Luzerne County, Pennsylvania

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Not to be confused with Luzerne, Pennsylvania.

Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
County
Official seal of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
Seal
Topographical map of Luzerne County
Topographical map of Luzerne County
Location in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania
Location in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania
Country United States of America
State Pennsylvania
RegionNortheastern Pennsylvania
Metro areaWyoming Valley
FormedSeptember 25, 1786
Named forChevalier de la Luzerne
County seatWilkes-Barre
Largest cityWilkes-Barre
Government
 • TypeCouncil–manager
 • Council
 • Council ChairTim McGinley (D)
 • ManagerC. David Pedri
Area
 • Total906 sq mi (2,350 km2)
 • Land890 sq mi (2,300 km2)
 • Water16 sq mi (40 km2)
Highest elevation
2,460 ft (750 m)
Lowest elevation
512 ft (156 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total320,918
 • Estimate 
(2018)
317,646
 • Density350/sq mi (140/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (EST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Area code(s)570/272
Websitewww.luzernecounty.org

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.

History[edit]

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[edit]

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.

By the 1700s, the Wyoming Valley was inhabited by several Native American tribes (including the Susquehannock and the Delaware). In the mid-18th century, Connecticut settlers 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) drove these Connecticut settlers away.[5]

The British colonies of Pennsylvania and Connecticut 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; this led to 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; the 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). Both Pennsylvania and Connecticut were 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 Americans, 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 Native American villages along the Susquehanna River (in both Pennsylvania and 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 the Seneca nation and the Tories. Eighteen of Klader's men were killed in what is now known as the Sugarloaf Massacre.[10]

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. Even though the War of Independence had concluded, the land dispute between Pennsylvania and Connecticut continued. 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 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 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. 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, that number increased to nearly 13,000.[13]

19th century[edit]

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 were seeking 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 the build-up of industry in the region, tragedies became more frequent in the second half of the 19th century; the first major disaster occurred on September 6, 1869, when a mine fire killed 110 people in Avondale, an unincorporated community in Plymouth Township.[22] Another tragedy occurred on June 28, 1896, when the Newton Coal Company's Twin Shaft Mine in Pittston City caved-in and killed 58 miners.[23][24]

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.[25]

The Wyoming Valley in the 1860s
Wilkes-Barre in 1872
Hazleton in 1884
Pittston in 1892

20th century[edit]

Further information: Coal strike of 1902; Laurel Run mine fire; Baltimore Mine Tunnel Disaster (Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania); Erie Railroad Co. v. Tompkins; Knox Mine Disaster; and Hurricane Agnes

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.[26]

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.[27] On June 5, 1919, another major mining accident occurred nearby. An explosion killed 92 miners at the Baltimore Colliery in Wilkes-Barre.[28]

Regardless of the industrial setbacks, the region continued to grow economically. In 1906, construction began on a new county courthouse in Wilkes-Barre.[29] Twenty years later (in 1926), Nanticoke, with a population of just over 22,000, was incorporated as a city,[30] 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.[31]

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.[32]

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.[33]

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.[34]

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.[35] 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.[36]

21st century[edit]

Further information: Rust Belt, Kids for cash scandal, Borough of Duryea v. Guarnieri, and Tropical Storm Lee (2011)

Many factories and coal mines were closed by the early 21st century. Like most regions in the Rust Belt, Luzerne County witnessed population loss and urban decay. However, in recent years, the economy has grown moderately; warehousing has replaced manufacturing as the main industry.[37]

In the late 2000s, scandal, corruption, cronyism, patronage hiring, wasteful spending, higher property taxes, and out-of-control debt plagued the county;[38] 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.[39]

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. This vote was the direct result of the corruption, wasteful spending, higher property taxes, and out-of-control debt facing the county.[40]

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 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). 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."[41]

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.[42][43][44]

The third and final major event of 2011 occurred on November 8 — the first general election for the Luzerne County Council took place. 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."[45] The first council chair was Jim Bobeck.[46] During the first council meeting, Tom Pribula was appointed interim county manager.[47] Several weeks later, the council officially appointed the first permanent manager (Robert Lawton).[48]

Geography[edit]

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.[49] The highest point in the county is Cherry Ridge in Fairmount Township; the ridge is 2,460 feet (750 m) above sea level.[50] 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 smaller urban areas – such as the Back Mountain and Mountain Top – are scattered throughout the region. Thick forests and small farming communities are located just outside the urban centers.

State parks and forests[edit]

Adjacent counties[edit]

Climate[edit]

Luzerne County has a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfa/Dfb) with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold with a January average of 25.8 °F (−3.4 °C).[52] 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.[53] 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).[53] In the Wilkes-Barre area, the average annual snowfall is 46.2 inches (117 cm) during the winter (in which severe snowstorms are rare).[53] However, when snowstorms do occur, they can disrupt normal routines for several days.[53] Summers are warm with a July average of 71.4 °F (21.9 °C).[52] In an average summer, temperatures exceeding 90 °F (32.2 °C) occur on 9 days and can occasionally exceed 100 °F (37.8 °C).[54] 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).[54] Extreme temperatures range from −21 °F (−29.4 °C) on January 21, 1994, to 103 °F (39.4 °C) on July 9, 1936.[54] 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).[55]

Demographics[edit]

Historical population
Census Pop. %±
17904,892—
180012,839162.4%
181018,10941.0%
182020,02710.6%
183027,37936.7%
184044,00660.7%
185056,07227.4%
186090,24460.9%
1870160,91578.3%
1880133,065−17.3%
1890201,20351.2%
1900257,12127.8%
1910343,18633.5%
1920390,99113.9%
1930445,10913.8%
1940441,518−0.8%
1950392,241−11.2%
1960346,972−11.5%
1970342,301−1.3%
1980343,0790.2%
1990328,149−4.4%
2000319,255−2.7%
2010320,9180.5%
Est. 2018317,646[57]−1.0%
Sources:[58][59][60][61]

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.[62]

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;[63] 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;[64] 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.[65]

Languages[edit]

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.[66]

Religion[edit]

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.[67]

Government[edit]

Background[edit]

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.[68][40]

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.[46] The assembly consists of eleven elected members, they appoint and work alongside a full-time manager. The manager runs an executive branch of county government; the first manager was Robert Lawton.[48]

County Council[edit]

Main articles: Luzerne County Council and Luzerne County Council elections

The 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 — eight Democrats and three Republicans; 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.[45] 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.[69]

Current council members [70]
Council member Time in office Party Notes
Tim McGinley 2012–present Democratic Chair
Eugene Kelleher 2012–present Republican Vice Chair
Edd Brominski 2012–present Democratic
Harry Haas 2012–present Republican
Linda McClosky Houck 2012–present Democratic
Chris R. Perry 2018–present Republican
Sheila Saidman 2018–present Democratic
Robert Schnee 2016–present Democratic
Stephen A. Urban 2012–present Democratic
Matthew Vough 2018–present Democratic
Jane Walsh Waitkus 2016–present Democratic
List of chairs
Chair Time in office 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[edit]

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."[45] In other words, the council has the power to appoint and remove the manager;[71] 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;[45] the current manager is David Pedri.[72][73]

Other county officials[edit]

  • Controller: Michelle Bednar
  • Director of Human Resources: Angela Gavlick
  • District Attorney: Stefanie J. Salavantis
  • Chief Public Defender: Steven M. Greenwald
  • Sheriff: Brian M. Szumski

Politics[edit]

Presidential election results
Presidential election results[74]
Year Republican Democratic Third parties
2016 57.9% 78,688 38.6% 52,451 3.5% 4,762
2012 46.7% 58,325 51.5% 64,307 1.8% 2,213
2008 45.0% 61,127 53.3% 72,492 1.7% 2,349
2004 47.8% 64,953 51.2% 69,573 1.1% 1,502
2000 43.8% 52,328 52.0% 62,199 4.2% 5,059
1996 37.3% 43,577 51.5% 60,174 11.2% 13,066
1992 38.8% 49,285 44.5% 56,623 16.7% 21,238
1988 50.0% 59,059 49.6% 58,553 0.4% 480
1984 53.5% 69,169 45.2% 58,482 1.3% 1,640
1980 50.2% 67,822 44.4% 59,976 5.4% 7,282
1976 44.2% 60,058 54.9% 74,655 1.0% 1,296
1972 60.9% 81,358 38.3% 51,128 0.8% 1,120
1968 39.8% 57,044 55.1% 79,040 5.1% 7,296
1964 28.9% 43,895 70.0% 106,397 1.2% 1,779
1960 40.6% 70,711 59.1% 102,998 0.3% 562
1956 58.2% 92,458 41.0% 65,155 0.8% 1,207
1952 54.8% 88,967 44.7% 72,579 0.4% 715
1948 52.9% 71,674 45.6% 61,869 1.5% 2,068
1944 47.8% 67,984 51.8% 73,674 0.4% 541
1940 43.8% 79,685 55.9% 101,577 0.3% 622
1936 43.3% 81,572 55.7% 105,008 1.1% 1,997
1932 45.4% 52,672 52.6% 60,975 2.0% 2,281
1928 48.0% 67,872 51.9% 73,319 0.2% 220
1924 53.2% 46,475 23.4% 20,472 23.4% 20,449
1920 65.4% 49,419 31.1% 23,473 3.6% 2,683
1916 53.7% 25,348 42.4% 19,999 3.9% 1,832
1912 12.0% 4,970 32.6% 13,461 55.4% 22,907
1908 56.2% 24,594 39.7% 17,379 4.0% 1,760
1904 64.8% 27,809 31.5% 13,518 3.7% 1,568
1900 54.9% 21,793 41.5% 16,470 3.7% 1,454
1896 55.1% 22,718 42.0% 17,305 3.0% 1,225
1892 45.2% 14,118 50.4% 15,734 4.4% 1,377
1888 49.3% 15,543 48.2% 15,218 2.5% 797

As of November 2008, there were 187,849 registered voters in Luzerne County.[75]

During presidential elections, the county is considered a bellwether of the state, it voted for the presidential candidate who carried Pennsylvania in every election since 1936. While the Democratic Party has been historically dominant in county-level politics, on the statewide and national levels, Luzerne County leans toward the Democratic Party only slightly. 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, Republican Donald Trump won the county 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.

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[edit]

United States House of Representatives[edit]

State Senate[edit]

State House of Representatives[edit]

Public safety[edit]

There are many fire and police departments scattered throughout Luzerne County;[76] 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.[77] 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 Wyoming. Troop N operates out of the southern portion of the county and is headquartered in Hazleton.

Healthcare[edit]

Hospitals[edit]

  • First Hospital in Kingston, an affiliate of Commonwealth Health
  • Geisinger South Wilkes Barre Hospital (GSWB), formerly Mercy Hospital
  • Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center (GWV) in Plains Township
  • Hazleton General Hospital (Lehigh Valley Hospital)
  • 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[edit]

Public school districts[edit]

Charter schools[edit]

Public vocational technical schools[edit]

Private schools[edit]

Colleges and universities[edit]

Libraries[edit]

The Luzerne County Library System includes the following locations:[79][80]

  • 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[edit]

Local attractions[edit]

Main article: National Register of Historic Places listings in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania

Media[edit]

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area is the 55th-largest U.S. television market.[86] Local television stations[87] 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[edit]

Team name League Sport Venue
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins AHL Ice Hockey Mohegan Sun Arena
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders IL Baseball PNC Field

Transportation[edit]

Highways[edit]

Railroads[edit]

Airports[edit]

Communities[edit]

Luzerne County contains the second highest number of independently governing municipalities in the state of Pennsylvania, with 76; only Allegheny County has more.[88] 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[edit]

Boroughs[edit]

Townships[edit]

Census-designated places[edit]

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.

Other places[edit]

Population ranking[edit]

The population ranking of the following table is based on the 2010 census of Luzerne County.[89]

† 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[edit]

Main article: List of people from Luzerne County, Pennsylvania

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ 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 1981 to 2010.
  2. ^ 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.[56]

References[edit]

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External links[edit]

Coordinates: 41°11′N 75°59′W / 41.18°N 75.99°W / 41.18; -75.99

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