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Lycoming
County lies in the heart of north central Pennsylvania. Located on
the west branch of the Susquehanna River, Lycoming County is the
largest geographical County in Pennsylvania and is part of the
Allegheny Mountain chain. Lycoming County houses many parks, state
game lands, forests, rivers, and streams which provides a great
area for water sports and various outdoor activities. Williamsport
serves as Lycoming County's seat and focal point and was settled
in the late 1700's along the west branch of the Susquehanna River.
Other towns and boroughs like Muncy, Montoursville, and
Hughesville soon followed as Williamsport became the main northern
river port in the valleys of the Susquehanna.
Historical sights litter the area, antique shops
are everywhere. There are many places to stay, from small bed and
breakfasts, to large chain hotels. This area definitely is a good
representation of the four seasons. Winter temperatures average in
the low to mid 30's with an annual 50" snowfall. Summer time
highs average from the mid 70's to low 80's. The spring bloom is
especially colorful with hundreds of species of trees and shrubs
blooming from March to June. The fall foliage change is
spectacularly brilliant, peaking during the middle two weeks of
October.
Timber is one of Pennsylvania's greatest natural
resources. When William Penn arrived in 1682, it is estimated that
90% of the over 20 million acres now comprising the Commonwealth,
were covered with dense stands of white pine, Eastern hemlock, and
mixed hardwoods.
After 1850, the lumber business really took off
because of the Civil War and growth of the country. During the
period between 1850 and 1870, the center of the lumber industry
shifted to the northern and central portions of Pennsylvania which
allowed Williamsport the opportunity to grow. With 29 sawmills,
Williamsport, became known as the lumber capital of the world. Its
great mills, strategically located on the Susquehanna River, were
supplied with logs floated down the river from tributary streams
to the north. The log boom, operated by the Susquehanna Boom
Company, stretched seven miles along Williamsport's river front
and was credited with holding capacity of over 250 million board
feet of lumber. Read more about this at the Lumber
Museum Web site.
Moving into the future Williamsport also became
well-known for its role in Little League Baseball. Little League
Baseball got its start in 1939 by Carl Stotz and has grown ever
since. Read more about this at the Little
League World Series Web site.
Williamsport is proud to be served by two
institutions of higher learning.
Lycoming
College, founded in 1812, is a private, co-educational,
four-year college located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. It is
an independent college but historically affiliated with the
United Methodist Church.
Pennsylvania
College of Technology is an affiliate of the
Pennsylvania State University. Penn College is one of
Pennsylvania's premier technical colleges. Continuing in a
tradition of excellence, Penn College offers certificate,
associate and baccalaureate degree programs.
Read more about Williamsport and the area at the Williamsport/Lycoming
County Chamber of Commerce, Williamsport
Online, Lycoming
County Historical Society and Newberry
Online.
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