Reading is a historic city of approximately 95,000 people (2020
census) in Pennsylvania, located 50 miles northwest of
Philadelphia, 35 miles southwest
of Allentown, and 55 miles east of
Harrisburg. Reading is one of
the most cultured cities in Pennsylvania, with some iconic
buildings in the downtown area, making it a good stopover on
your way to and from other cities.
Reading is a very old
and historic city. The city once had one of the largest railroad
systems in the country (from which the familiar Reading Railroad
of Monopoly boards were derived) stretching in all directions
from the city of Redding. The construction of this railroad was
perhaps the single greatest factor in the development of Berks
County. Although the city of Redding is economically depressed,
projects such as the Sovereign Center, Sovereign Performing Arts
Center, Miller Center, Goggleworks Center for the Arts, and
Reading Movies 11, which includes an IMAX theater, have helped
the city's down efforts to revitalize the downtown area. Today,
Reading is a city pulsing with the breath of industry. It also
has a full complement of institutions that represent
civilization: churches, hospitals, clubs, fraternal societies,
recreation centers, schools, universities, historical societies,
art institutes, and daily newspapers. A symphony orchestra, two
choirs, a chamber orchestra, a civic opera company, and many
other outstanding musical groups contribute to the city's
reputation as an arts and cultural center. In addition to its
charm, Redding's proximity to other popular tourist destinations
makes it a great place to visit. Centrally located about an
hour's drive northwest of Philadelphia, 2.5 hours southwest of
New York City, 3 hours north of Washington, DC, 40 minutes from
Amish Country, and an hour from Hersheypark and Dorney Park,
there are many day trip opportunities for visitors staying in
the area The area is also home to the largest number of hotels
and restaurants in the country. It is also approximately 2.5 to
3.5 hours from the beautiful coastal resorts of New Jersey,
Delaware, and Maryland.
Pre-Colonial and Founding Period
The area that would become
Reading, Pennsylvania, was originally inhabited by the Lenape (also
known as Delaware) people, specifically the Minsi tribe of the Lenni
Lenape nation, prior to European settlement in the 17th century. There
is no evidence of earlier occupants in the region. In 1681, King Charles
II granted the Province of Pennsylvania to William Penn, who
acknowledged Indigenous land claims and acquired territories through
treaties. Upon Penn's death in 1718, the land passed to his children.
Early surveys and land patents were issued in the 1730s, including
tracts to Richard Hockley (1,150 acres in 1733), Thomas Lawrence (300
acres in 1733 and 137 acres in 1738), Samuel Finney (150 acres in 1733),
and proprietary land (126 acres in 1741).
By 1740, efforts began to
establish a town, but much of the land had already been sold. In 1743,
agents repurchased parcels to lay out the "Town of Reading," named after
the Penn family's hometown in Berkshire, England. The town was
officially founded in 1748 by surveyors Nicholas Scull and William
Parsons, under the direction of Thomas and Richard Penn (sons of William
Penn), along with Conrad Weiser. The plan included 520 lots and 204
out-lots, situated on the Schuylkill River at a ford where public roads
converged. Lot sales commenced on June 15, 1749, managed by
commissioners Conrad Weiser, Francis Parvin, and William Hartley. By
1752, when Berks County was created from parts of Philadelphia, Chester,
and Lancaster counties, Reading became the county seat. The town had 130
dwellings, 41 stables or out-houses, and 160 families totaling 378
persons. Early settlers were primarily emigrants from southern and
western Germany, who purchased land from the Penns, leading to a strong
Pennsylvania German (Dutch) cultural influence that persisted, with the
dialect spoken well into the 1950s. The first Amish community in the New
World was established in Greater Reading. Religious organizations formed
quickly: Lutheran, Reformed, and Friends (Quaker) churches were built in
1751, followed by Roman Catholics in 1755 and Protestant Episcopalians
in 1763. These churches often included early schools, mostly teaching in
German.
Public infrastructure developed early: The first store was
Conrad Weiser's on Penn Street (lot 3, built by 1750 for trade with
Native Americans). A courthouse was erected in 1762, a market house in
1766, and a county jail in 1770. The Rainbow Fire Company was organized
in 1773. By 1759, there were 269 taxables in the area, predominantly
with German names. In 1760, the town and adjacent Alsace Township were
combined into the "Township and District of Reading," covering about 950
acres.
Colonial Period and French and Indian War
During the
French and Indian War (1755–1762), Reading served as a military base for
a chain of forts along the Blue Mountains, with alarms but no direct
attacks on the town. A defensive association was organized in 1754 under
key figures like Conrad Weiser, Edward Biddle, and George Nagel. The war
heightened regional tensions, but Reading's role was primarily
logistical.
James Wilson, a future signer of the Declaration of
Independence, practiced law in Reading from 1767 to 1775. Early
industries included hat-making, which became prominent; by 1795, Berks
County (largely Reading) produced 2,200 fur hats and 54,000 wool hats
annually, second only to Philadelphia. Notable hatters included John
Jackson, Samuel Jackson, Isaac Lebo, and others. Trade relied on
flat-bottomed boats shipping wheat and flour to Philadelphia, with
volumes increasing from 18,135 bushels of wheat and 2,220 barrels of
flour in 1795 to 31,198 bushels and 4,695 barrels by 1807.
Revolutionary War and Early Independence
As tensions rose leading to
the American Revolution, Reading's iron industry outproduced England's,
with ironmasters like Samuel Van Leer supplying George Washington's
troops with cannons, rifles, and ammunition. The town served as a depot
for military supplies and quartered Hessian prisoners from the Battle of
Trenton. Public support for independence was strong; a meeting on July
2, 1774, endorsed Boston's cause. Berks County furnished 7,800 men and
vast supplies. Key figures included Edward Biddle (Continental Congress
delegate), surgeons Bodo Otto and Jonathan Potts, and various colonels.
Post-Revolution, leadership shifted toward German-descended residents
due to their support for independence.
Reading was incorporated as a
borough on September 12, 1783, with over 400 taxables and 2,100
inhabitants, making it the largest inland town in the U.S. at the time.
It had powers for local governance, including electing burgesses and
managing streets. Transportation improved with stagecoaches from 1789
(weekly to Philadelphia) and ferries across the Schuylkill until bridges
were built (covered wooden at Ford in 1815 and Levan's in 1831).
Newspapers emerged, such as Der Neue Unpartheiische Reading Zeitung
(1789, German) and the Reading Adler (1796, German, ongoing). Banks
included a branch of the Bank of Pennsylvania (1808) and Farmers' Bank
(1814).
In 1793, during Philadelphia's yellow fever epidemic,
President George Washington considered making Reading the temporary
national capital but opted for Germantown. Future Supreme Court Justice
William Strong lived and practiced law in Reading from 1832 to 1857.
19th Century Industrial Growth
Industrial expansion accelerated
in the late 18th century with iron and steel in Berks County. Hat-making
peaked, with 14 wool hat factories producing 55,000 dozen hats annually
by 1840. Other early industries included glue production (from 1810),
tanneries (like Daniel Levan's from 1763), and marble works (from 1790).
Infrastructure boosted growth: Turnpikes like the Centre (1805 to
Sunbury), Perkiomen (1810 to Philadelphia), and Berks and Dauphin (1817
to Harrisburg) connected the region. The Schuylkill Canal (completed
1825) linked Reading to Philadelphia and the Delaware River, while the
Union Canal (1828) connected to the Susquehanna River at Middletown.
These facilitated coal transport after its discovery around 1770 and
widespread use post-1810. By 1831, 80 boats loaded weekly at the
Schuylkill Canal basin, rising to 125 by 1835.
The Philadelphia and
Reading Railroad (incorporated 1833, reached Reading 1838, Pottsville
1842) revolutionized transport, leading to the canals' decline by the
1880s. It spurred manufacturing; large shops were built in 1838, and the
Reading Iron Works (1836) employed 250, producing bar-iron and nails. By
1840, over 60 employments and 64 establishments existed, including
breweries and mills. The city was incorporated on March 16, 1847.
Population grew rapidly: from 2,235 in 1790 to 15,743 in 1850, driven by
industry.
Other developments included a water company (1821), fire
companies (e.g., Junior in 1813), and public schools (system from 1835,
high school 1852). Notable events: Susanna Cox's execution for
infanticide in 1809 drew 20,000; the War of 1812 and Mexican War
(1846–1848) saw local participation. The Panic of 1837 prompted local
banks to issue certificates.
Height of Progress: 1874–1910
This era saw tremendous growth, with population nearly tripling to over
96,000 by 1910. Residential building boomed via associations, favoring
rowhouses and leading to demolition of pre-Civil War structures.
Neighborhoods differentiated: poorer immigrants in South Reading's
factory areas, middle-class in new non-industrial zones. Horse-drawn
trolleys (1874) electrified by 1893 enabled suburban expansion, with
lines reaching all areas by 1900. Affluent built mansions along Centre
Avenue and Mineral Spring Road, influenced by romantic rural ideals.
Wards increased from nine to sixteen, with the Northeast becoming most
populous.
Industrially, heavy manufacturing persisted along the
Schuylkill and railroads (e.g., Reading Iron Company, Mt. Penn Stove
Works). New light industries included silk mills (Berkshire at Eleventh
and Marion), hosiery (Nolde and Horst at Ninth and Windsor), and candy
(William H. Luden’s at Eighth and Walnut from 1900). Some relocated
outside city limits for taxes (e.g., Textile Machine Works to
Wyomissing). During the Long Depression post-Panic of 1873, a 1877
railroad strike turned violent, killing six in a National Guard clash.
In the 1890s, safety-bicycle manufacturing expanded. Ferdinand Thun and
Henry Janssen introduced braiding and knitting machines around 1900,
founding the textile and hosiery industry. A new railroad depot (1874)
became a central landmark. No new annexations occurred, relying on prior
expansions.
20th Century: Prosperity, Decline, and Revival
Reading grew until the 1930s, peaking at nearly 120,000 residents,
fueled by iron, steel, and railroads. It was among the U.S.'s 100 most
populous cities from 1810 to 1950. Early 20th-century auto firms
included Daniels Motor Company, Duryea Motor Wagon Company, and
Reading-Standard. The Pagoda on Mount Penn (1908) and a stone
observation tower (1939) became landmarks. Educational institutions like
Albright College (1856), Alvernia University (1958), and Kutztown
University (1866) emerged. The city hosted the world's first
multi-tenant outlet mall in 1974 by Vanity Fair, establishing it as an
outlet shopping hub. It was nicknamed "The Pretzel City" for local
bakeries and "Baseballtown" since 2002, with minor league history dating
to 1858 (Reading Fightin Phils affiliated with Philadelphia Phillies
since 1967).
Decline hit from the 1940s to 1970s due to heavy
industry and railroad collapse. After Great Lakes ore surpassed
Pennsylvania's, Reading shifted to fabrication. The Reading Company
filed for bankruptcy in 1971 amid falling coal revenues and regulations;
assets went to Conrail in 1976. The Reading Brewing Company closed in
1976. Population dropped from 111,171 in 1930 to 78,686 in 1980. Floods
from Hurricane Agnes (1972) and another in 2006 caused damage.
By the
early 21st century, industries included electronic components,
batteries, specialty steels, energy storage, and medical devices. In
2007, NBC's Today show highlighted Reading as a top "Up and Coming
Neighborhood" for real estate potential, citing renovations, park
improvements, and proximity to major cities. Population rebounded
slightly to 88,082 by 2010 (metro area 411,442). Historic sites like the
Daniel Boone Homestead (Boone born 1734), Conrad Weiser Homestead
(1729), and Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site preserve heritage.
An annual folk festival at Kutztown celebrates Pennsylvania Dutch
culture.
Reading, Pennsylvania, is situated in southeastern Pennsylvania,
serving as the county seat of Berks County. It lies at coordinates
40°20′30″N 75°55′35″W, approximately 65 miles (105 km) northwest of
Philadelphia, 38.8 miles (62.4 km) southwest of Allentown, and about 50
miles (80 km) east of Harrisburg. The city is positioned at the
intersection of the East Penn-Lebanon Valley and the Schuylkill River
valley, making it a key hub in the Greater Reading metropolitan area,
which had a population of around 420,152 as of 2020. Geographically,
Reading covers a total area of 10.1 square miles (26 km²), with 9.8
square miles (25 km²) consisting of land and 0.2 square miles (0.52 km²)
of water, accounting for about 2.39% of its total area. The city's
elevation averages around 305 feet (93 m) above sea level.
Reading is
nestled within the Appalachian Ridge and Valley physiographic province,
characterized predominantly by mountainous terrain, though the southern
portions transition into more rolling landscapes. This setting places it
in a transitional zone between the more rugged Appalachians to the north
and the flatter Piedmont region to the south.
The topography of Reading is defined by its surrounding natural
barriers and elevations. To the west, the city is bounded by the
Schuylkill River, which forms a natural boundary and has historically
influenced urban development. On the east lies Mount Penn, a prominent
hill rising to about 1,120 feet (341 m), offering panoramic views of the
city and housing landmarks like the Pagoda, a Japanese-style observation
tower. To the south, Neversink Mountain provides another elevated
boundary, reaching elevations around 800 feet (244 m). These features
contribute to a varied landscape that includes steep slopes, valleys,
and ridges.
Further enhancing the region's geology is the Reading
Prong, a rugged mountain formation that extends northeastward from
Reading into New Jersey. This prong is part of the ancient Appalachian
orogeny and is known for its hard, erosion-resistant rocks, which have
shaped the local terrain over millions of years. The area around Reading
features a mix of forested hills and open valleys, with the surrounding
Berks County hosting numerous family-owned farms in the more level
areas. The city's position in these valleys has historically supported
agriculture and industry, but it also exposes lower-lying areas to
environmental challenges.
The Schuylkill River is the dominant hydrological feature in Reading,
flowing along the city's western edge and serving as a vital waterway.
This river, part of the larger Delaware River watershed, has a history
of significant flooding events that have impacted the city, such as
during Hurricane Agnes in 1972 and the Mid-Atlantic flood of 2006, which
inundated lower precincts. Historically, the region featured canal
systems like the Schuylkill Canal (completed in 1825) and the Union
Canal (completed in 1828), which connected the Schuylkill to the
Susquehanna River but were largely abandoned by the 1880s in favor of
railroads.
Smaller tributaries and streams feed into the Schuylkill
within the city limits, contributing to the modest water coverage. The
river's presence has shaped Reading's development, providing water
resources for industry while necessitating flood control measures in
modern times.
Reading experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa) on the
southern edge of this zone, with some areas to the immediate south
classified as humid subtropical (Cfa). Summers are typically warm and
humid, with average July highs reaching 86.5°F (30.3°C) and around 27
days annually exceeding 90°F (32°C). Winters are cold, featuring average
January highs of 38.6°F (3.7°C) and lows of 23.0°F (−5.0°C), with
temperatures occasionally dropping below 0°F (−18°C). Annual snowfall
averages about 25 inches (64 cm), primarily from December to March,
while total precipitation is around 45.21 inches (114.8 cm) distributed
fairly evenly throughout the year.
Spring and fall serve as
transitional seasons, with variable weather; the first killing frost
usually occurs in late October, and the last in early to mid-April. Only
January averages below freezing, while seven months average above 50°F
(10°C), reflecting the city's position in a temperate zone influenced by
both continental and maritime air masses.
Reading's urban layout is compact and influenced by its natural boundaries, with a grid-based street plan dating back to its founding in 1733. The original town extended from the Schuylkill River eastward to Penn's Commons, spanning just four blocks wide from Chestnut to Walnut streets.
Environmentally, the Reading Prong is associated with naturally occurring radon gas due to its geological composition, though residential areas in the city itself are not significantly affected. The region boasts extensive recreational opportunities, including over 125 miles (201 km) of cycling trails across five major preserves, earning it recognition as an International Mountain Bicycling Association ride center. Surrounding farmlands in Berks County add to the area's rural-urban interface, supporting biodiversity and agriculture while highlighting the need for balanced development in this geologically diverse landscape.
As of the 2010 census, Reading had a population of 88,082 (48.5% male
and 51.5% female) with 29,979 households and 19,257 families. The racial
makeup was 48.4% White, 13.2% African American, 0.9% Native American,
1.2% Asian, and 6.1% from two or more races.
Of 29,979
households, 29.8% were married couples living together (14.2% with
children under 18), 26.3% had a female householder without a husband,
8.1% of households had a male householder without a wife, 35. 8% did not
have a family. The average household is 2.85 people, and the average
family size is 3.52 people.
The population of the city by age
range according to the 2010 census was distributed as follows: 31.0% -
residents under 18 years old, 6.3% - between 18 and 21 years old, 53.4%
- from 21 to 65 years old and 9.3% - aged 65 and over. The average age
of the population is 28.9 years. For every 100 women in Reading, there
were 94.3 men, while for every 100 women of age there were already 89.3
men of comparable age.
Every October, an Oktoberfest is held just outside the historic
Stokesay Castle in Mount Pen. This Oktoberfest is organized by the
Reading Leader Kranz. It is a celebration of clothing, crafts, culture,
food, and dance.
Each March, the Berks Jazz Fest takes place for
10 days, offering many musical venues for residents and visitors alike.
Past performers have included such well-known names as Chris Botti,
Betty Carter, the Dave Brubeck Quartet, and Wynton Marsalis.
The
Apple Dumpling Festival and Pageant takes place each summer at Willow
Glen Park. The festival includes craft shows, in-house picnics, food,
pageants, and carnival rides.
Each winter, Reading hosts Jingle
Bell Fest. It includes lights, holiday music, children's rides, holiday
food, etc., and is held at Willow Glen Park, as is the Apple Dumpling
Festival.
Every fall, the Shocktober Festival is held at Willow
Glen Park: Pennsylvania's premier horned scream park. There are four
different haunted attractions: Toxic Asylum, Resident Evil Hayride w/the
Sawkill, Prison of the Dead, and Club Shock. According to the Travel
Channel, it is "one of the scariest places in America.
Every
spring, the Greater Reading, Pennsylvania Cherry Blossom Festival is
held at Riverplace in Schuylkill. Visitors can enjoy guided bike rides,
Japanese movies, dragon watching, and more.
Another popular local
festival is the Kutztown Folk Festival, located about 15 miles northeast
of Reading. This festival is very well known and offers an immersion
into Pennsylvania Dutch culture.
The Oley Valley Community Fair
is a unique, old-fashioned, family-style country fair, which celebrated
its 64th anniversary in 2010. The fair offers a good-hearted competition
among friends and neighbors from the surrounding area, in the best sense
of the word. Each year, one can see a wide variety of farm and homegrown
products being exhibited in a variety of categories.
The Duryea
Hill Climb is a biannual race held by the SCCA on Redding's famous
Skyline Drive. It has been held since 1951, beginning at Redding Park
and taking riders around a series of chicanes and past a pagoda.
Also recommended is Redding's Earth Day event. On this day, many
eco-activities and presenters will be on hand to entertain people. There
is also plenty of entertainment, good food, and free activities for
kids.
Several companies are headquartered in the city. Among them are
Penske Truck Leasing, which leases trucks, Boscov's, a chain of
department stores, and Carpenter Technology Corporation, a metalworking
company. All of these companies are major employers. In addition to
them, a lot of jobs are provided by the hospital, the state management
structure of the district, Wal-Mart Stores.
In 2014, out of
64,269 active able-bodied residents over the age of 16, 31,028 people
were employed. At the same time, men had a median income of $32,140 per
year versus $26,647 of the average annual income for women. In 2014, the
median income for a family was $29,252 and for a household was $26,867.
The per capita income is $13,339. 37.2% of all families in Reading and
40.1% of the total population were below the poverty line at the time of
the census.
The city takes its name from the Reading Railroad, which ceased to
exist in 1976.
Public transport in the city of Reading and its
surrounding communities has been provided since 1973 by BARTA. A fleet
of 53 buses serve 21 routes, mostly starting in the center of Reading.
In addition, there are intercity bus routes of Greyhound Lines and
Trailways Transportation System departing from the intercity bus
terminal.
The former Reading Railroad station was refurbished and
reopened as a bus station for Lebanon Transit buses on September 9,
2013, but was short-lived as bus services ceased.