SCHUYLKILL COUNTY
County Offices
401 North Second Street
Pottsville, PA
570-622-5570
www.co.schuylkill.pa.us
Chamber of Commerce
1 Progress Circle
Pottsville, PA
570-622-1942
www.schuylkillchamber.com
Quality Of Life
Schuylkill County, located in northeastern Pennsylvania, encompasses a physical land area of approximately 800 square miles. It is bordered on the north by Luzerne, Columbia and Northumberland Counties; to the west by Dauphin and Lebanon Counties; to the south by Berks and Lehigh Counties; and, to the east by Carbon County. Schuylkill County is comprised of more than 67 municipalities, ranging in size from several hundred residents to more than 15,000 in Pottsville. Newcomers to the county will discover an unrivaled quality of life in open, rural townships and welcoming boroughs. A large portion of the county is preserved in state game land and state parks, ensuring world-class opportunities for outdoor enjoyment around the four seasons.
Schuylkill County is best known for its Anthracite coal resources and for its storied mining history. This has overshadowed the vast agricultural and woodland acres which exist in the County. Running in an east-west direction between Ashland to the west and Coaldale to the east is a coal belt which ranges in width from a few hundred yards to several miles in the vicinity between Shenandoah and Pottsville. All of the surrounding area is wonderful Pennsylvania forest land – offering locals all of the outdoor recreation opportunities that they could desire. From Blue Mountain, hikers along the famous Appalachian Trail can explore the scenic southern edge of the county. These hikers enjoy scenic vistas of the “Endless” Mountains to the north. Tucked away within these mountains and valleys, visitors are enjoying the outdoors at hundreds of campsites, hiking trails, hunting in state game lands, fishing in streams and viewing the landscape from the valley floors and mountain ridges. Special attractions in the county include America’s Oldest Brewery “The Yuengling Brewery”, The Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine, Big Diamond Raceway, Rausch Creek Motorsports Park, Jerry’s Classic Cars and Collectibles Museum, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Locust Lake, Tuscarora and Swatara State Parks, three Wineries, five public golf courses, one of a kind monuments, historical museums and much more.
Services
Residents of enjoy healthcare facilities that are state-of-the-art, anchored by the recently formed Blue Mountain Health System. From a competitive to a cooperative environment, the formerly independent hospitals are able to expand their services without duplication and narrow the focus on delivering the most comprehensive range of advanced care.
The county manages an active office on aging and excellent amenities such as senior centers that offer daily lunches, libraries, activities, and computer access. The county operates a nursing home and rehabilitation facility, widening the network of routine and specialized care.
Education is a key to the success and personal growth of the county’s residents. Several school districts serve the region, offering favorable pupil-teacher ratios, well-equipped classrooms, and a wide array of special and extra-curricular programs. Several options for a private education are also available close to home. Students of all ages will find affordable career and vocational training as well as college-track programs at the local colleges. Excellent opportunities to pursue a four-year degree or graduate and professional studies are available throughout the area in public and private colleges and universities. Among them are Lehigh University, Wilkes University, East Stroudsburg University, Lafayette College, Muhlenburg College, Cedar Crest College, and several campuses for Pennsylvania State University.
Ashland Borough
Borough Hall
570-875-2411
www.ashlandborough.com
Chamber of Commerce
570-622-1942
www.schuylkillchamber.com
Ashland is the western gateway to the Upper Schuylkill Area along PA’s Route 54 and 61, which travel through the heart of Pennsylvania’s historic anthracite coal mining country. The region has a long and storied history with coal mining being the foundation of the communities in this region. The Borough of Ashland was formally established in 1857. Ashland’s Main Street features many fine examples of 19th century architecture currently undergoing an exciting renovation and revitalization effort, based on an extensive revitalization plan that sees the town becoming a marquis tourist destination with all of the amenities to support it. This gives residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy the ever increasing downtown excitement. Not far off the borough’s main street is the historic bronze monument of Whistler’s mother. The statue was commissioned in 1937 and is based on James McNeil Whistler’s famous painting, “Arrangement in Grey and Black: Portrait of the Painter’s Mother.”
The region’s coal history is a major tourist attraction, bringing thousands of visitors each year. The region is full of museums and historic sites, including the Ashland Museum of Anthracite Mining and Ashland’s Pioneer Coal Mine and Steam Train – originally the Pioneer Colliery – visitors can enter this authentic coal mine by rail, and learn how anthracite was mined. They can also ride the Lokie Henry Clay, a steam locomotive, which once hauled coal and now carries passengers along Ashland’s Mahanoy Mountain to experience a taste of the life of coal miners along Upper Schuylkill Region
This broad history and modern redevelopment, along with affordable housing options, and the beauty of the Pennsylvania countryside, make this a wonderful area to call home.
Frackville Borough
Borough Hall
570-874-3860
www.frackvillepa.org
Chamber of Commerce
570-622-1942
www.schuylkillchamber.com
Settled in the late 1800’s by people interested in the plentiful veins of anthracite coal discovered north of the town site. The boroughs early population was made up of mining and railroad officials, and coal miners’ families. The original settler Daniel Frack, whom the town is named after, divided a portion of his land holdings into town lots, which were combined with land from the boroughs co-founder Samuel Haupt, created the land area that today makes up the town. Today, the borough’s location along PA Route 61 makes it easily accessible from Interstate 81. Frackville is a gateway into the Upper Schuylkill Region from either the south or north. The Dutch Kitchen Restaurant is popular dining spot for locals and visitors, and several hotels and motels offer convenient lodging for those spending a weekend getaway or a family vacation in the region. For residents, there are several parks and lakes that surround the area and are quickly accessible. The climate offers four distinct and wonderful seasons. Frackville maintains its historic roots and allow its resident’s to enjoy a relaxed pace of life.
Girardville Borough
Borough Hall
570-276-1635
www.upperschuylkill.com/documents/girardville.html
Chamber of Commerce
570-622-1942
www.schuylkillchamber.com
Girardville is located along PA Route 54 in the Upper Schuylkill Region. The borough was named after mariner, merchant and philanthropist Stephen Girard, who in 1830 purchased the land that would become Girardville from the family of Pennsylvania founder William Penn. Girardville is also famous for its connection to the Molly Maguires – the secret society of rebel Irish miners who used violence against corrupt anthracite coal companies in the 19th century to protest labor injustice – can be explored today at the village’s historic Hibernian House in the Wayne Hotel, which features the door to the prison cell that confined some of the Mollies during the trial that eventually resulted in the public hanging of 10 members of the radical group. Residents of Girardville celebrate its rich Irish heritage each Saint Patrick’s Day with a parade that brings thousands of visitors to the village to enjoy the colorful sights and sounds of bagpipers, community groups, and high school bands. Girardville is truly a wonderful piece of historic Pennsylvania that gives its residents something to be proud of, in some cases for several generations.
Mahanoy City/Orwigsburg Borough
Mahanoy City Borough Hall
570-773-2150
http://www.mahanoycity.us/
Orwigsburg Borough Hall
570-366-3103
www.orwigsburg.net
Chamber of Commerce
570-622-1942
www.schuylkillchamber.com
Located at the intersection of Route 339 and Route 54, Mahanoy City is a gateway into the region from the east and from the north via Route 81. Mahanoy City was founded as a borough in 1863, and played a central role in the County’s Anthracite coal production during the Industrial Revolution. The boroughs have a long history in Pennsylvania’s coal industry and it serves today as the hub for the Upper Schuylkill region. The borough serves as the headquarters for the Upper Schuylkill Downtowns association, which is made up of the six cities in the area. The Borough offers residents and newcomers a great sense of pride and volunteer support, with residents who take great pride in their home town. Mahanoy City has a strong downtown and a great sense of community. It has a low-cost of living. Is a very clean and safe community and create a place for people to live and work.
Norwegian Township
Town Hall
570-622-5570
www.co.schuylkill.pa.us
Chamber of Commerce
570-622-1942
www.schuylkillchamber.com
One of the most important boroughs in the history of Schuylkill County, Norwegian was one of the first in the region. The land that it originally occupied was split up into parcels that make up many of the surrounding communities. Within the boundaries of Norwegian township were many items which were a significant part of the development of Pennsylvania’s coal industry. It was one of the first three townships erected north of the Blue Mountains. It was also home to some of the first turnpikes in the State that were built right through the township. One of the first canals in the country had its terminal here. Anthracite coal was first discovered in Norwegian. Some of the earliest railroads in the country were constructed within its borders and its deeply forested Its hills furnished much of the timber that was used in the development of the regions towns and cities. Today Norwegian is a modern township with deep historic roots. Residents enjoy a wonderful selection of housing, ranging from historic colonial to modern subdivision living. Shopping and recreation abound and nature is always there to enjoy.
Ringtown Borough
Borough Hall
570-889-3095
http://ringtown.boroughs.org
Chamber of Commerce
570-622-1942
www.schuylkillchamber.com
Ringtown Borough is located in the Upper Schuylkill Region and easily accessible from Mahanoy City, Shenandoah, and Ashland or via Route 339. The area around Ringtown is referred to by locals as The Ringtown Valley because of its outstanding natural beauty. This valley is ideal for a weekend drive or relaxing bicycle trek. On Cemetery Road you will find the Old White Church, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Locally owned and operated farms, such as the 160-year-old B & R Farm, are open seasonally for family activities like strawberry and fresh sweet corn picking, and hay rides.
There is a small commercial and residential area within Ringtown Borough that serves as a “downtown,” it features charming old storefronts and pedestrian friendly streets. This area provides residents and visitors a taste of the regions’ history and a close sense of community. The close by Brandonville Pumping Station is a favorite fishing spot with the locals, it has an adjoining trout hatchery where kids can feed the fish with a bag of pellets available in a wooden box at the gate. Ringtown offers Upper Schuylkill’s visitors and residents a variety of year round recreational opportunities – including fishing, hunting, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, bird watching and hiking – in a pristine natural setting of pastoral farmland, open space, and forested Pennsylvania state game lands.
Pine Grove Township
Township Hall
570-345-4202
www.pinegrovetownship.com
Chamber of Commerce
570-622-1942
www.schuylkillchamber.com
Pine Grove Township is located in the southwest corner of Schuylkill County. It is located approximately 15 miles south of Pottsville and 20 miles north of Lebanon. It can be easily accessed via Route 443 or Interstate 81. Much like all of the communities in the county, Pine Grove Township is composed of a mix of farming, manufacturing and mining. With rolling farmland giving way to mountainous, anthracite coal lands. Pine Grove is uniquely located in that its location and geography encompass the end of the hard coal region and begin the lush farming lands of both the counties of Lancaster and Lebanon. This blend of mining and agriculture gives the area a rural feel that equates to a low crime, strong traditional values and the availability of land for residential growth. Many local residents make the 35 mile commute to Harrisburg or Reading, just 30 miles away. This gives Pine Grove the feeling of being an almost bedroom community of these larger areas. And it also affords residents the ability to enjoy the amenities of these more populated cities, while being able to go home to a more relaxed pace of life.
Pottsville
City Hall
570-622-1234
www.city.pottsville.pa.us
Chamber of Commerce
570-622-1942
www.schuylkillchamber.com
Pottsville is the largest and only chartered city in Schuylkill County. It is also the county seat for Schuylkill County. The city has a population of just over 16,500 residents. The city itself lies along the west bank of the Schuylkill River, which makes up one of its boundaries. The City of Pottsville is built on many hills, which give it a unique layout. The most notable hill is Sharp Mountain. For a small city Pottsville offers its residents a lot of amenities with dozens of restaurants, shopping and more than a dozen parks including, include Forest Hills, Bunker Hill, JFK Recreation Complex, and Rotary Park. Pottsville is also home to the Yuengling Brewery – the oldest in the nation. In the past several years Pottsville has been undergoing a revitalization of its downtown area, which house more than 50% of the businesses in the city. And these efforts are making the downtown area even more business and tourist friendly. In addition a new arts scene is growing, aided by the recent opening of the Majestic Theater which will function as a center for the arts in the city. The city is also home to more than a dozen unique murals painted on walls throughout the downtown and to several unique sculptures as well. There are even organized walking tours designed to explore and discover these wonderful additions to the cityscape. Pottsville offers a mix of housing to choose from, giving new residents a broad selection. All of this combined with low crime and a relaxed feel make Pottsville a wonderful city to call home.
Schuylkill Haven Borough
Borough Hall
570-385-2841
www.schuylkillhaven.org
Chamber of Commerce
570-622-1942
www.schuylkillchamber.com
Founded in the early 1800’s, Schuylkill Haven is located just five miles from the county seat of Pottsville. As with most of the communities in this region it was founded by individuals who came to the region to mine the rich Anthracite coal. It served as a leading railroad hub for the mining industry. Later it also served as a center for textiles. Today the borough is one of the largest in the county with more than 7,500 residents. Its geography is that of being a small community nestled amongst the trees and hills that make up the region. This offers wonderful opportunity for residents who enjoy the scenic beauty of the area to get out and explore nature. The borough has several parks that families can enjoy, restaurants and all of the activities of a small town. There is a strong send of community and many families have lived in the borough since its earliest days. The “downtown” area boasts many original and historic buildings, restaurants and some shopping.
Shenandoah Borough
Borough Hall
570-462-1918
http://shenandoahpa.org
Chamber of Commerce
570-622-1942
www.schuylkillchamber.com
Shenandoah, located along PA Routes 54 and 924 in the Upper Schuylkill Region, is a diverse town that offers its residents a vibrant Main Street dotted with a selection of fine restaurants and shops, along with a long history founded around the coal industry. One unique piece of the borough history is the St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church which was the first Greek Catholic Church established in the United States in 1884. Shenandoah is also the birthplace of famed big band musicians Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, who consistently topped the charts in the 1930s and 1940s. The borough is also the birthplace of Mary Twardzik, whose son Ted – using Mary’s original recipe – launched the Shenandoah-based, and nationally-recognized brand Mrs. T’s Pierogies, a staple of Schuylkill County’s cuisine and the local economy. A point of interest to visitors as well as locals is the Pennsylvania Anthracite Miners Memorial, in Shenandoah’s Girard Park, at the corner of Main and Washington Streets. The large three-paneled bronze bas relief sculpture by Zenos Frudakis is dedicated to the thousands of anthracite coal miners who lived and worked in Pennsylvania. The monument is surrounded by bricks featuring the names of many of the miners, and benches where visitors can rest and reflect on the hardworking residents of the Upper Schuylkill Region who helped supply the fuel that built the Nation.
Tamaqua Borough
Borough Hall
570-668-3444
https://www.tamaquaborough.com/
Chamber of Commerce
570-622-1942
www.schuylkillchamber.com
Tamaqua is a gateway town to The Poconos, the Anthracite Region and the major cities and communities in the area. Both U. S. Route 209 and Pennsylvania Route 309 pass directly through the center of Tamaqua. Route 309 goes to North to Hazleton and into Wilkes-Barre, while Route 309 South leads to Allentown and on to Philadelphia.. In the Tamaqua area, coal mining was an extremely vital economic activity throughout the 20th century but has since experienced a decline. The town also gained recognition as a railroad center. One of the borough’s significant moments is history came in 1885, when the Edison Electric Illuminating Co. of Tamaqua furnished the town with the nation’s third incandescent municipal lighting system, which was helped by the involvement of Thomas Edison. The boroughs location makes it an ideal launching point for trips throughout coal country or for a quick jaunt into the Pocono Mountains, an area well known for its tourist attractions. Three streams pass through Tamaqua, while the Little Schuylkill River runs through the town from the North through a gap in Nesquehoning Mountain. Panther Creek, flowing southwest at the foot of the mountain, joins the Little Schuylkill in Tamaqua, and the Wabash Creek joins the Little Schuylkill from the West. In 1874 the town’s train station was constructed. Today it is arguably Tamaqua’s most famous landmark, it has remained standing despite standing idle from the mid 80s through the late 90s after passenger railroad service to the town was discontinued. Initially planned to be demolished in the late 1980s, the non-profit group Save Our Station (S.O.S.) eventually managed to raise enough money to have it refurbished. The station reopened in August 2004, now home to a full-service restaurant and gift shop. Tamaqua offers residents a taste of historic Pennsylvania, with the opportunity to enjoy small town living in a beautiful and scenic region.