third largest city Pittston, the fourth largest city A map of Luzerne County—with municipal labels—showing cities/boroughs (red), townships (white), and census-designated places/regions (blue). Luzerne County contains the second highest number of independently governing municipalities in the state of Pennsylvania, with 76; only Allegheny County has more.[91] Under Pennsylvania law, there are four types of incorporated municipalities: cities, boroughs, townships, and, in the case of Bloomsburg, towns. The following cities, boroughs, and townships are located in Luzerne County: Cities Hazleton Nanticoke Pittston Wilkes-Barre (county seat) Boroughs Ashley Avoca Bear Creek Village Conyngham Courtdale Dallas Dupont Duryea Edwardsville Exeter Forty Fort Freeland Harveys Lake Hughestown Jeddo Kingston Laflin Larksville Laurel Run Luzerne Nescopeck New Columbus Nuangola Penn Lake Park Plymouth Pringle Shickshinny Sugar Notch Swoyersville Warrior Run West Hazleton West Pittston West Wyoming White Haven Wyoming Yatesville Townships Bear Creek Black Creek Buck Butler Conyngham Dallas Dennison Dorrance Exeter Fairmount Fairview Foster Franklin Hanover Hazle Hollenback Hunlock Huntington Jackson Jenkins Kingston Lake Lehman Nescopeck Newport Pittston Plains Plymouth Rice Ross Salem Slocum Sugarloaf Union Wilkes-Barre Wright Census-designated places Census-designated places are geographical areas designated by the U.S. Census Bureau for the purposes of compiling demographic data. They are not actual jurisdictions under Pennsylvania law. Beech Mountain Lakes Browntown Chase East Berwick Georgetown Glen Lyon Harleigh Hickory Hills Hilldale Hudson Huntington Mills Inkerman Lattimer Mocanaqua Mountain Top Nuremberg Pardeesville Pikes Creek Plains Shavertown Sheatown Silkworth Trucksville Upper Exeter Wanamie West Nanticoke Weston Other places Alden Back Mountain Beach Haven Breslau Cambra Cranberry Drifton Drums Ebervale Glen Summit Springs Greater Pittston Harveyville Humboldt Hunlock Creek Japan Kis-Lyn Koonsville Korn Krest Kunkle Lehman Milnesville Moosehead Mossville Mountain Grove Old Boston Port Griffith Rock Glen Saint Johns Sandy Run Suscon Sweet Valley Sybertsville Tomhicken Wapwallopen Waterton Zenith Population ranking The population ranking of the following table is based on the 2010 census of Luzerne County.[92] † county seat Rank City/Borough/Township Municipal type Population (2010 census) 1 † Wilkes-Barre City 41,498 2 Hazleton City 25,340 3 Kingston Borough 13,182 4 Hanover Township Township 11,076 5 Nanticoke City 10,465 6 Plains Township Township 9,961 7 Hazle Township Township 9,549 8 Butler Township Township 9,221 9 Dallas Township Township 8,994 10 Pittston City 7,739 11 Kingston Township Township 6,999 12 Plymouth Borough 5,951 13 Exeter Borough 5,652 14 Wright Township Township 5,651 15 Newport Township Township 5,374 16 Swoyersville Borough 5,062 17 Duryea Borough 4,917 18 West Pittston Borough 4,868 19 Edwardsville Borough 4,816 20 Jackson Township Township 4,646 21 West Hazleton Borough 4,594 22 Fairview Township Township 4,520 23 Larksville Borough 4,480 24 Jenkins Township Township 4,442 25 Salem Township Township 4,254 26 Forty Fort Borough 4,214 27 Sugarloaf Township Township 4,211 28 Freeland Borough 3,531 29 Lehman Township Township 3,508 30 Foster Township Township 3,467 31 Pittston Township Township 3,368 32 Rice Township Township 3,335 33 Wyoming Borough 3,073 34 Wilkes-Barre Township Township 2,967 35 Ross Township Township 2,937 36 Luzerne Borough 2,845 37 Dallas Borough 2,804 38 Harveys Lake Borough 2,791 39 Ashley Borough 2,790 40 Bear Creek Township Township 2,774 41 West Wyoming Borough 2,725 42 Dupont Borough 2,711 43 Avoca Borough 2,661 44 Hunlock Township Township 2,443 45 Exeter Township Township 2,378 46 Huntington Township Township 2,244 47 Dorrance Township Township 2,188 48 Lake Township Township 2,049 49 Union Township Township 2,042 50 Black Creek Township Township 2,016 51 Conyngham Borough 1,914 52 Plymouth Township Township 1,812 53 Franklin Township Township 1,757 54 Nescopeck Borough 1,583 55 Laflin Borough 1,487 56 Conyngham Township Township 1,453 57 Hughestown Borough 1,392 58 Fairmount Township Township 1,276 59 Hollenback Township Township 1,196 60 Nescopeck Township Township 1,155 61 Dennison Township Township 1,125 62 Slocum Township Township 1,115 63 White Haven Borough 1,097 64 Sugar Notch Borough 989 65 Pringle Borough 979 66 Shickshinny Borough 838 67 Courtdale Borough 732 68 Nuangola Borough 679 69 Yatesville Borough 607 70 Warrior Run Borough 584 71 Laurel Run Borough 500 72 Buck Township Township 435 73 Penn Lake Park Borough 308 74 Bear Creek Village Borough 257 75 New Columbus Borough 227 76 Jeddo Borough 98 Notable people Main article: List of people from Luzerne County, Pennsylvania See also Luzerne County Transportation Authority National Register of Historic Places listings in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania Pennamite–Yankee War USS Luzerne County Notes  Mean monthly maxima and minima (i.e. the expected highest and lowest temperature readings at any point during the year or given month) calculated based on data at said location from 1991 to 2010.  Official records for Avoca/Wilkes-Barre–Scranton kept at downtown Scranton from January 1901 to 17 April 1955 and at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport since 18 April 1955.[57]
  • Condition: Used
  • Region: Pennsylvania
  • Year Manufactured: 1940
  • City: Wilkes-Barre
  • Original/Licensed Reprint: Original

PicClick Insights - Pennsylvania Wilkes-Barre 1940 Original Photo Flood Gasoline Explosion Vintage 1 PicClick Exclusive

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