The History of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
The history of Wilkes-Barre begins well before the Industrial Revolution. Founded in 1769 by settlers from Connecticut led by Major John Durkee, the city was strategically located along the fertile banks of the Susquehanna River in the Wyoming Valley. The city bears a unique name derived from two British members of Parliament, John Wilkes and Isaac Barré. These men were staunch supporters of the American colonies during the pre-Revolutionary era, advocating for colonial rights against the British Crown. This naming reflects the area's deep-seated spirit of independence even before the United States was formed.
The Yankee-Pennamite Wars and Revolutionary Era
In its early years, Wilkes-Barre was the center of a fierce territorial dispute known as the Yankee-Pennamite Wars. Both Connecticut and Pennsylvania laid claim to the land in the Wyoming Valley due to conflicting royal charters. This struggle for control turned violent multiple times before the issue was finally settled in favor of Pennsylvania after the American Revolution. During the Revolution itself, the valley was the site of the infamous Battle of Wyoming in 1778, where British forces and Iroquois allies devastated local Patriot militia, an event that left a lasting mark on the region's historical identity.
The Anthracite Coal Boom: Becoming the Diamond City
The true transformation of Wilkes-Barre occurred in the 19th century with the discovery and commercialization of anthracite coal. In 1808, local judge Jesse Fell successfully demonstrated that this "stone coal" could be burned on an open grate as a fuel source. This discovery sparked an industrial boom that turned Wilkes-Barre into an economic powerhouse.
By the late 1800s, the city was known as "The Diamond City"—a reference to the "black diamonds" (coal) mined from the earth. The population surged as immigrants from Ireland, Poland, Italy, and Wales flocked to the region for work in the mines and railroads. Grand architecture, such as the Luzerne County Courthouse, was constructed during this era of immense wealth and rapid expansion.
The Decline of Coal and the Knox Mine Disaster
The prosperity of the coal era eventually waned as oil and gas replaced coal as primary heating sources. The industry suffered a fatal blow in 1959 with the Knox Mine Disaster. The River Slope Mine, located nearby in Port Griffith, collapsed under the Susquehanna River, flooding the mine tunnels and killing 12 miners. This tragedy effectively ended deep mining in the Wyoming Valley and marked the beginning of a difficult economic transition for Wilkes-Barre.
Hurricane Agnes: A Test of Resilience
Perhaps the most defining moment in modern Wilkes-Barre history was Hurricane Agnes in June 1972. The storm caused the Susquehanna River to swell to historic levels, breaching the levees and flooding the downtown area with muddy water reaching second-story windows. The flood caused catastrophic damage to homes, businesses, and historic infrastructure. However, the aftermath demonstrated the city's resilience. Through massive federal aid and community effort, the levees were raised, and the city was rebuilt, reshaping the downtown layout into what exists today.
Modern Wilkes-Barre
Today, Wilkes-Barre has transitioned from a coal-dependent town to a diverse service-based economy. It serves as a regional hub for healthcare, higher education (home to Wilkes University and King's College), and technology. While the coal breakers are gone, the city remains proud of its industrial heritage, preserving its history while adapting to the demands of the 21st century.