Introduction to Pottsville, Pennsylvania
Pottsville, Pennsylvania, in Schuylkill county, is 28 miles NW of Reading, Pennsylvania (center to center) and 74 miles NW of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Pottsville History
Pottsville was founded in 1806 by John Pott and was named in honor of him. Originally Pottsville was located in Chester County, but after several changes it became a part of Schuylkill County. It was incorporated as a borough in 1828. Replacing Orwigsburg, Pottsville became the county seat in 1851, and it became a city in 1911. A small textile industry emerged by the Schuylkill River, which was the source of the famous company, Phillips Van Heusen. Anthracite coal was discovered by hunter Nelcho Allen.
Pottsville and Nearby Attractions
- Museum of Anthracite Mining
- Indian Echo Caverns
- Knoebels Amusement Park
- Hershey's Chocolate World
- John O'Hara House
- Locust Lake State Park
Things To Do In Pottsville
Parks in the area include Yuengling Park, Rotary Park, and Henry Clay Park. People may visit museums and historic sites like Jerry's Classic Cars Museum, John O'Hara House, and Jewish Museum of Eastern Pennsylvania. Exhibits on the history of coal mining and anthracite industries are displayed at the Museum of Anthracite Mining. Some of the other popular attractions near Pottsville are Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom, Indian Echo Caverns, Knoebels Amusement Park, and Crystal Cave. Hersheypark, which is located nearby, has more than 65 rides, live entertainment, 11 rollercoasters, and a boardwalk.
Pottsville Transportation
Air transportation is available from Schuylkill County Airport.
Pottsville Higher Education
Colleges nearby include Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks, Luzerne County Community College, and Kutztown University of Pennsylvania.