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Leesport, Pennsylvania is a small borough located along the Schuylkill River, which it’s existence, was as early as 1745. In 1815, The Schuylkill Navigation Company formed to transport coal, lumber produce from Schuylkill County to Philadelphia by canal, utilizing water from the nearby river. The Leesport section was completed in 1822. Originally there were 4 locks, in 1822 the 4 became 2, they remained until they were covered over in the 1950’s. In 1842 the train tracks were built on the western side of the river, which West Leesport was born. Leesport on the east side and West Leesport on the west side both grew and prospered. Both were joined together in 1957.
This tour will take you to 8 different locations on both sides of the river.
Posted Coordinates are also for parking behind the Leesport Historical Society. There is plenty of parking at across the street at the Leesport Community Park. The historical Society building was also a one-room schoolhouse that served students from 1st to 12 th grade for years.
This Wherigo is a nice walking tour through Leesport and West Leesport, taking you to buildings that are a major part of history of the area. At one zone you will need to climb steps.
The oldest surviving business of the area is the original American House of 1867. This was the original name, but through the decades the name changed, When the present owners purchased the Andy’s and Sandy’s in 1980 the name was changed back to the original The American House.. The railroad tracks in front of the American House served commuters to Philadelphia from the train station next door, which is now a private residence but still has the original walk in safe from the railroad days.
Enjoy the picnic tables and the gardens at the Lock house. The Lock house is open for tours usually the first Saturday of the month and includes special events throughout the year.
Also the Schuylkill River Trail travels throughout the Lessport area!!