Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania (since 1812), a state of the United States of America. As of the 2000 census, it has a population of 48,950. It is the county seat of Dauphin County and lies on the banks of the Susquehanna River, 105 miles (169 km) west by north of Philadelphia.

History

In 1719, John Harris, an English trader, settled here and 14 years later secured grants of 800 acres (324 hectares) in this vicinity. In 1753 his son established a ferry, and the place was long known as Harris's Ferry. In 1785, a town was laid out and named Harrisburg, but in the following year it was renamed Louisburg in honor of Louis XVI. In 1791, it was incorporated as Harrisburg. In 1860, it was chartered as a city.

Related Topics:
1719 - 1753 - 1785 - Louis XVI - 1791 - 1860

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The assembling here of the Harrisburg Convention in 1828 led to the passage of the high protective-tariff bill of that year. In 1839, Harrison and Tyler were nominated at Harrisburg.

Related Topics:
1828 - 1839 - Harrison - Tyler

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~