Breslau, Pennsylvania facts for kids

Breslau is a small, quiet place in Pennsylvania, USA. It's not a city or a town with its own government. Instead, it's called an unincorporated community. This means it's part of a larger area called Hanover Township. Breslau is located in Luzerne County, right along the southern side of the Susquehanna River.

The name "Breslau" comes from a big city in Poland called Wrocław. Long ago, people decided to give this small community in Pennsylvania a German name, just like that Polish city. If you were to send mail to someone in Breslau, you would use the same zip code as nearby Wilkes-Barre and Hanover Township, which is 18706.

What is an Unincorporated Community?

An unincorporated community like Breslau is a group of homes or businesses that don't have their own local government. This means they don't have a mayor or a town council just for Breslau. Instead, they are governed by the larger area they are part of. For Breslau, that's Hanover Township.

• People living in Breslau still pay taxes.
• They get services like police, fire, and road maintenance from Hanover Township.
• It's a common way for smaller groups of homes to exist without the cost of running their own town.

Where is Breslau Located?

Breslau sits in a part of Pennsylvania known for its beautiful landscapes and history. It's in Luzerne County, which is in the northeastern part of the state. The community is right next to the Susquehanna River. This river is one of the longest on the East Coast of the United States.

• The Susquehanna River flows for about 444 miles (715 kilometers).
• It starts in New York State and flows through Pennsylvania and Maryland.
• It finally empties into the Chesapeake Bay.
• Being near the river often means the land is flat and fertile, good for farming or building.

Why is it Called Breslau?

The name "Breslau" has an interesting story. It's the German name for a city in Poland called Wrocław. Many places in the United States were named by early settlers after places they remembered from their home countries. This often happened when immigrants came to America.

• Wrocław is one of the oldest and largest cities in Poland.
• It has a rich history, dating back over 1,000 years.
• The connection suggests that some early settlers in this part of Pennsylvania might have had German heritage or admired the European city.

What is a Zip Code?

A zip code is a special set of numbers used by the United States Postal Service. It helps them sort and deliver mail quickly and correctly. Each zip code points to a specific area. Breslau shares its zip code, 18706, with Wilkes-Barre and Hanover Township.

• "ZIP" stands for "Zone Improvement Plan."
• Zip codes were first introduced in 1963.
• They help mail get to the right place faster.

History of the Area

While Breslau itself is a small community, the area around it, Luzerne County and Hanover Township, has a rich history. This region was once a major center for coal mining. Coal was a very important fuel source for homes and factories.

• In the 1800s and early 1900s, many people moved to Luzerne County to work in the coal mines.
• This brought many different cultures and families to the area.
• The Susquehanna River was also important for transportation and trade.

Today, the coal mines are mostly closed, but the history of mining is still a big part of the region's identity. Communities like Breslau grew up around these industries.

Life in Breslau Today

Breslau is a quiet residential area. It offers a calm place to live while still being close to larger towns and cities like Wilkes-Barre. Being part of Hanover Township means residents can use the township's facilities and services.

• Residents can enjoy the natural beauty of the Susquehanna River.
• They have access to schools and shops in the wider Hanover Township area.
• It's a community where people often know their neighbors.