Schuylkill River is a notable river in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in the United States. It flows for about 135 miles (217 km) from its beginnings in the coal-producing highlands to its meeting with the Delaware River in Philadelphia.
Course and communities
The river rises in Schuylkill County in northeastern Pennsylvania and follows a generally southeastward path. Along its course it passes through or near a number of towns and cities before reaching its mouth at the Delaware River. Important communities on or near the river include:
- Pottsville
- Reading
- Pottstown
- Norristown
- Conshohocken
- Philadelphia
Uses and historical notes
Historically, the Schuylkill supported industry and transportation, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Over time sections of the river and its valley have been used for water supply, recreation, and urban development. In Philadelphia, parts of the riverbank are known for rowing facilities and the historic boathouses.
The indigenous Lenape people originally had a name for the waterway; they called it "Tool-pay Hanna". The river's role has changed from industrial corridor to a mix of ecological, recreational, and municipal uses while remaining an important feature of southeastern Pennsylvania.
For context, the Schuylkill is one of the region's principal rivers and is included among the network of waterways that shaped settlement and commerce in the state and the wider United States. The connection to local indigenous groups can be found in references to the Lenape name and history.