Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Back to Home

1860
Water is turned on by the Wilkes-Barre Water Company for the first time. (September 19)

First steam fire-engine seen and operated in Wilkes-Barre. (September 24)

1861
Destructive ice freshet in the Susquehanna. (February 13)

First company of Wilkes-Barre volunteers (Wyoming Artillerists) for the defense of the Union leaves for Harrisburg, where it is mustered into the United States service. (April 18)

1863
Emergency-militia leave Wilkes-Barre for Harrisburg. (Pennsylvania invaded by the Confederates). (June 18)

1865
Greatest flood in the Susquehanna ever known. (March 17)

1866
Wyoming Valley Hotel opened. (March 29)

First passenger train is run into Wilkes-Barre over the new (Wilkes-Barre Mountain) track of the Lehigh and Susquehanna Railroad. (March 31)

Pennsylvania State Medical Society meets in Wilkes-Barre. (June 13)

First street-car (Wilkes-Barre and Kingston Railway) runs in Wilkes-Barre. (June 25)

The Judges of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania banqueted at Wilkes-Barre by members of the Bar of Luzerne County. (June 27)

First cobble-stone street-pavement laid in Wilkes-Barre (West Market Street). (September)

1867
Great fire, destroying many buildings on West Market and North and South Franklin Streets. (April 9)

First passenger train is run from White Haven over the Lehigh Valley Railroad to Wilkes-Barre — to station below Northampton Street. (May 29)

1868
Corner-stone of the present Luzerne County Prison laid with Masonic ceremonies. (September 9)