Pottsville, Pennsylvania

Pottsville, Pennsylvania is found in the eastern historical Coal Region of the state.  Its long coal-mining history began in 1790 when a local hunter fell asleep at the foot of Broad Mountain and awakened to see a blazing fire where his tiny campfire had been.  An outcropping of coal had been ignited.  By 1795, residents had built an anthracite iron furnace on the shores of the Schuylkill River.  John Potts purchased the furnace in 1806 and Pottsville's life as a major coal-mining town began. The Pottsville Rolling Mill rolled wrought iron for the construction of the Central Pacific Railroad in 1868; this rail was laid on the first Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 near Wells, Nevada.  Branded "A.B." for the Atkins Brothers.  The Atkins Brothers took over the old mill in 1865. That rail still exists today. 

Rapid growth came to the region in the following years, as European immigrants from numerous countries came to work the mines, turning the area into an ethnic melting pot.  Schuylkill County made Pottsville the county seat in 1851, and it became the economic center during the 'Boom Town' years.  Following World War II, the demand for coal lessened and the mining recession hit full force.  Many residents had to leave their homes and the population of the entire County dwindled.  Today tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture support the economy, while Pottsville remains the center for government, business and finance.

According to the 2000 Census, Pottsville's population is more than 15,000.  The city covers over four square miles of land.  The population of Schuylkill County numbered at over 150,000, extending across 800 square miles.  Lush, dense forests and state parkland cover much of the area.  Camping, fishing, hiking and even dogsledding are enjoyed by residents here.  Bird-watching opportunities are spectacular at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, where golden eagles still fly, as well as falcons, hawks and a wonderful array of raptors.  Black bear, white-tailed deer and small game can be hunted in the state game lands surrounding it.

One of Pottsville's most intoxicating attractions is the Yuengling Brewery, the oldest brewery in the U.S., established in 1829.  They survived Prohibition years by switching to 'near beer' brews, and are still going strong today.  In 1978, the Yuengling descendants donated their family mansion to the Schuykill County Council for the Arts, which now offers art shows, classes and many yearly events.  Pottsville is also home to the Historical Society for the County, that holds an enormous amount of artifacts, documents and relics from Schuylkill's colorful past.  The Jewish Museum is a fine remembrance of the mix of immigrants that settled here, as is the nearby annual Kutztown Folk Festival, which celebrates the Pennsylvania-Dutch tradition.

The Schuykill Symphony provides Pottsville with fine music, while Jerry's Classic Cars and Collectibles Museum brings back memories of yesterday.  Pottsville's Antique Fair is open daily, filled with treasures of the past. The Cressona Mall, Schuykill County's first shopping mall, awaits those whose taste is more modern.  Pottsville plays host to Renaissance Fairs and Crab Fests, as well as the annual Winter Carnival.  Sixteen colorful murals grace the city buildings, making a walking tour of Downtown a visual delight. Tiffany stained glass windows and lovely Victorian architecture evoke the town's prosperous past.

Pottsville, Pennsylvania epitomizes the tough Northern spirit of our nation, surviving lean times and adapting to present trends.  Surrounded by the natural beauty of Schuykill County, Pottsville offers culture and commerce, along with small-town character and charm, and a fascinating history.

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