Historical Markers in
Wayne County, Pennsylvania

1829 Stourbridge Lion 9/11 Memorial As the Company Prospered, So Did the Community. Christy Mathewson Coachman’s Cottage / The Spring House Connell Park Cushetunk David Wilmot Delaware & Hudson Canal Delaware & Hudson Gravity Railroad Coal Wagon Dorflinger Glass Works Dorflinger: America's Finest Glass... F. M. Crane House First Baptist Church Former Site of the Lincoln Elementary School From Alsace, France to White Mills... Gibbons Memorial Park Grace Episcopal Church Gravity Railroad Depot Heroes of 1776-Residents of Wayne County History of Hawley Honesdale Jennie Brownscombe Birthplace Jirah Mumford Lackawaxen River Lake Lacawac Lincoln Nomination Louis Arthur Watres Mill Creek Bridge Ruth McGinnis Saint Mary Magdalen Parish Cemetery Children's Memorial Samuel Meredith Samuel Meredith Sarah Mary Benjamin Senator Kingsbury House Skills Passed Down through Generations... Snubbing Post Stourbridge Lion Stourbridge Lion The Canal and the Rails Spark the Growth of White Mills... The Deagan Chimes The Ice House / The Woodshed The Lacawac Sanctuary The Stourbridge Lion The Tallman Bridge There Was More to White Mills than Glass Veterans Memorial War Memorial War Memorial Washington Irving and the "Irving Cliff" Hotel Watching Over Their Livelihood and Their Homes Watres Lodge / The Boat House Waymart Area Veterans Memorial Wayne County Wayne County Civil War Monument Wayne County Walk of Honor Wayne County World War I Memorial Wayne Memorial Hospital Welcome to Historic Connell Park When Christian Dorflinger Melded His Art with History... World War II Memorial Zenas Russell House
The first recorded U.S. flag-raising on foreign soil occurred in 1777, when the Stars and Stripes were flown during a naval battle off the coast of Quiberon Bay, France, commanded by Pennsylvania native John Paul Jones.
Pennsylvania random facts
Wayne County, Pennsylvania, has a rich history that dates back to the Native American tribes who originally occupied the region. The first European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, mostly from Connecticut, and quickly established small farming communities. The county was officially formed in 1798 and named after General Anthony Wayne, a Revolutionary War hero.

During the 19th century, Wayne County experienced a period of rapid growth and development. The Delaware and Hudson Canal, completed in 1828, played a significant role in connecting the county to major markets in New York City. The canal brought increased commerce and prosperity to the region, attracting new settlers and supporting the growth of towns such as Honesdale, the county seat.

In the second half of the 19th century, Wayne County emerged as a popular destination for tourism and recreation. Its picturesque landscapes, including the Delaware Water Gap and numerous lakes, attracted visitors seeking outdoor activities and relaxation. The Pennsylvania Railroad also extended its lines to the county, further boosting tourism and facilitating transportation for both residents and visitors.

The 20th century saw Wayne County evolve into a predominantly rural and agricultural area. While farming continued to dominate the local economy, the county also became a popular retreat for city dwellers, resulting in the establishment of summer homes and vacation communities. Today, Wayne County remains a prime location for outdoor enthusiasts, with its state parks, forests, and recreational opportunities attracting visitors from near and far.

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

  • 1798: Wayne County is established, named after General Anthony Wayne.
  • 1803: The first sawmill is built in the region.
  • 1810: The first gristmill is established, allowing for local grain milling.
  • 1849: The Delaware and Hudson Canal Company completes its canal, connecting Honesdale to the Hudson River.
  • 1851: The Stourbridge Lion, the first locomotive in the United States to run on a commercial track, is tested in Honesdale.
  • 1860: The population of Wayne County reaches 19,336.
  • 1870: The Wayne County Fair is established.
  • 1903: The Wayne County Historical Society is founded.
  • 1931: The Lake Wallenpaupack reservoir is completed.
  • 1956: The Wayne Economic Development Corporation is established.
  • 1964: Prompton State Park is opened to the public.
  • 1992: The Zane Grey Museum is dedicated in Lackawaxen.
  • 2018: Wayne County celebrates its bicentennial.