Penn State UniversityCollege of Agricultural Sciences
Naviagation barCounty InformationNortheast RegionAbout UsPublications
Luzerne County Cooperative Extension
Back to Homepage Homepage Luzerne County | County Info arrowyou are here

LUZERNE COUNTY INFORMATION

 

FACTS ABOUT LUZERNE COUNTY

One of the oldest and most storied counties in the state of Pennsylvania, Luzerne County has Wilkes-Barre, located on the banks of the beautiful Susquehanna River, as its county seat. Created in 1786 from Northumberland County, Luzerne took its name from the French minister to the United States at the time, Chevalier de la Luzerne. The region proved to be a site for many struggles of the French and Indian War at the close of the eighteenth century. In the decades that followed, the mining and sale of anthracite coal generated enormous amounts of wealth and prosperity.

Nestled in the heart of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Luzerne County offers residents and visitors a unique blend of year-round recreational activities which are complemented by diverse cultural and historical events and attractions. Interstates 80, 81, 380 and 84, as well as the Pennsylvania Turnpike, provide ready access from points both near and far.

Home to more than 328,000 people, Luzerne County boasts a citizenry that represents virtually every nationality and background. Its labor force is strongly engaged in a cross-section of viable employment opportunities ranging from agriculture to light industry to professional occupations. As the twenty-first century begins, Luzerne looks forward to a solid future built upon the hard work of its people and the vision of its leadership.

Penn State Cooperative Extension, Luzerne County, continues to be a vital educational resource in the local and regional communities. Staffed by highly trained, dedicated professionals, Extension affords Luzerne residents and businesses numerous opportunities to access Penn State's research-based information and expertise so that they may make well- grounded decisions about improving the quality of their lives. Extension Agents provide programs related to Agriculture and Natural Resources (Agriculture, Food Safety, Horticulture, Urban and Community Forestry), Children, Youth and Families (Strengthening Families, Youth Development / 4-H, Nutrition and Health) and Community and Economic Development. Extension offices, located in each of Pennsylvania's 67 counties, are one part of Penn State Outreach and Cooperative Extension, which also includes Continuing Education, Distance Education / World Campus, and Public Broadcasting.

MAP AND DIRECTIONS

From the South:
Take Interstate 81 North to Exit 175. At end of ramp, proceed through blinker, keeping to the far left. At light, take a left onto Oak Street. Continue straight on Oak Street for 1.2 miles to second light. Turn right onto Pittston by-pass. Proceed 0.5 miles to light (get into left lane). Take a left turn onto Williams Street. Continue straight for 0.8 miles to second light. At light, take a left onto Kennedy Blvd. Proceed 0.1 mile to light. Take an immediate right turn onto grey bridge. At end of bridge, Luzerne Avenue begins. Luzerne County Office is located to the right at the beginning of the first full block. (Parking is in the rear of the building.)

From the North:
Take Interstate 81 South to Exit 175 and proceed to the first light Take a Right onto Oak Street. Follow direction from Oak Street (as noted above).

Penn State | College of Agricultural Sciences | Cooperative Extension & Outreach
This page last updated Monday, February 25, 2002
Copyright Information
This publication is available in alternative media on request.
Penn State is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity University.
This site is a product of Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences.
Please e-mail us with your questions, comments or suggestions at LuzerneExt@psu.edu.