Before European settlers arrived, the Lenape people (Delaware Valley American Indians) inhabited the Berks County area since at least 1684. Around 1734, the area became known as Finney’s Ford, where the Penn-Lebanon and Schuylkill River Valleys meet. This strategic location with fertile farmlands attracted European settlers, including Germans, English, Welsh, and Swedes.
Reading was designed and founded in 1748 by William Penn’s sons, Thomas and Richard Penn. Named after William Penn’s county seat in Berkshire, England, it became the Berks County seat in 1752.
Industrial Growth
Reading became a powerhouse in the iron industry and played an essential role in American conflicts. During the Revolutionary War, the city supplied George Washington’s army with cannons, weapons, and ammunition. Reading’s iron production was superior to England’s at the time. The town continued supporting military efforts through the Civil War and World Wars.
Transportation Revolution
Reading’s success came from its ability to efficiently move goods:
- Canals (1800s): The Schuylkill Canal (1825) connected Reading to Philadelphia, while the Union Canal (1828) linked it to Harrisburg, facilitating extensive regional trade.
- Railroads: By 1871, the Reading Railroad had become one of America’s largest corporations. However, economic challenges, labor strikes, and the shift from coal to oil led to its decline, with Conrail taking over in 1976.
- Motor Vehicles: In the early 1900s, Reading hosted three major automotive companies, including the Daniels Motor Company and Duryea Motor Wagon Company, helping pioneer America’s automobile industry.
Reading Today
The transition from rails to highways significantly impacted Reading’s economy, but revitalization efforts continue. The city maintains a rich cultural scene with institutions like the Reading Public Museum (1904), GoggleWorks for the Arts (2005), and the Reading Symphony Orchestra (1913).
Notable businesses past and present include:
- Reading Iron Company (1824)
- Ludens cough drops (1879)
- Carpenter Technology Corporation (1889)
- Boscov’s Department Store (1917)
Global superstar Taylor Swift spent her childhood in Reading, PA, living on Pine Ridge Farm, an 11-acre Christmas tree farm.
Agriculture remains vital to the region, with Berks County ranking as Pennsylvania’s third most profitable agricultural area at $73.9 million annually. From a small river crossing to an industrial hub, Reading demonstrates remarkable adaptability and resilience through changing times.
