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At the start of the Eighteenth Century, the mild climate, fertile soil, and the Schuylkill River
combined to attract European immigrants to Berks County. The area was originally settled by Swedes in 1701, followed by Germans, English, Welsh, and French Huguenots. Most of the County's eastern section was settled by people migrating inland from the Philadelphia area. In 1752, Berks County was incorporated from parts of Lancaster, Chester, and Philadelphia Counties. In 1772, Berks gave up territory for the formation of Northumberland County, and again in 1811, for the formation of Schuylkill County. Berks County was named for Berkshire, England, home of William Penn.s family. Likewise, Reading was named after the main town in Berkshire, England. In 1790, the first federal census of the county reported 30,189 residents, 22,345 of whom were of German descent. Reading Town, the only sizeable settlement, had 2,225 residents.
Reading's early growth was largely influenced by the Schuylkill River, which made navigation of flat-bottom boats possible to carry products, mainly agricultural to the markets of Philadelphia, and later by the County's early lead in steam railroad growth. Reading's industrial complex attracted a considerable amount of immigrant labor during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, an era of great industrial growth for Berks County. At one time, it was the largest manufacturer of full-fashioned hosiery in the world.
The Berks County economy is broad-based, characterized by a diversity of business and industry. The County's current economic characteristics, and its industrial and commercial land use patterns mirror our historical development. The importance of foundries and metal related industries reflects the County's early lead in iron furnaces. Similarly, industrial land use, especially within the City of Reading, follows the Schuylkill River and early railroad lines. The County's favorable climate and topography fostered the growth of agriculture, which resulted in a thriving food and kindred products industry.
Since 1900, the County's population has more than doubled, with concentrated development in the City, its urban area, and the larger rural boroughs. In 1951, Berks County became a third class county. Recently, with increased mobility and changes in land utilization, a development pattern reflects continued suburban growth outward from Reading, as well as development in rural land beyond the suburban areas in the direction of Philadelphia, Allentown, and Lancaster. Growth trends in the past several decades indicate that the County should continue to grow at a moderate rate.
County Links
Berks County, PA Official Government Site
The Historical Society of Berks County, PA
Berks County Pennsylvania Virtual Tour
Reading Downtown Improvement District
Berks County Travel & Recreation
Berks County Visitor's Bureau
Berks County Living Magazine
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