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History of Reading, Pennsylvania, USA
Journey back in time to Reading, Pennsylvania, USA
Visit Reading, Pennsylvania, USA. Discover its history. Learn about the people who lived there through stories, old newspaper articles, pictures, postcards and genealogy.
In 1733, the site of present day Reading was chosen. It was set at the intersection of two great valleys, the east Penn-Lebanon Valley and the Schuylkill river. This site was known as Finney's Ford until 1743 when Thomas Lawrence, a Penn Land agent, made the first attempt at the layout for Reading.
In 1748, the town was laid out by Thomas and Richard Penn, the sons of William Penn. The name was chosen after Penn's own county seat, Reading, in Berkshire, England. In 1752, Reading became the county seat of Berks.
readingpa.gov
There is MUCH more to discover about Reading, Pennsylvania, USA. Read on!
1843 - Railroad Collision
Another of those terrific accidents occurred yesterday on the Philadelphia and Pottsville Railroad, which can always be avoided by a simple attention ...Read MORE...- 1854 - Reading
Reading, a handsome city of Pennsylvania, and capital of Berks county, on the left, or east bank of Schuylkill river, and on the Philadelphia,...Read MORE... - 1888 - A TERRIBLE CALAMITY. THE FLOOR OF A NEWLY BUILT CHURCH GIVES WAY. OVER ONE HUNDRED PEOPLE INJURED, SOME FATALLY.
THE WILDEST EXCITEMENT PREVAILS AND FIVE THOUSAND PEOPLE BECOME PANIC STRICKEN BUT COOLER HEADS FINALLY RESCUE THE UNFORTUNATE MEN, WOMAN AND...Read MORE... - 1889 - Mrs. May, of Reading, Pa., received word on the 6th that she was to inherit $300,000 from an uncle who died recently in California.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
February 9, 1889 - 1895 - Reading
Reading, an enterprising manufacturing city of Pennsylvania, the seat of justice of Berks co., is beautifully situated on the Schuylkill River, at...Read MORE... 
Penn Street Looking East From 4th, Reading, Pa.
Postcard
Shoot - The Chutes, Pendora Park, Reading, Pa.
Postcard- 1904 - Button Saved His Life
Special to The Inquirer
READING, Pa., Aug. 17 - A button saved the life of Allen R. Dunkelberger when he and several friends were engaged in...Read MORE... - 1906
Reading, a city, the seat of justice of Berks co., Pa., is beautifully situated on the Schuylkill River and on the Philadelphia and Reading and the...Read MORE... 
Pagoda at Top of Mt. Penn, Reading, Pa. 500 Feet above City and 1200 feet above Sea Level
Postcard
Old Photos, Pictures, Advertisements and Postcards from Reading, Pennsylvania, USA
Reading, Pennsylvania, USA
Penn Street Looking East From 4th, Reading, Pa.
Postcard
Reading, Pennsylvania, USA
Shoot - The Chutes, Pendora Park, Reading, Pa.
Postcard
Reading, Pennsylvania, USA
Pagoda at Top of Mt. Penn, Reading, Pa. 500 Feet above City and 1200 feet above Sea Level
Postcard
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History and News of Reading, Pennsylvania, USA
Add History/News
1843 - Railroad Collision
Another of those terrific accidents occurred yesterday on the Philadelphia and Pottsville Railroad, which can always be avoided by a simple attention ... Read MORE...
-
1854 - Reading
Reading, a handsome city of Pennsylvania, and capital of Berks county, on the left, or east bank of Schuylkill river, and on the Philadelphia,... Read MORE...
-
1888 - A TERRIBLE CALAMITY. THE FLOOR OF A NEWLY BUILT CHURCH GIVES WAY. OVER ONE HUNDRED PEOPLE INJURED, SOME FATALLY.
THE WILDEST EXCITEMENT PREVAILS AND FIVE THOUSAND PEOPLE BECOME PANIC STRICKEN BUT COOLER HEADS FINALLY RESCUE THE UNFORTUNATE MEN, WOMAN AND... Read MORE...
-
1889 - Mrs. May, of Reading, Pa., received word on the 6th that she was to inherit $300,000 from an uncle who died recently in California.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
February 9, 1889
-
1895 - Reading
Reading, an enterprising manufacturing city of Pennsylvania, the seat of justice of Berks co., is beautifully situated on the Schuylkill River, at... Read MORE...
-
1904 - Button Saved His Life
Special to The Inquirer
READING, Pa., Aug. 17 - A button saved the life of Allen R. Dunkelberger when he and several friends were engaged in... Read MORE...
-
1906
Reading, a city, the seat of justice of Berks co., Pa., is beautifully situated on the Schuylkill River and on the Philadelphia and Reading and the... Read MORE...
Reading, Pennsylvania, USA Genealogy
Ancestors Who Were Born in Reading, Pennsylvania, USA
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Updated: 1/22/2020 3:44:34 PM
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