Downtown Harrisburg in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Saint Patrick's Cathedral

Photographed by William Pfingsten, March 21, 2008

1. Saint Patrick's Cathedral Marker

Inscription. The magnificent Renaissance Revival-styled Seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg is the second to rise from this prominent State Street property. Completed in 1907, Saint Patrick's Cathedral replaced its more modest predecessor, which was erected in 1827 and enlarged and remodeled over the years. By 1868, the growth of the Roman Catholic population in Central Pennsylvania, particularly spurred by the influx of the Irish who worked on the canal system, resulted in the papacy decreeing the establishment of the Diocese of Harrisburg, carved from that of Philadelphia, which would serve fifteen counties in the central portion of the Commonwealth. Saint Patrick's was established as the new diocese's pro-cathedral. With the turn of the 20th century, and the construction of the new Capitol Building, old Saint Patrick's was replaced by this impressive and largest church building in Harrisburg, emulating in style the Basilica of Saint Peter in Rome. The impressive dome, which accessorily complements that of the State Capitol Building to the east on the street, rests upon the Cathedral's vast sanctuary featuring beautiful

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stained glass windows from Munich, Germany and marble columns and arches of the classical revival. The Cathedral's grand pipe organ enhances the grandeur of its overall interior space.
Left Photo
Present Saint Patrick's Cathedral in 1910.
Center Photo
Old Saint Patrick's Cathedral (right center) looking west toward the Obelisk in 1893.
Right Photo
Interior of the present Saint Patrick's Cathedral in 1914.

Erected by The Harrisburg History Project Commissioned by Mayor Stephen R. Reed.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Buildings • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania, The Harrisburg History Project series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1907.

Location. 40° 15.807′ N, 76° 53.155′ W. Marker is in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in Dauphin County. It is in Downtown Harrisburg. It is on State Street 0.1 miles east of Second Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 217 State St, Harrisburg PA 17101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this

Saint Patrick's Cathedral image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Pfingsten, March 21, 2008

2. Saint Patrick's Cathedral

marker is in South-Central Pennsylvania, specifically in Pennsylvania Dutch Country,

and in the Susquehanna Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Grace Methodist Church (a few steps from this marker); The Obelisk (within shouting distance of this marker); Grace United Methodist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Public Sector Unionism (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Present State Capitol Building (about 300 feet away); Old Capitol Building (about 300 feet away); The Nature Conservancy (about 400 feet away); Hope Fire Station (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harrisburg.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Richard Schlegel (1927-2006) (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed

Saint Patrick's Cathedral - Interior image. Click for full size.

September 28, 2016

3. Saint Patrick's Cathedral - Interior

missing).

Credits. This page was last revised on April 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 29, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,979 times since then and 33 times this year. Last updated on April 27, 2024, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 29, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 3. submitted on December 20, 2019. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.