Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, located along the Susquehanna River is the capital of the Commonthwealth of Pennsylvania, the US state. Being one of the most oldest and historically important state capital cities in the nation, Harrisburg is the county seat of Dauphin County. The city has played a crucial role during the Westward Migration, the American Civil War and the Industrial Revolution.

The Pennsylvania Canal and the Pennsylvania Railroad helped Harrisburg to hold the glory of being one of the most industrialized cities in the Northeastern United States. The economic resurgence faced by the city in 1981 gave it the title 'the second most distressed city in the nation.' Harrisburg is also known for the infamous Three Mile Island incident occurred in nearby Middletown. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. City Government Center, the only city hall in the nation named in honor of a civil rights leader is the key location for the administrative functions of the city.

Area & Location: Lying in the Susquehanna Valley, a rich and fertile agricultural region in south-central Pennsylvania, Harrisburg is located at 40º16'11? Latitude North and 76º52'32? Longitude West. Spreading across a total area of 29.6 sq. km, its land area covers 21.0 sq. km and water area 8.6 sq.km. Susquehanna River serves as the western boundary of the city. Around 48,950 people resides in Harrisburg.

Economy: The State government activities help in the economic stability of Harrisburg.The well-built roads and rail transportation make the city a prominent center for trade, warehousing and distribution. Shoes, books, computer products, food products, textiles, apparel, leather goods, machinery and railway equipment include the main production of the city that contributes to the flow of income. Located between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Harrisburg enhanced into a transportation center and an important freight center. Most of the major air, rail and highway arteries linking the markets of the East, Midwest and South pass through the city helping it to become the source of economic inflow. Besides this, many national firms like Tyco Electronics Corp., IBM, Hershey Foods, Harsco Corp. and Rite Aid Corp. are based in the region.

Tourist Attractions: Harrisburg is also a home to many attractive locations. The Farm Show Complex, which hosts over 200 trade shows annually, draws umpteen numbers of tourists. Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat, which offers a joy ride all through the river, is a fascination to the visitors. Pennsylvania Trail of History and Pennsylvania State Archives that display the objects of historic importance are of real public interest. Fort Hunter Mansion and Park gives the visitors an opportunity to offload their tensions and relax themselves. Harrisburg is also famous for many posh hotels like Courtyard by Marriott Harrisburg, Residence Inn by Marriott, Wingate Inn, Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Red Roof Inn Harrisburg North and Comfort Inn East.