National Register Listing

Tunkhannock Viaduct

a.k.a. Nicholson Viaduct

0.5 mi. E of Nicholson at Tunkhannock Creek, Nicholson, PA
Local significance of the structure:
Engineering; Transportation; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

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.

The Liberty Bell, an iconic symbol of American independence, was originally cast in England in 1752 and cracked during its first use. It was recast twice in Philadelphia, and the current bell has been on display in Independence National Historical Park since 2003.
Pennsylvania random facts
Wyoming County, Pennsylvania is located in the northeastern part of the state. It was formed on April 4, 1842, from parts of Luzerne County and named after the Wyoming Valley. The valley had gained significant historical importance due to the Battle of Wyoming during the American Revolutionary War. The county covers an area of approximately 405 square miles and is home to a population of around 27,800 people.

The area that is now Wyoming County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, primarily the Susquehannocks and the Delawares. European settlements began in the late 18th century when pioneers arrived from Connecticut and established towns like Tunkhannock, the county seat. The region's fertile land attracted farmers, and agriculture has been a core industry throughout the county's history.

In the early 19th century, the discovery of natural resources such as coal and timber brought economic growth to Wyoming County. Coal mining became a significant industry, with several mines operated by various coal companies. The timber industry flourished as well, with vast forests providing lumber for construction and manufacturing.

In the 20th century, the county saw gradual industrialization, with the establishment of manufacturing plants, including textile mills and furniture factories. However, like many rural areas, Wyoming County experienced a decline in industry and population shifts in the latter part of the century. Today, it remains primarily rural, with agriculture and small businesses forming the backbone of the local economy.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Wyoming County, Pennsylvania.

  • 1632 - Wyoming County was originally inhabited by the Iroquoian-speaking Susquehannocks.
  • 1772 - Settlers from Connecticut founded the first permanent European settlement in the area at the town of Westmoreland.
  • 1782 - The Battle of Wyoming, also known as the Wyoming Massacre, took place during the American Revolutionary War, resulting in a significant loss of life for the settlers.
  • 1795 - Wyoming County was officially established as a county by the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
  • 1814 - Tunkhannock became the county seat of Wyoming County.
  • 1867 - The Pennsylvania & New York Railroad extended into Wyoming County, boosting economic development.
  • 1929 - The Nicholson Bridge, the largest concrete bridge in the United States at the time, was completed in Wyoming County.
  • 2006 - A tornado outbreak struck Wyoming County, causing significant damage and loss of life.