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

Union Trust Building

Photographed by William Pfingsten, March 21, 2008

1. Union Trust Building Marker

Inscription. Touted as "Harrisburg's First Skyscraper," the Union Trust Building was completed in 1906 and exemplified the beginning of Center City's 20th Century upward growth, particularly as spawned by the completion of the new State Capitol Building that year. It marked the growth of the city as a major financial center, a role that has expanded in present day. This building and the Capitol were both erected by the same general contractor, the Philadelphia firm of George F. Payne & Co. rising an unprecedented eight stories through steel frame construction with neo-classical architectural embellishments and tripartite skyscraper design, the building was later home to the USF&G Insurance Company's Harrisburg operations and more recently has been thoroughly and sensitively renovated. Note the preserved grand first floor original bank interior.
Left Photo
"Harrisburg's First Sky-Scraper" is boldly printed on the sign showing the Union Trust Building under construction in the fall of 1905.
Right Photo
Circa 1910 postcard view of the Union Trust Building which rises above its neighbors.

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

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture

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• Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania, The Harrisburg History Project series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1906.

Location. 40° 15.601′ N, 76° 52.957′ W. Marker is in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in Dauphin County. It is in Downtown Harrisburg. It is on North 2nd Street, on the right when traveling north. Near Strawberry Alley. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 20 N 2nd St, Harrisburg PA 17101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this 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: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King City Government Center (here, next to this marker); Eagle Hotel and Bolton Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Market Square During The Civil War (within shouting distance of this marker); Capital Of The Keystone State Preserved! (within shouting distance of this marker); Market Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Prelude To Gettysburg (within shouting distance of this marker); The Vance C. McCormick Public Service Center (about 300 feet away); Hilton Harrisburg and Towers (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harrisburg.

Another marker is no longer nearby. George J. Heisely Residence and the National Anthem (was about

Union Trust Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Pfingsten, March 21, 2008

2. Union Trust Building

300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing).

Credits. This page was last revised on January 22, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 25, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,946 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 25, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.