Pittston, Mining city in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States
Pittston is a city in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, situated on the eastern bank of the Susquehanna River. The town sits between Scranton and Wilkes-Barre with road connections to major routes like US Route 11 and Interstate 81.
The settlement was established in 1770 and named after William Pitt the Elder, featuring a strategic fort during the American Revolution that operated until 1783. This early period was crucial to the region's colonial and military history.
The town hosts an annual Tomato Festival where residents and visitors sample local foods, compete in contests, and participate in outdoor celebrations through the streets. This gathering reflects the place's ties to regional farming traditions and local pride.
The town is accessible via US Route 11 and Interstate 81, making it convenient for visitors traveling by car. The nearby Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport serves travelers coming from farther away.
Two major mining disasters shaped the town's recent past: the Twin Shaft incident of 1896 and the Knox Mine catastrophe of 1959 marked turning points in the local coal industry. These events forced the community to adapt and develop a more diversified economy.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.