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Reading, Pennsylvania

Located in Berks County, Pennsylvania, Reading was founded in 1748. The Reading Railroad in Monopoly is named after the real railroad based in Reading, PA. Reading was named the poorest city of its size in 2011 by the Census Bureau.
Founded 1748 | Population 95,000 | Peak 95,000 (2024) | County Berks County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Reading, Pennsylvania

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1748Founded by Thomas Penn: Named for Reading, England.
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1828Reading Railroad: Famous railroad immortalized in Monopoly board game.
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1870Industrial Peak: Iron, steel, and textile manufacturing hub.
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2011Poorest U.S. City: Census data names Reading poorest city of its size.
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2023Revival Efforts: Downtown revitalization and arts scene growing.
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Complete Historical Timeline

1748 Culture
Founded by Thomas Penn
1828 Transport
Reading Railroad
1870 Industry
Industrial Peak
2011 Business
Poorest U.S. City
2023 Business
Revival Efforts

Did You Know?

1
The Reading Railroad in Monopoly is named after the real railroad based in Reading, PA.
2
Reading was named the poorest city of its size in 2011 by the Census Bureau.
3
The city has a growing arts and food scene driven by its large Latino community.
4
Reading is located in Berks County, Pennsylvania.
5
Reading was founded in 1748.

Famous People from Reading, Pennsylvania

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John Updike
Writer, Poet · Born Mar 18, 1932 · Died Jan 27, 2009 (age 76)
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Keith Haring
Photographer, Writer · Born May 4, 1958 · Died Feb 16, 1990 (age 31)
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Wallace Stevens
Writer, Lawyer · Born Oct 2, 1879 · Died Aug 2, 1955 (age 75)
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Chad Hurley
Businessperson, Entrepreneur · Born Jan 24, 1977 · Age 49
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John Barrasso
Physician, Politician · Born Jul 21, 1952 · Age 73
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