History of Reading, Pennsylvania
In 1733, the current site of Reading was selected. It was situated at the confluence of the East Penn-Lebanon Valley and the Schuylkill River. This location was known as Finney's Ford until 1743, when Thomas Lawrence, a Penn Land agent, attempted to lay out Reading for the first time.
Sons of William Penn, Thomas and Richard Penn laid out the town in 1748. The name was derived from Penn's own county seat in Berkshire, Reading. Reading became the county seat of Berks in 1752.
During the French and Indian War, Reading served as a military base for a series of Blue Mountains forts. By the time of the American Revolution, the local iron industry's overall production had surpassed that of England, helping to provide Washington's men with cannons, rifles, and ammunition. During the early stages of the war, Reading once again served as a military supply depot. Moreover, Hessian captives from the Battle of Trenton were held here. Throughout several wars, including the Civil War and World War Two, reading carried its fair share.
Two canals were constructed in the 1800s as the least expensive and most efficient means of carrying bulk material at the time. The Schuylkill Canal, completed in 1825, ran parallel to the Schuylkill River and connected Reading with Philadelphia and the Delaware River. A few miles south of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the 1828-completed Union Canal went from Reading to Middletown, Pennsylvania, connecting the Schuylkill and Susquehanna Rivers. In the 1880s, railroads drove the abandonment of canals.
Incorporated in 1833, the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad (P&R) was founded. In 1877, during the Long Depression that followed the Panic of 1873, a statewide railroad strike over delayed salaries resulted in a violent demonstration and fight with the National Guard in which six men from Reading were slain. rail yard In 1971, after more than a century of success, the Reading Company was forced to declare for bankruptcy. The bankruptcy was caused by declining coal transport income and severe government rules that prevented railroads from setting competitive pricing, demanded excessive taxes, and compelled railways to continue to run money-losing passenger service lines. The Reading Company surrendered its railroad operations to the newly established Consolidated Railroad Corporation on April 1, 1976. (Conrail).
The turnpike and canal era of the early 19th century was followed by the development of the Reading Railroad, which radiated from Reading in all directions. The construction of the railroad perhaps had the largest impact on the growth of Berks County.
Agriculture is a significant industry in Berks County, with the largest and finest farms located in the county's southern region. Berks ranks third among Pennsylvania counties in terms of agricultural cash receipts, which total $73.9 million. The dairy industry generates $29.3 million in revenue, followed by field and fodder crops at $25.7 million, poultry at $10.2 million, and meat animals at $8.7 million.
Today, Reading pulsates with industrial activity. Churches, hospitals, clubs, fraternal societies, and recreation centers exemplify the best of civilization. There are schools and universities, a historical society, an art institute, and a daily newspaper in this city. Reading has a symphony orchestra, two choral societies, a chamber musical ensemble, a municipal opera company, and numerous more notable music ensembles that have contributed to the city's position as a cultural hub. Learn about the geography of Reading PA.