Introduction to South Williamsport, Pennsylvania
South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in Lycoming county, is 70 miles W of Scranton, Pennsylvania (center to center) and 130 miles NW of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The town is part of the Williamsport metropolitan statistical area (MSA).
South Williamsport History
The Susquehannocks of the Iroquois nation were the original inhabitants of this region, but in the 18th century, Lenape Indians occupied most of the area. Following the signing of the Treaty of Fort Stanwix in 1768, the region came under the control of the British who opened it for settlement. What is now known as "South Williamsport" was first settled in 1790. Aaron Hagerman, the community's first settler, arrived after the end of the American Revolutionary War. Jacob Weiss, an early entrepreneur, purchased land and began laying out town lots. On November 29, 1886, the villages of Billman, and Rocktown merged with several other communities and officially incorporated as South Williamsport. During the post-Civil War years, the community's woodworking factories and planning mills thrived due to the boom in the logging industry.
South Williamsport and Nearby Attractions
- Slifer House Museum
- Clyde Peeling's Reptiland
- French Azilum Historic Site
- Little Pine State Park
- Ross Park Zoo
- Knoebels Amusement Park
Things To Do In South Williamsport
Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum features historical exhibits and a Hall of Excellence, while collections in the Slifer House Museum are housed in a restored Victorian home. French Azilum Historic Site marks the area where a planned French community was established in 1793. Joseph Priestley House is another place of historic interest near South Williamsport. McCall Dam State Park, which is situated on an abandoned dam across the White Deer Creek, features facilities for group tenting and picnicking. Various other activities like hiking, swimming, fishing, and boating can be enjoyed at the Susquehanna State Park, Ravensburg State Park, and Little Pine State Park. Ross Park Zoo, Lincoln Caverns, and Knoebels Amusement Park are some of the other popular destinations in the region.
South Williamsport Transportation
Air transportation is available from Williamsport Regional Airport.
South Williamsport Higher Education
Nearby colleges are Bucknell University, Lycoming College, Pennsylvania College of Technology, and Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania.
