Scranton

Scranton, city (1990 pop. 81,805), seat of Lackawanna co., NE Pa., in a mountain region, on the Lackawanna River; settled in the 1700s, inc. 1866. Named for George W. Scranton, it is a commercial and industrial center of the surrounding anthracite coal region of NE Pennsylvania. Iron was first forged there in 1797. Early products were coal-mining machinery, locomotives, and rails. Mining decreased after World War II; the unemployment that resulted was largely offset by a successful citizens' program that developed service industries. The city still has manufacturing (foods; electrical equipment; cigars; apparel and textiles; ordnance; and plastic, concrete, and metal products), but production declined sharply, as did Scranton's population, in the late 20th cent. The Univ. of Scranton, Marywood Univ., and a branch of Pennsylvania State Univ. are in the city. Of interest are are the Everhart Museum of Natural History, Science, and Art; the main public library; a model coal mine and mining museum, a large Masonic temple–Scottish rite cathedral, historic blast furnaces, and Steamtown National Historic Site (see National Parks and Monuments, table). Many lakes, state forests, and recreation sites are in the area.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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