Wyoming Valley is a section of northeastern Pennsylvania 3 to 4 miles (5 to 6 kilometers) wide and about 20 miles (32 kilometers) long. It lies along the north branch of the Susquehanna River near Wilkes-Barre. The valley has rich deposits of anthracite (hard coal). But in the late 1900’s, coal mining in the valley declined, and the area’s economy became based on light industry and trade.
The Wyoming Valley is a historic gateway to central Pennsylvania from New England and New York. Many settlers entered the valley during colonial days. In the 1770’s, it became the center of a boundary controversy between Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Congress settled the dispute in favor of Pennsylvania in 1782. In 1778, the valley was the scene of a bloody massacre (see Wyoming Valley Massacre ).
