Introduction to Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania
Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania, in Schuylkill county, is 24 miles NW of Reading, Pennsylvania (center to center) and 70 miles NW of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Schuylkill Haven History
The original inhabitants of this area were the Lenni-Lenape Indians. White settlers arrived in the mid-1700s. John Fincher, a Quaker, was the first settler to construct a house in present day Schuylkill Haven. He received a 225-acre land grant, and settled in the area on March 5, 1750, which is considered the unofficial foundation date of the community. Fincher's settlement was called "Fincher's Ford." According to some records, the town was named after the Schuylkill Canal which was completed in 1825. However, other records claim that it was named for the Schuylkill River. Martin Dreibelbis, a German immigrant, established a distillery, a saw mill, and a grist mill in Schuylkill Haven in 1775. The community was incorporated on June 11, 1840.
Schuylkill Haven and Nearby Attractions
- Museum of Anthracite Mining
- Conrad Weiser Homestead
- Swatara State Park
- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
- Hershey's Chocolate World
- Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom
Things To Do In Schuylkill Haven
The Museum of Anthracite Mining houses artifacts reflecting the history of the anthracite coal mining industries. The town also offers easy access to the Children's Museum of Manhattan, Berks County Heritage Center, and Historical Society of Berks County Museum. Conrad Weiser Homestead, and John O'Hara House are places of historic importance near Schuylkill Haven. The Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, which is situated on 2,400 acres, is a popular destination in the area. Swatara State Park, situated on the Swatara Creek, offers opportunities for the enjoyment of hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and horseback riding. Among other attractions in the region are Hershey's Chocolate World, Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom, Knoebels Amusement Park, and HersheyPark.
Schuylkill Haven Transportation
Air transportation is available from Harrisburg International Airport.
Schuylkill Haven Higher Education
Schuylkill Haven is home to the Pennsylvania State University - Schuylkill Campus. Penn State Berks, and Albright College are located nearby.
