Scranton city (1990 pop. 81,805), seat of Lackawanna co., NE Pa., in a mountain region, on the Lackawanna River; settled in the 1700s, inc. 1866. Named for George W. Scranton , it is a commercial and industrial center of the surrounding anthracite coal region of NE Pennsylvania. Iron was first forged there in 1797. Early products were coal-mining machinery, locomotives, and rails. Mining decreased after World War II; the unemployment that resulted was largely offset by a successful citizens' program that developed service industries. The city still has manufacturing (foods; electrical equipment; cigars; apparel and textiles; ordnance; and plastic, concrete, and metal products), but production declined sharply, as did Scranton's population, in the late 20th cent. The Univ. of Scranton, Marywood Univ., and a branch of Pennsylvania State Univ. are in the city. Of interest are are the Everhart Museum of Natural History, Science, and Art; the main public library; a model coal mine and mining museum, a large Masonic temple-Scottish rite cathedral, historic blast furnaces, and Steamtown National Historic Site (see National Parks and Monuments , table). Many lakes, state forests, and recreation sites are in the area.

Scranton, USA Pennsylvania: developed from a small settlement begun in 1788. Several names (Unionville, Slocum Hollow, Harrison, and Scrantonia) were used before Scranton was chosen in 1851 as a tribute to two brothers, George and Selden Scranton, who had set up the Lackawanna Iron and Coal Company here in 1840.

Scranton

The City in Brief

Founded: 1786 (incorporated, 1866)

Head Official: Mayor Christopher A. Doherty (D) (since 2002)

City Population

1980: 88,117

1990: 81,805

2000: 76,415

2003 estimate: 74,320

Percent change, 1990–2000: -6.7%

U.S. rank in 1980: 199th

U.S. rank in 1990: 261st (State rank: 5th)

U.S. rank in 2000: 394th (State rank: 7th)

Metropolitan Area Population

1980: 728,796

1990: 638,524

2000: 624,776

Percent change, 1990–2000: -2.2%

U.S. rank in 1980: 49th

U.S. rank in 1990: 61st

U.S. rank in 2000: 67th

Area: 25.2 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 754 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 49° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 38.8 inches of rain; 48.7 inches of snow

Major Economic Sectors: Services, manufacturing, retail trade

Unemployment Rate: 5.3% (Metropolitan area; April 2005)

Per Capita Income: $16,174 (1999)

2004 ACCRA Average House Price: Not reported

2004 ACCRA Cost of Living Index: Not reported

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 2,549

Major Colleges and Universities: University of Scranton, Marywood University

Daily Newspapers: The Scranton Times-Tribune