Hazleton, Pennsylvania

Hazleton, Pennsylvania, is located in eastern Pennsylvania, just south of I-80. With a population of its own of 24,730, Hazleton shares amenities with its surrounding communities, particularly Wilkes-Barre.

Hazleton's easy access to I-80 and the The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport makes it a commuter's haven. Luzerne County, Pennsylvania

Named for the proliferation of hazel bushes in the area, "Hazel Town" became one word, "Hazeltown", and then "Hazleton". In 1856, "Hazleton" was misspelled on the city's incorporation papers as "Hazleton" and has remained so since then.

Northeastern Pennsylvania is one of only two places in the world where anthracite coal has been found. Like its neighbors, Hazleton grew around this industry. The first settlers, though were troops who came to this area to bury the victims of the Wyoming Massacre. Struck by the beauty of the area, many returned after the Revolutionary War to settle. Today, Broad Street in downtown Hazleton, follows the "warrior"s path used by those long-ago Indians and Tories. Hazleton's first industry was logging, and, in 1804, the Berwick Turnpike was built along the old Indian trail to haul the logs on.

The Greater Hazleton Historical Society is appropriately housed in one of the most historic buildings in Hazleton, the Pioneer Firehouse. A fine museum is offered here with recreated pioneer rooms, local Indian artifacts, antique sheet music and theater memorabilia. The surprise is "The Liberty Band", an exhibit dedicated to Hazleton's oldest band, which originated during the Civil War.

Recreation and entertainment abound in this lively metropolitan area at the foot of the charming Poconos Mountains. Besides the Resorts, there is much to do and many places to see such as the Wyoming Valley Raceway, The Luzerne County Historical Society research library, museum, and historical homestead setting, the Wyoming Valley Sports Dome, Wilkes University, F.M. Kirby Center, Knoebels Amusement Park, The Lion Brewery (since 1901), Northeast Pennsylvania Philharmonic, The Houdini Museum, The Lackawana Coal Mine Tour, Pocono International Raceway, and 5 Golf Courses.

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