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Tuesday, February 14, 2012

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Home > Community Development > Community Profiles > Williamsport, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) > Historical Information

Community Profile: Williamsport, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)

Historical Information*

Lycoming County began to prosper in the second half of the 19th century, in conjunction with the rise of the lumber industry and the creation of the Susquehanna Boom. The Susquehanna Boom was designed to take advantage of the natural slope of the Susquehanna River in the section known as the Long Reach. The Boom allowed for the transportation of massive amounts of logs during the spring months when the river was not frozen over. All lumber companies paid a fee to use the Boom, and it created many jobs and brought prosperity to the area. During the lumber industry's peak (1861 to 1891), Williamsport prospered along with the Susquehanna Boom. Known as the Lumber Capital of the World during the 1800s, Williamsport produced 350 million board feet per day during peak production. Williamsport even claimed to be home to the most millionaires per capita in the world during this period.

The Susquehanna Boom survived many floods throughout its history, but the flood of 1894 marked the beginning of the end of the lumber industry in Lycoming County. By this time, railroads were providing an easier and quicker method of transport. The deforestation of Lycoming County had not been countered by re-plantation, and the county eventually lost its edge as the leading producer of lumber.

In the 20th century, Williamsport became a leading tourist attraction with the development of Little League baseball. Started with just three teams in 1939 by Carl Stotz, Little League baseball has grown to nearly 200,000 teams in all 50 states and scores of other countries. The first Little League World Series was held in 1947, and the series continues to be played each summer in Stotz's hometown of Williamsport.

Historical data for the Lycoming County, PA MSA can be found at the following websites:

• Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce
• James V. Brown Library
• City of Williamsport
• Lycoming County
• Little League Museum

• * Much of the material used here was drawn from the Lycoming Chamber of Commerce's website.
• Last updated: Friday, August 22, 2008