About Harrisburg, PA
Located in the southern central part of the state on the Susquehanna River, Harrisburg is the capital of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As the fifth largest metropolitan area of Pennsylvania, the Harrisburg metro has a population of a little more than 500,000 people. As you would expect from a state capital, Harrisburg’s economy is mostly sustained through its federal and state government operations. The largest private business in the region is Hershey, the famed chocolate maker.
Harrisburg became the state capital in 1812 and played a key role throughout the civil war. As a main training center for the Union Army and an important rail center, General Lee twice attempted to take control of the city. Many consider Harrisburg to be the site of the northern most battle in the Civil War. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Harrisburg experienced an industrial revolution due mainly to its role as important part of the steel industry. In 1979, the area drew national attention because of the partial nuclear meltdown at Three Mile Island, which is located just south of Harrisburg. Even though the meltdown was minimal and the leakages were contained, the event did lead to a mass evacuation of the area. Harrisburg is also the home of the Pennsylvania Farm Show, the largest free indoor agricultural exposition in the United States.
Nearby Cities & Towns
Enola, Marysville, Dauphin, Ritzie Village, Manada Gap, Skyline View, Colonial Park, Paxtonia, Rutherford, Lawnton, Steelton, Sheperdsville, Fort Hunter, West Fairview, Hummelstown, Avon, Myerstown, Lebanon, Fredricksburg, Jonestown, Progress, Highspire, Hershey, Palmyra, Campbelltown, Middleton, Mechanicsburg, New Kingstown, Valley Green, Royalton, Duncannon, Annville, Goldsboro, Wormleysburg, Harrisburg
