Wilkes-Barre (pronounced wilkes-berry) is a city located in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. It gained prominence in the 19th and 20th century as an active coal-mining city, but has struggled economically since the 1960s. Wilkes-Barre is the county seat of Luzerne County.
History
Wilkes-Barre is named for British colonial politicians John Wilkes and Isaac Barre. The city was founded in 1768 by John Durke and a group of European settlers, and sustained several attacks by area Native American tribes.
The discovery of anthracite coal in the 1800s brought hundreds of thousands of immigrants to the area, and also brought numerous entrepreneurs. By the turn of the 20th century, Wilkes-Barre was home to numerous stores, breweries, mills, and factories. During this time, it was nicknamed "The Diamond City," due to the abundance of coal.
After the stock market crash of 1929, Wilkes-Barre began to economically suffer, as the coal industry attempted to survive the crash. The movement from coal to oil, gas, and electricity for heat had a negative effect on the area's economy, causing many mines to shut down. After World War II, Wilkes-Barre had an unemployment rate as high as 12%.
The Knox Mine Disaster was the final nail in the local coal industry's coffin. In January 1959, the Susquehanna River broke through into a mine shaft, flooding every mine in the area. The collapse was caused by a shaft that was dug too close to the river bed. Twelve miners drowned in the flood.
Another disaster ravaged Wilkes-Barre's economy in 1972, when Hurricane Agnes flooded the city with nine feet of water. Thousands of homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed by the flood.
Today, Wilkes-Barre is still economically depressed, due to the floods and fiscal mismanagement under the terms of former Mayor Thomas McGroarty. However, the city has partnered with area colleges in an urban development study, which the city hopes will bring more jobs and business to the area.
Geography
Wilkes-Barre is located at 41°14'40" North, 75°52'41" West (41.244581, -75.877918)1.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 18.6 km² (7.2 mi²). 17.7 km² (6.8 mi²) of it is land and 0.9 km² (0.3 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 4.60% water.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there are 43,123 people, 17,961 households, and 9,878 families residing in the city. The population density is 2,430.6/km² (6,296.3/mi²). There are 20,294 housing units at an average density of 1,143.9/km² (2,963.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 92.30% White, 5.09% African American, 0.11% Native American, 0.79% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.53% from other races, and 1.15% from two or more races. 1.58% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 17,961 households out of which 23.0% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.5% are married couples living together, 14.0% have a female householder with no husband present, and 45.0% are non-families. 39.0% of all households are made up of individuals and 18.6% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.20 and the average family size is 2.96.
In the city the population is spread out with 19.9% under the age of 18, 12.6% from 18 to 24, 26.1% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 20.6% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 39 years. For every 100 females there are 93.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.7 males.
Transportation
U.S. Interstate 81 passes through Wilkes-Barre. From there, locations such as Canada, New York City, and Philadelphia can be reached in a matter of three hours. The city is also located near the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
Wilkes-Barre receives city-wide bus services from the Luzerne County Transporation Authority. Additionally, the Martz bus line provides limited services across the county.
Sports teams
- Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Red Barons (International League)
- Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (American Hockey League)
- Wilkes-Barre Pioneers (Arena Football League)
Colleges and universities
Communications and media
=Broadcast TV stations
- WBRE-TV 28 (NBC)
- WNEP-TV 16 (ABC)
- WYOU-TV 22 (CBS)
- WVIA-TV 44 (PBS)
- WSWB-TV 38 (WB)
- WOLF-TV 56 (Fox)
- WYLN-TV 35 (Independent)
Radio stations
- WARM-AM 580 (News/Talk)
- WILK-AM 980 (News/Talk)
- WBAX-AM 1240 (Sports)
- WRKC-FM 88.5 (College)
- WVIA-FM 88.9 (Classical/Public Broadcasting)
- WSFX-FM 89.1 (College)
- WCLH-FM 90.7 (College/Metal)
- WMGS-FM 92.9 (Adult Contemporary)
- WKRZ-FM 98.5 (Top 40)
Newspapers
- The Times-Leader
- Citizen's Voice