National Register Listing

Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex (Boundary Revision)

Roughly bounded by 3rd and 7th, North and Walnut Streets, Harrisburg, PA

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2013.

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.

Audiobooks about the history of Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania State University, commonly known as Penn State, was established in 1855 and is one of the largest universities in the United States.
Pennsylvania random facts
Dauphin County, located in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, has a rich and diverse history dating back to its establishment in 1785. The land was originally occupied by several Native American tribes, including the Iroquois Confederacy and the Susquehannock Indians. European settlers began arriving in the late 17th century, with Scots-Irish and German immigrants being the predominant groups.

The county's name, Dauphin, was derived from the title "Dauphin of France," which was given to the oldest son of the French king. The name was chosen to honor the French assistance during the American Revolution. In the early years, Dauphin County was primarily an agricultural area, with farming being the main occupation for its residents. The fertile soil and access to the Susquehanna River made it ideal for farming.

The county played a significant role during the American Civil War, with the state capital, Harrisburg, being an important strategic location. Confederate forces attempted to capture Harrisburg multiple times, with the most notable being the invasion of Pennsylvania in 1863, which culminated in the Battle of Gettysburg. The county also became an important transportation hub during the industrial revolution, with the construction of canals and railroads connecting it to major cities.

Over the years, Dauphin County has witnessed significant growth and development. In the 20th century, there was a shift from agriculture to industrial and service-based industries. The construction of the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in the 1970s brought international attention to the county during the infamous accident in 1979. Today, Dauphin County remains a vibrant and diverse community, with a mix of urban areas, suburbs, and rural farmland, offering residents a high quality of life and a rich historical heritage to explore.

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

  • 1785 - Dauphin County was officially established on March 4th.
  • 1790 - Harrisburg became the county seat.
  • 1838 - The Pennsylvania Canal opened, connecting Dauphin County to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
  • 1848 - The Pennsylvania Railroad reached Harrisburg, boosting the county's transportation infrastructure.
  • 1863 - The Battle of Gettysburg took place, impacting Dauphin County and the surrounding areas.
  • 1972 - The Three Mile Island accident occurred, causing a partial meltdown at the nuclear power plant in Dauphin County.
  • 2001 - The Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts opened in Harrisburg, offering educational and entertainment opportunities.