Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, founded in 1860, began as a booming anthracite coal-mining town.  Residents and historians continue to debate the origin of the name "Shenandoah"; however, the word translates "into beautiful star daughter" in the language of the Algonquian-Wakashian American Indians.  Another theory states that Jacob Oliver Roads named Shenandoah after Virginia's Shenandoah Valley where he held some of his coal investments.

Incorporated in 1866, this Schuykill County borough located in the lower section of the renowned Coal Region, was a hotbed of activity.  A massive influx of English, German, Irish and Welsh immigrants caused Shenandoah's population to soar to nearly 30,000 in 1920.  To this day, Schuykill County is the most heavily concentrated home of Lithuanian residents in the United States.  This booming cosmopolitan community continued to prosper until hard hit by the decline of the anthracite coal industry after World War II.  Loss of mining jobs caused a substantial population decrease, as locals left Shenandoah to look for work.

According to the 2000 Census, Shenandoah, PA's population was 5,624 residents. Schuykill County is home to 150,336.  Shenandoah boasts several famous residents including jazz musicians Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey, author Daryl Ponicsan and Mary Twardzik, known for her famous pierogi (dumpling) recipe.  The brand Mrs. T's Pierogies, based in Shenandoah, serves as one of the area's thriving businesses.  Several additional Shenandoah businesses reflect the borough's ethnic past.  These include Kowalonek's Kielbasy Shop, Lucky's Corner Deli and Kielbasi Shop and RJ's Bar and Grill.

Despite the wealth of small privately owned companies in Shenandoah Pennsylvania manufacturing industries continue to provide the bulk of employment opportunities.  Shenandoah enjoys a diverse economic base.  Those who commute out of the area to work experience a mean travel time of 21.7 minutes. 

Seven percent of Shenandoah's population over the age of 25 holds a Bachelor's or higher degree.  Nearly 9% earned a Graduate's or other professional degree.  The colleges and universities nearest to Shenandoah include Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, Luzerne Community College, Muhlenberg College, Penn State Berks and Wilkes University.

Located in the Pottsville metro area, Shenandoah, PA lies 38 miles outside of Reading, PA and nearly 93 miles from of Philadelphia, population 1.5 million.  Residents have access to major medical centers in nearby Pottsville and Ashland, and three airports certified for carrier operations exist within 50 miles of Shenandoah.  These include Reading Regional Airport, Lancaster Airport and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport.