A valuable resource for anyone interested in the Wyoming Valley area of northeastern Pennsylvania, this book begins with a description of Scranton's natural advantages: location in the great northern anthracite coal field of Pennsylvania (the largest then known in the world); proximity to the cities of New York, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh; elevation and geography; geology and mineral resources apart from coal; flora and fauna (including fossils); and its scenic and healthful setting. Next the book describes the Indian history of the region, in which figured the Iroquois, Delawares, Shawnese, Minsis, and Pontiacs. There follows a discussion of the pre-Revolutionary controversy over whether the Wyoming Valley should be part of Connecticut or Pennsylvania (apparently rooted in conflicting charters granted by England). From there the book proceeds through descriptions of the region's early settlements and surveys; growth, development and improvement (including the discovery of the value of anthracite coal); municipal and military histories; mining interests; manufacturing industries; banks, building associations and insurance; transportation; the press; education; church history; public institutions, societies and associations; medical history; and finally, bench and bar. The presentation is augmented by engravings of about a dozen prominent figures, as well as an every-name index which also includes topics. One author, David Craft, was known for having previously written History of Bradford County, Pennsylvania. Readers who enjoyed Charles Miner's History of Wyoming will find History of Scranton more up-to-date and more detailed in regard to Scranton.
David Craft and William A. Wilcox
(1891, 1996), 2013, 5.5" x 8.5", paper, index, 606 pp.
ISBN: 9780788405884
101-C0588
