Pittston, Pennsylvania is a city located in Luzerne County in the northeast portion of the state. It is situated on the banks of the Susquehanna River and is part of the Scranton–Wilkes-Barre–Hazleton Metropolitan Statistical Area. This urban area encompasses a total population of over 550,000 people.
Pittston’s geography is characterized by rolling hills and ridges that provide stunning views of the surrounding area. The city itself is situated at an elevation of 885 feet above sea level and occupies an area of 4.3 square miles.
Pittston’s climate is generally mild with temperatures ranging from an average high in July around 82 degrees to an average low in January around 22 degrees Fahrenheit. The city receives about 41 inches of rain per year as well as 42 inches of snowfall annually.
The Susquehanna River forms a major part of Pittston’s geography, providing access to recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming in addition to transportation routes for commercial vessels. Other waterways that flow through Pittston include Mill Creek, Roaring Brook, and Laurel Run Creek which all offer opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking and camping near their banks.
The city also has several parks within its boundaries including Pittston City Park which features a playground and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy in addition to lush green spaces throughout the park grounds. Other nearby attractions include Ricketts Glen State Park which offers over 13,000 acres of woodlands for visitors to explore as well as numerous sources for outdoor recreation such as fishing and hunting opportunities along its many trails.
Overall, Pittston’s geography provides stunning natural beauty along with plenty of recreational activities for locals and visitors alike to enjoy while exploring this historic city’s unique terrain.
History of Pittston, Pennsylvania
Pittston, Pennsylvania has a long and rich history that dates back to the early 1700s. The area was first settled by colonists from Connecticut who arrived in 1762 and founded the town of Pittstown. The name was derived from William Pitt, a British Prime Minister at the time. In 1806, the town was officially incorporated as Pittston borough and quickly grew into an important trading center for the region.
During the 19th century, Pittston saw an influx of immigrants from Europe which helped to further expand its population and economy. By 1900, it had become a major coal mining center with over 20 collieries operating in the vicinity. This industry employed thousands of miners who worked tirelessly to extract anthracite coal from deep underground mines for use in local steel mills, power plants, and other industries throughout Pennsylvania.
The 20th century saw a decline in the coal industry due to new sources of energy being developed but this did not stop Pittston from becoming an important commercial hub for Northeast Pennsylvania. In 1960, it became a city and by 1980 had grown to its current population of over 9,000 people.
Today, Pittston is known as “The Gem City” due to its unique combination of history and modern amenities that make it an attractive place to live or visit for both locals and tourists alike. The city is home to numerous historical sites such as the restored Stegmaier Mansion which serves as a museum showcasing artifacts from its past while also providing visitors with unique educational opportunities about this area’s interesting history. Additionally, there are many cultural attractions such as art galleries, theaters, restaurants, cafes, shops and other places of interest that make it an ideal destination for those looking for something different than what one typically finds in larger cities throughout Pennsylvania.
Economy of Pittston, Pennsylvania
Pittston, Pennsylvania has a diverse economy that is largely supported by the service industry. The city’s main employers are in the healthcare, education, government and retail sectors. The two largest employers are Geisinger Health System and Wilkes University, both of which provide many jobs for local residents. Additionally, there are numerous smaller businesses throughout the city that employ people in a variety of industries such as manufacturing, construction, engineering and technology.
The coal industry once played an important role in the economy of Pittston but has since declined due to new sources of energy being developed. Despite this fact, there are still several active mines in the region that continue to produce anthracite coal for use in local steel mills and power plants as well as other industries throughout Pennsylvania.
In recent years, Pittston has seen a resurgence in its economy due to an influx of new businesses and investments from both public and private sources. This includes the construction of new commercial buildings such as shopping centers and office complexes which have helped to bring more jobs to the area. Additionally, there has been an increase in tourism with visitors coming from all over the world to experience this unique city’s rich history and culture.
Overall, Pittston’s economy is vibrant and growing with many opportunities available for both locals and newcomers alike. Whether you’re looking for work or just want to explore all that this city has to offer, there is something here for everyone.
Politics in Pittston, Pennsylvania
Pittston, Pennsylvania is known for its politics, which are often seen as more progressive than other parts of the state. The city is home to a large number of Democrats and Independents, though there are still many Republicans in the area as well.
The city has had a long history of political activism, with a tradition of grassroots organizing and protests to support progressive causes. This has included protests against police brutality and racism, environmental justice campaigns, and efforts to protect workers’ rights. Additionally, Pittston has been an important site for the LGBTQ+ community, with many organizations working to promote acceptance and visibility throughout the city.
Locally, Pittston is served by a mayor-council form of government with seven members on the council. All seven members are elected at-large in nonpartisan elections held every four years. The mayor is responsible for overseeing all municipal operations and can be re-elected to unlimited terms in office.
The current mayor of Pittston is Michael Lombardo who was elected in 2016. During his tenure he has worked to bring new businesses into the city while also focusing on improving public safety and infrastructure projects such as roads and bridges. He also supports initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion within local government.
Overall, politics in Pittston are often seen as progressive compared to other areas throughout Pennsylvania due to its long history of activism and its focus on creating an inclusive environment for all citizens regardless of their background or beliefs.