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History & Community Introduction

The Greater Susquehanna Valley is made up of four counties that together create a vibrant community surrounded by culture, heritage and diversity. Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union counties each exhibit rich histories that have been preserved for generations. These counties offer a variety of events and attractions for tourists and residents alike to experience the timeless traditions and unique beauty of the Valley.

Montour County was established on May 3, 1850. This part of Columbia County was named in honor of Madame Montour, a woman of Indian and French descent, who is best known for being an interpreter for Governor Robert Hunter. Montour is the smallest of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties, with a population of 17,817 as of 2006. It is the rural heart of Pennsylvania, offering serene natural landscapes that are perfect for a relaxing retreat. It is also home to Ricketts Glen, which has become one of several nearby state parks that are Registered National Natural Landmarks. Ricketts Glen has over 22 waterfalls for its guests to enjoy. There are also almost 20,000 acres of state game land in Montour Country that are widely used for hunting, fishing, boating, hiking and bird watching.

The main city in Montour County is Danville. It was founded in 1792 and became a borough on February 27, 1849. Each year, the Danville community celebrates its distinct history with the Iron Heritage Festival, an event that is both entertaining and educational. Through a series of exhibits and interactive demonstrations, visitors learn about the first T-rail, which was manufactured in 1845 at the Montour Iron Works in Danville. The T-rail helped Pennsylvania Americans become leaders in the Industrial Revolution.

To learn more about the city of Danville and its claim to fame, visit www.danvilleboro.org.

Northumberland County was established after the French and Indian War in 1772 from an 8,000 square-mile piece of land. The county eventually increased to 15,000 square miles as rural areas prospered into small towns, giving it a population of 91,003 as of 2007. With 29 other counties stemming from its borders, it is called the “Mother of Counties.”

Along with its surrounding counties, Northumberland County is a substantial producer of anthracite. About one-tenth of the entire anthracite region is represented by Coal, Mt. Carmel and Zerbe townships, as well as sections of Cameron Township, which are all located within the county. This 50 square-mile area of anthracite production is more commonly known as the “Shamokin District” or the “Coal Region.”

Sunbury, Northumberland’s county seat, is bordered by the Susquehanna River, making it rich with farmlands and forests. Whether it is a walk around its banks in the state park, a leisurely ride in a boat or a long day of fishing, the river offers endless entertainment.

Sunbury is the home of 9,944 residents (as of 2006), distinguishing it as the largest population center in Northumberland County. It is most commonly known for harboring the first building to be wired for electricity. In July of 1883, Thomas Edison wired the City Hotel using his three-wire system. The establishment was renamed The Edison Hotel in his honor. The same day Edison wired the railroad station on Second Street, as Sunbury had become an important railroad center at the time. The Edison Hotel still stands today and visitors can enjoy lunch, dinner or a cocktail in its historic setting.

Go online to www.cityofsunbury.com for more information about Sunbury and the history of The Edison Hotel.

Snyder County, established in the 1740s, became an independent political unit on March 2, 1855. The county was named after Governor Simon Snyder, who served three terms from 1808-1817. Snyder also served as Speaker of the House, was a member of the Pennsylvania Senate and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Snyder County is filled with attractions, and is home to 38,113 residents (as of 2007). The area is famous for its Pennsylvania German language and culture, agricultural heritage, wood products industry, the Beaver Furnace, the Kearns Car and Rolling Green Park, as well as many fairs, festivals and auctions. Many historical landmarks and structures can be found in Snyder County including the Governor Snyder Mansion, Pomfret’s Castle, and ruins of the Pennsylvania Canal.

Selinsgrove, the main borough of Snyder County, had a population of 5,343 residents as of 2006. Founded in 1787, downtown Selinsgrove features quaint shops, restaurants and businesses with colonial and early American architecture. The friendly and relaxed pace of Selinsgrove creates a charming atmosphere that is a truly only one-of-a-kind experience. Annual events in Selinsgrove include the Brew & Wine Festival, Market Street Festival, Antiques on the Isle and its Summer Concert Series. It is also the home of Susquehanna University, which is recognized as one of the best liberal arts colleges in the Northeast.

Learn more about Selinsgrove and its festivals at www.selinsgrove.org.

Union County was established on March 22, 1813, and its main borough, Lewisburg, was later named the county seat. Many are attracted to Union County’s leisurely pace of living and its natural beauty. It has a magnificent blend of mountainous ranges, fertile valleys and sparkling streams stemming from the Susquehanna River. Many city workers live in Union County, as it is within an hour’s drive of Harrisburg, Scranton and Williamsport, causing its population to grow to 43,724 as of 2007.

Lewisburg had a population of 5,578 as of 2006. The National Register of Historic Places honored Lewisburg’s 19th century downtown for its rich historic and architectural heritage. Visitors and residents of the town enjoy the Packwood Museum, filled with art and antiques from around the world, as well as the Tuscan-style Slifer House Museum. The Campus Theatre, one of America’s few remaining single-screen, Art Deco movie palaces, can also be found here. Another great asset of Lewisburg is Bucknell University, which is one of the nation’s top liberal arts institutions. Bucknell provides the city with the Sigmund and Claire Weis Center for the Performing Arts, which is remarkable both in design and acoustics.

Mifflinburg, another major borough in Union County, offers a delightful environment with specialty shops, museums, historic homes and a busy calendar of events. Mifflinburg is the residence of 3,568 people (as of 2006). It is well known for its Mifflinburg Buggy Days, an unparalleled event that entertains the community and educates visitors about the economic foundation of Mifflinburg. The Buggy Museum in Mifflinburg is fascinating and draws many visitors.

You can visit www.lewisburgpa.com and www.mifflinburgpa.com for more information about Union County’s vibrant boroughs.

The Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau (CMVB) is a tourist promotion agency that helps businesses and organizations attract people to the rich land and welcoming communities within the Columbia and Montour counties. CMVB provides visitors with extensive information about the history of Columbia and Montour counties, and also provides local business, event and activities information.

Visit the CMVB website for more information at www.itourcolumbiamontour.com.

The Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau offers a great guide to featured Valley events. From information about history, heritage, and arts and culture to outdoor activities, scenery and charming towns, the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau provides guests with every resource for discovering all the possible ways to enjoy the Susquehanna River Valley.

Check out the bureau’s website at www.visitcentralpa.org for event brochures and to learn more about the Susquehanna River Valley.