City Island (Pennsylvania) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
City Island
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Area of Harrisburg
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A panorama of Harrisburg, showing the northern end of City Island
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| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Dauphin County |
| City | Harrisburg |
| Area | |
| • Land | 63 acre (25 ha) |
| ZIP Code |
17101
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| Area code(s) | 717 and 223 |
City Island is a mile-long island in the Susquehanna River. It sits between Harrisburg and Wormleysburg, Pennsylvania in the United States. This island is mostly used for fun activities and sports. You can reach it from either side of the river. Use the Market Street Bridge or, from Harrisburg, the Walnut Street Bridge. The Walnut Street Bridge is only for people walking or biking.
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Island History
This island has a long and interesting past. Long ago, Native American tribes like the Susquehannocks and the Iroquois lived here. They set up seasonal homes on the island. For a long time, you could only get to the island by boat. Sometimes, you could walk across the shallow water. This changed in 1817 when the Camelback Bridge was built. Today, the Market Street Bridge stands in its place.
Civil War Role
During the American Civil War, City Island played a part in defending the area. In 1863, a place called Camp Necessity was set up here. Union soldiers stayed there to help protect against Confederate troops. The Confederates were threatening to invade during the Gettysburg Campaign. Later, in 1865, Camp Keystone was formed on the island. This happened because Camp Curtin was too full of soldiers returning home.
Baseball on the Island
Even though the island was first used for farming, people started playing baseball here in the 1880s. In 1903, professional baseball teams arrived. These included the Harrisburg Athletics and the Harrisburg Giants from the Negro league. Famous player Satchel Paige played games at Island Park. Negro league games were held on the island until 1957.
The original Harrisburg Senators baseball team started playing in 1924. They played their home games at Island Field. This team won championships in 1927, 1928, and 1931. Even Babe Ruth played a game at Island Park in 1928. His team, the New York Yankees, came to Harrisburg to play against the Senators. Unfortunately, a big flood in 1936 destroyed Island Field. This stopped professional baseball on the island for many years.
Water Plant and Floods
In the early 1900s, a water plant was built on City Island. It was called the City Island Filtration Plant. This plant took water from the river and cleaned it. The clean water was then sent to Harrisburg homes. However, a huge flood in 1972, caused by Hurricane Agnes, destroyed the plant. Since then, the DeHart Dam has supplied water to the city.
Concerts and New Stadium
By the 1980s, the old athletic fields on the island were used for concerts. Big bands like Metallica and Grateful Dead played here. Later, part of this field became the new Riverside Stadium in 1987. This stadium is now known as FNB Field.
Island Attractions
The Market Street Bridge crosses the southern part of the island. Underneath it, you'll find parking areas. Most of the fun attractions are on the northern side of the island. Roads wind around this area, leading to different spots.
Sports Venues
City Island is home to FNB Field. This is where the Harrisburg Senators minor league baseball team plays. The island also has the Skyline Sports Complex. This complex is open all year round for everyone to use. It has a multi-purpose sports field, sand volleyball courts, and a fitness center.
Family Fun
The island offers many activities for families. You can ride the City Island Railroad, which has a cool steam locomotive. There's also a carousel and the Pride of the Susquehanna paddle-wheel riverboat. You can take horse-drawn carriage rides or play miniature golf. There's a replica of John Harris Sr.'s old fur-trading post. Kids can enjoy a riverside village-style playground. The island also has three boat marinas and a concrete beach.
Island Events
City Island hosts many exciting events throughout the year. These include Harrisburg's Independence Day Celebration with fireworks. There's also the Kipona Festival and Cultural Fest. Other events are the Harrisburg Marathon, Armed Forces Day, and the Penguin Plunge.
Past Projects
Sometimes, plans for new projects on City Island don't happen. Here are a couple of examples:
- A CorridorOne regional rail station was once planned for the island. This idea was removed from the project in 2006.
- The National Sports Hall of Fame was also proposed for City Island. However, this project was canceled in 2009.
Images for kids
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c. 1910 Postcard depicting Island Park ballfield and track field located south of the Market Street Bridge.
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Participants jump in the Susquehanna River during the annual Penguin Plunge to raise money for the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area, January 2020
