Reading, Pennsylvania

Reading (pronounced red - 'ing) is the county seat of Berks County, Pennsylvania. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 81,207.

History

In 1743, Richard and Thomas Penn (sons of William Penn) planned the town of Reading. It was established in 1748. Upon creation of Berks County in 1752, the town became the county seat.

Related Topics:
1743 - William Penn - 1748 - 1752

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During the French and Indian War, Reading became a military base for a chain of forts along the Blue Mountains.

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By the time of the American Revolution, the area's iron industry had a total production that exceeded that of England, a production that would help supply George Washington's troops with cannons, rifles and ammunition. During the early period of the war, Reading was again a depot for military supply. Hessian prisoners from the battle of Trenton were also detained here.

Related Topics:
American Revolution - Iron - England - George Washington - Hessian

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The Philadelphia and Reading Railroad (P&R) was incorporated in 1833.

Related Topics:
Philadelphia and Reading Railroad - 1833

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Solomon Boscov built the first Boscov's department store at the corner of 9th and Pike Streets in downtown Reading in 1911.

Related Topics:
Boscov's - Department store - 1911

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The city saw continuous growth until the 1930s, when the population nearly reached 120,000. From the 1940s to the 1970s, Reading felt a marked downturn in prosperity.

Related Topics:
1930 - 1940 - 1970

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In 1972, Hurricane Agnes caused flooding in the city.

Related Topics:
1972 - Hurricane Agnes

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In the early 1970s, abandoned textile mills just west of Reading were developed to create the VF Outlet Village, the first outlet mall in the United States. The outlet mall became so successful that it brought millions of tourists to Reading every year and caused hundreds of imitators to sprout up around the country. Because of this innovation, Reading is known as "The Original Outlet Capital of the World."

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The Sovereign Center (where the Reading Royals play) was completed in 2001.

Related Topics:
Sovereign Center - Reading Royals - 2001

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Census 2000 shows Reading is once again a growing city as many other once declining Pennsylvania cities. Much of Reading's growth is due to immigration and the rapid growth outside the city.

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