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Chapter 3
canals, and later, by the Philadelphia and
Reading railroads.
Reading has more than 81,000 people.
The urban area has nearly 350,000
residents. Like Lancaster, it is known as an
agricultural center. The people of the city
have also built such industries as clothing
material, chemicals, optical (lenses) goods,
andmetal products.
Cities of the Ridge
and Valley Region
S
tateCollege
is locatednear the center of
our state. The cityofmore than38,000
is located in a valley surrounded by
beautiful mountains. It is well-known for its
agricultural lands. It is also the home of the
Pennsylvania State University and the
Nittany Lions — a city itself. More than
40,000 students attend the university.
Harrisburg
is the locationof our state capital
since 1812. Its population is over 47,000
people. It is located on the Susquehanna
River, but the river is too shallow to make
Harrisburgaport city. Itwasnamedafter John
Harris, who first settled the area in 1718. He
set up a ferry boat crossing. It was known as
Harris Ferry before it becameHarrisburg.
Our state government is run from the
offices in Harrisburg. There is also the
majestic Capitol, state library, and state
museum. They are located in walking
distance. One can attend the museum of
ScientificDiscovery in Strawberry Square.
The levels of government make up the
largest number of jobs in the city. However,
there are many industrial companies in the
area. Major products made are steel, steel
products, and airplane parts. Printing and
publishing are also important industries.
Altoona
is an industrial city located in
south central Pennsylvania. The city is almost
surrounded by the AlleghenyMountains in a
coal mining region. The city’s population is
nearly 47,000 residents, with over 130,000
people living in the urban area.
Altoona was founded in 1849 by the
Pennsylvania Railroad Company. It became
their headquarters tobuild railroads over the
rugged Allegheny Mountains. It is still well
known as a railroad center and as a place to
repair railroads and engines. The famous
Horseshoe Curve is located nearby. The rail
curves around a mountain like a horseshoe!
This feat allowed the railroads to cross the
ruggedAlleghenyMountains.
Williamsport
is located in the northern
part of the Ridge and Valley Region. The
West Branch of the Susquehanna River flows
Every year,
Williamsport hosts
the Little League
World Series. Teams
from all over the
world play in this
tournament.
