Honesdale is located in the state of Pennsylvania and has a lot of culture to offer as well as great sights and interesting destinations. So if you’re planning a trip to Honesdale, you’ve come to the right place!
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Vacation in Honesdale
Honesdale, nestled in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains, is a gateway to many outdoor activities. The Lackawaxen River runs through the center of town and is a popular spot for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The Delaware & Ulster Railroad offers scenic rides through the countryside, and nearby hiking trails are perfect for a day of exploring.
For those looking for a more relaxed vacation, Honesdale has plenty to offer as well. The Stourbridge Line, the oldest operating railroad in the country, runs through the town and offers passengers a glimpse of history. Downtown Honesdale is home to a variety of shops and boutiques, and the Wayne County Fairgrounds host a farmers market every Saturday from May to October.
Whether you’re looking for an active or leisurely vacation, Honesdale is a great destination. With its convenient location and access to the outdoors, you’re sure to find something to suit your interests.
Sights in Honesdale
Honesdale is a small town located in northeastern Pennsylvania, about two hours from both New York City and Philadelphia. The town is situated in the Pocono Mountains and is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation. Visitors to Honesdale can enjoy hiking, fishing, and canoeing in the nearby state parks, or take a scenic drive on the historic Stourbridge Line Railroad. The town is also home to several museums, including the Wayne County Historical Society Museum and the Steamtown National Historic Site.
History of Honesdale
Honesdale is a borough in Wayne County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 4,480 at the 2010 census. Honesdale is located 32mi northeast of Scranton and 90mi northwest of New York City.
Honesdale, Pennsylvania is located in a rural area of Northeastern Pennsylvania about midway between New York City and Scranton. It was founded in 1826 and was originally called Hancock’s Bridge after the family who operated the local ferries. The first recorded permanent settler in the area was Elkanah Wentworth, a Vermont native who arrived in the area in 1798.
By 1822, there were two gristmills, two tanneries, two sawmills, two distilleries, a half dozen taverns, and a population of 400. However, a series of fires in the early 1820s destroyed many of the businesses and dwellings, and growth stagnated until the opening of the Delaware & Hudson Canal in 1828. The canal brought Anthracite coal from the mines in Carbondale to New York City, and Honesdale became an important waystation. The Erie Railroad arrived in 1854, further increasing the town’s importance.
The small town grew quickly in the late 19th century, reaching a population of over 3,000 by 1900. With the arrival of the Stourbridge Lion, the first steam locomotive in America, in 1829, Honesdale became an early center for railroad activity. The Wayne County Historical Society Museum contains the world’s largest collection of Stourbridge Lion memorabilia. The Stourbridge Lion replica is on display near the platform at Honesdale’s historic train station. The Honesdale National Bank, founded in 1868, is the oldest independent bank in Pennsylvania and the oldest bank chartered by the State of Pennsylvania. The Four Corners School, built in 1832, is the state’s oldest oneroom schoolhouse. Honesdale is home to the oldest continuously published newspaper in Pennsylvania, The Wayne Independent, which was founded in 1854.
In896, the first trolley car in America was tested on a section of track in Honesdale. Trolleys brought tourists to the area from New York City and Scranton, and Honesdale became a popular summer resort. Several large hotels were built, including the Park View House, which was the largest hotel in the state when it opened in 1876. The Nay Aug Gorge, located just outside of town, was a popular destination, and the area became known as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania.”
The tourism boom ended with the onset of World War I, and Honesdale entered a period of decline. The Erie Railroad closed its Honesdale shops in 1931, and the last passenger train left Honesdale in 1971. The trolley line ceased operation in 1952. The area began to rebound in the 1970s, when the Delaware & Hudson Canal was converted into a linear state park. In recent years, Honesdale has become a popular destination for antique shoppers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Honesdale Historic District, which includes the downtown business district and more than 1,000 Victorian homes, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
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