National Register Listing

City Hall

8th & Washington Sts., Reading, PA
Local significance of the building:
Education; Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Pennsylvania was home to the first commercially drilled oil well in the world, which was drilled in 1859 near Titusville.
Pennsylvania random facts
Berks County, Pennsylvania has a rich and diverse history dating back to the indigenous tribes that inhabited the region, namely the Lenape and the Susquehannocks. European settlement in the area began in the early 18th century when Dutch, Swedish, and English colonists arrived. The county was officially established in 1752 and named after Berkshire, England.

During the American Revolutionary War, Berks County played a significant role in the fight for independence. The city of Reading, located in Berks County, served as an important manufacturing and transportation hub, producing munitions and supplies for the war effort. The nearby Battle of Germantown in 1777 also had a significant impact on the region's history.

After the war, Berks County experienced a period of rapid industrialization. The iron and steel industries thrived, leading to the establishment of numerous foundries and factories. The construction of the Union Canal in the early 19th century further boosted economic development by improving transportation and trade connections.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Berks County became known for its textile mills and manufacturing industries, particularly in Reading. However, like many other industrial regions, the county faced economic decline and urban challenges in the latter half of the 20th century. Today, Berks County continues to be a vibrant community with a mix of industries, agriculture, and cultural attractions. Notable landmarks include the Reading Public Museum, Daniel Boone Homestead, and the Pagoda, an iconic symbol of Reading.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Berks County, Pennsylvania.

  • 1683: Lenape Native Americans inhabit the area now known as Berks County.
  • 1718: Swedish pioneers establish the first European settlement in Berks County.
  • 1752: Berks County is officially established, named after County Berkshire in England.
  • 1776: Berks County residents actively participate in the American Revolution.
  • 1796: Reading becomes the county seat of Berks County.
  • 1811: The first iron furnace is established in Berks County, marking the start of the county's booming iron industry.
  • 1833: The first railroad in Pennsylvania, the Mount Carbon Railroad, opens in Berks County.
  • 1843: Berks County incorporates its first borough, Reading, as a city.
  • 1866: The Reading Railroad Company is established, leading to further industrial growth in Berks County.
  • 1938: The Pagoda is built on Mount Penn in Reading as a tourist attraction.
  • 1952: The first section of the Pennsylvania Turnpike opens in Berks County, connecting the county with other major cities.
  • 1965: The Reading Railroad Company ceases operations, marking the decline of the county's once-thriving railroad industry.
  • 1980: The Berks County Heritage Center is established to preserve and showcase the county's history.
  • 1996: Berks County celebrates its 250th anniversary.