Scranton

Scranton is a city in northeastern Pennsylvania, United States. It is the county seat of Lackawanna County and the principal city of the Scranton–Wilkes-Barre–Hazleton metropolitan area. Located along the Lackawanna River, Scranton is known as The Electric City, a nickname reflecting its early adoption of electric streetcar service. As of the 2020 census, the population was 76,328.

The city has a 19th-century industrial heritage built on coal mining and railroad transportation. It grew rapidly during the coal era, with the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad playing a significant role in its development. Scranton is named after the Scranton family, early local industrialists associated with coal and rail interests.

Economically, Scranton transitioned from heavy industry toward services, education, and healthcare. It is home to several institutions of higher education, including the University of Scranton, a private Jesuit university established in 1888, and Marywood University, a private Catholic university. The city also hosts Steamtown National Historic Site, a major railroad museum that preserves and interprets steam locomotives and related artifacts.

Culturally, Scranton gained recognition as the setting of The Office, a popular television series that contributed to the city’s contemporary identity. The area continues to attract visitors to its historical districts, museums, and rail heritage.

Transportation and geography: Scranton is served by major highways, including interstates that connect to the broader region, and by the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport. Public transit is provided by a regional system, and the city remains a regional economic and educational center in Northeastern Pennsylvania.