Orwigsburg in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
History of Orwigsburg
Orwigsburg's Memorial to America's Bicentennial
— 1776 - 1976 —
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 13, 2023
1. History of Orwigsburg Marker
1795 - Founded by Peter Orwig.
1811 - First Seat of Schuylkill County.
1813 - First incorporated borough in Schuylkill County.
First institution of higher learning in Schuylkill County, Orwigsburg Academy.
Site of first Masonic lodge in Schuylkill County.
1815 - Site of first courthouse and jail in Schuylkill County.
1828 - Possessor of first fire-engine built in Pennsylvania by Patrick Lyons, 1809.
1830 - Site of building of the first boat on the Schuylkill Canal.
1869 - Site of the first Schuylkill County Fair.
1976 - Population 2,661
Son of George Gottfried and Clara Orwig to whom tracts of land comprising 304 acres were granted. This land became Orwigsburg.
In 1773 Peter Orwig married Hannah Webb. Their children were Maria Rebecca and Johann Heinrich. For a number of years Peter Orwig was a Justice of the Peace. He was one of five men to petition for the formation of Schuylkill County.
Erected 1976 by Orwigsburg Bicentennial Committee, Lions Club, Jaycees, Fort Lebanon Chapter DAR, and Orwig Descendents.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1795.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of First Schuylkill County Courthouse (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Frederick Hesser / Hartman Tragedy (about 400 feet away); St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery (approx. ¼ mile away); Rocky Graziano (approx. 1.3 miles away); Willie Pep (approx. 1.3 miles away); Archie Moore (approx. 1.3 miles away); Sugar Ray Robinson (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Orwigsburg.
Also see . . .
1. Orwigsburg History. (Submitted on September 14, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Centennial anniversary, Orwigsburg, Penna., 1813-1913 (Library of Congress). (Submitted on September 14, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 13, 2023
2. History of Orwigsburg Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 15, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 14, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 92 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 14, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
