Best Web Design in Scranton, PA (2026)

Web Design for Scranton, Pennsylvania

Scranton is the seat of Lackawanna County and the historic hub of Pennsylvania's anthracite coal country, a onetime iron, steel, and railroad powerhouse in the Lackawanna River Valley. It earned the name 'The Electric City' by running one of the nation's first successful electrified streetcar systems, and today it is known worldwide as the fictional home of NBC's 'The Office' and as the birthplace of President Joe Biden. Deep Irish and Italian immigrant roots still shape its food, festivals, and proudly blue-collar identity.

AppWT works with Scranton, PA businesses from Livonia, Michigan, mostly online and travelling as needed.

About Scranton

Also known as. The Electric City. Anthracite Capital / heart of Pennsylvania's anthracite coal region.

History. Named for the Scranton family (George and Selden Scranton), who built ironworks in the valley in the 1840s; the settlement grew around iron, steel, and anthracite coal. Incorporated as a borough in 1856 and as a city in 1866; became the seat of the newly created Lackawanna County in 1878. On December 6, 1880, electric lights were installed at the Dickson Locomotive Works, an early step toward its 'Electric City' identity, coming just months after Edison's improved bulb patent. In November 1886 Scranton launched what is credited as the nation's first successful, continuously operating electrified streetcar system, prompting Rev. David Spencer to dub it 'The Electric City.' Grew into one of the largest anthracite coal mining communities in the country, drawing waves of Irish, Italian, Welsh, and Eastern European immigrant miners. Hometown of Joseph R. Biden Jr., who was born in Scranton in 1942, and ancestrally tied to Hillary Clinton's Rodham family.

Local economy. Historically driven by anthracite coal mining, iron and steel (Lackawanna Iron and Coal / Lackawanna Steel Company), and railroads (the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad). The Scranton Button Company later became a major phonograph record manufacturer. Modern economy has shifted to healthcare, higher education, and services, with ongoing downtown revitalization and small-business growth. Serves as the commercial and government center of Lackawanna County and the broader Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) region.

Culture and community. The setting of NBC's 'The Office' (fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Company); the real downtown appears in the opening credits, and the 'Scranton Welcomes You' sign now hangs inside the Marketplace at Steamtown. La Festa Italiana, a three-day Italian festival held on Labor Day weekend at Courthouse Square. One of the nation's largest St. Patrick's Day parades by per-capita attendance, first held in 1862 and drawing an estimated 150,000 people. The Steamtown Marathon, run annually since 1996 and finishing downtown. Nearby Old Forge in Lackawanna County bills itself as the 'Pizza Capital of the World,' famous for rectangular 'tray' pizza sold in red or white styles. Home to the Houdini Museum, dedicated to the escape artist.

What makes Scranton distinct. Actor John Krasinski, newly cast as Jim Halpert, personally drove around Scranton in 2004 filming local footage later used in 'The Office' opening title sequence. In 1970 there was a suggestion that it would be 'more economical' to abandon the city than to repair the damage from mine subsidence beneath it. It was the first city in Pennsylvania, and among the first in the country, to run streetcars entirely on electricity. The 'Lazy Scranton' music video from 'The Office' name-checks real landmarks including the Electric City sign, the coal mine tour, and the Anthracite Heritage Museum.

Scranton Landmarks and Local Life

• Steamtown National Historic Site - a working railroad museum built around a historic rail yard and restored steam locomotives
• The Electric City sign in downtown Scranton.
• The Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour - which takes visitors underground into a former anthracite mine
• The Anthracite Heritage Museum - telling the story of the region's coal miners
• Nay Aug Park - the city's large public park
• Montage Mountain - a ski and recreation area overlooking the valley