In 1834 and 1835, a scientist named Constantine Samuel Rafinesque traveled widely through Pennsylvania in order to document the geology and biology of the Keystone State. In the spring of 1835, the Turkish-born polymath traveled north from Harrisburg aboard canal boats alongside the Susquehanna River to Millersburg. In his book, A Life of Travels, Rafinesque details … Continue reading An 1835 visit to the mines at Wiconisco Township
In 1837, residents of three Pennsylvania counties filed petitions seeking to form their own county called "Lykens." Their efforts were unsuccessful.
In May 1927, Henry Keiser described the Coal Region towns where he grew up as they looked in the 1850s.
On February 7, 1862, a roof collapsed inside the Short Mountain Colliery killing a respected miner and wounding several others.
Wiconisco Township marked Independence Day 1862 with surprisingly peaceful demonstration.
During the 19th Century, Northern Dauphin County was "disposed to secede" and form a new county with Lykens, Pennsylvania as the county seat.
The disgraced Secretary of War often invested in industrial ventures in Pennsylvania.
