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Above is an artist’s rendition of Slocum Hollow as it probably appeared in 1840. First published in 1869 in Horace Hollister’s History of the Lackawanna Valley. |
Our Story
The Lackawanna Valley’s story is both unique and distinctly American. Settled in the early 1800s, the rugged frontier valley rapidly grew to be a hub of commerce and manufacturing because of the enormous anthracite coal reserves just below the surface. The Pennsylvania Anthracite Region eventually produced 80 percent of the world’s anthracite coal, a clean, hot-burning fuel that was perfect for running machines and building empires.
Historians consider Scranton the industrial center of the region. The huge coal industry, iron and steel production, railroading and railroad building, food processing, large-scale fabrication, and textiles all played a significant role in the area’s growth. The region became the powerful engine that drove America’s Industrial Revolution.
It also can be called America’s immigrant destination. Between 1860 and 1910 industrial activity in the Lackawanna Valley expanded dramatically. This huge magnet drew thousands of new immigrants to one of the most densely populated places of 19th century America. In the process of supplying energy to the nation and the world, these new Americans built lives, families, communities, and a rich heritage.
In 1991, the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA) was named the first State Heritage Park in Pennsylvania, and in 2000, it was designated as a National Heritage Area by the US Congress in recognition of the region’s unique contribution to the American experience. A member of the Alliance of National Heritage Areas, the Lackawanna Heritage Valley encompasses the watershed area of the Lackawanna River in Lackawanna, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Luzerne counties, and is home to the Steamtown National Historic Site.
The Lackawanna Heritage Valley receives major funding for its activities from the National Park Service and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. It uses this funding to help strengthen and promote the work of local communities, organizations, and historical attractions through grants, event sponsorship, and technical assistance. It also fosters partnerships and collaborations among government, education, business, civic organizations, and individuals. These partnerships work to conserve and promote the region’s heritage and natural resources, and to improve the economic vitality of the diverse communities in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
The Lackawanna Heritage Valley’s partnerships have generated millions of dollars for the local economy by developing a visitor’s center, greenways, trails, festivals, projects, educational initiatives, volunteer programs, and museums…all focused on celebrating the Lackawanna Valley’s pivotal role in America’s Industrial Revolution.
Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority:
A State & National Heritage Area
538 Spruce Street, Suite 516, Scranton, PA 18503
Phone (570) 963-6730, Fax (570) 963-6732
Copyright © 2008. All rights reserved.
The coal breaker at
Dickson Colliery
Scranton (1886).
The Lackawanna Valley
today.