John H. Bower

Historical marker location:
201 West 4th Street, Williamsport, Pennsylvania
( Marker is at the intersection of 4th Street and William Street, on the left when traveling west on 4th Street.)
Marker installed: 2016

Marker
© OpenStreetMap contributors

Lycoming County MVP. City of Williamsport Sports Walk

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The first World Series of Major League Baseball was held in Pittsburgh in 1903.
Lycoming County, located in north-central Pennsylvania, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Susquehannocks and the Iroquois, who relied on the region's abundant natural resources for hunting, gathering, and agriculture.

European settlement in the area began in the 18th century, with the arrival of fur traders and pioneers. In 1763, the first permanent settlement was established by British settler James Brady, who built a log cabin near present-day Muncy. The county was officially formed in 1795, named after the river that flows through it, Lycoming Creek.

During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Lycoming County experienced rapid growth as a result of the lumber industry. The region's vast forests provided an abundant supply of timber, attracting numerous sawmills and loggers. The arrival of the Pennsylvania Canal and the Pennsylvania Railroad in the mid-19th century further stimulated the county's economic development, allowing for easier transportation of goods and people.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Lycoming County diversified its economy, with the establishment of manufacturing industries such as textiles, furniture, and locomotive production. The county also played a significant role during World War II, with the construction of the Williamsport Army Airfield and the production of military equipment.

Today, Lycoming County is known for its vibrant cultural scene, stunning natural beauty, and strong sense of community. The county hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including the Little League World Series and the Pennsylvania State Laurel Festival. With its rich history and promising future, Lycoming County continues to be a dynamic and thriving region in Pennsylvania.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania.

  • Pre-1772: The area that is now Lycoming County was home to Native American tribes, including the Susquehannocks and the Senecas.
  • 1772: The first European settlers, James Alexander and James Armstrong, arrive in what is now Lycoming County.
  • 1795: Lycoming County is established by the Pennsylvania State Legislature.
  • 1804: The first courthouse is built in Williamsport, the county seat of Lycoming County.
  • 1823: The Lycoming Gazette, the first newspaper in the county, is established.
  • 1839: The Susquehanna Boom, a system of interconnected logs on the river, is constructed to facilitate the transportation of timber down the river.
  • 1861-1865: Lycoming County, like the rest of the country, is deeply affected by the American Civil War.
  • 1871: The Williamsport Hospital, the first hospital in the county, is founded.
  • 1889: The first Little League Baseball game is played in Williamsport, marking the beginning of a long association between the city and the sport.
  • 1928: The Williamsport Regional Airport is established.
  • 1979: The Little League Baseball World Series is permanently moved to South Williamsport.