Lickdale, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lickdale, Pennsylvania
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Entering Lickdale on northbound PA 72
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| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Lebanon |
| Townships | Union Township |
| Elevation | 427 ft (130 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Area code(s) | 717 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1179312 |
Lickdale is a small community located in northern Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It's not a city or town with its own government, but rather an unincorporated community. This means it's part of a larger area called Union Township.
Lickdale is about 3 miles (5 kilometers) west of Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania. It was named after a famous American businessman, James Lick.
Contents
A Look Back: Lickdale's History
Lickdale has an interesting past. It was once known as Union Forge. In the 1800s, it became a very important place because of the Union Canal.
The Union Canal and Its Impact
The Union Canal was a waterway built to transport goods. Lickdale served as a busy port along a branch of this canal. Imagine boats carrying coal, lumber, and other products coming and going! This made Lickdale a hub for trade and business.
Ice Houses and Early Industry
During the 19th century, Lickdale was also home to a large commercial ice house. Before refrigerators were common, ice houses stored huge blocks of ice cut from frozen lakes and rivers. This ice was then used to keep food fresh. This industry was very important for the people living nearby.
Lickdale Today: Location and Nature
Today, Lickdale is still a quiet community. It sits right next to the Swatara Creek, a beautiful waterway.
Gateway to Swatara State Park
One of the best things about Lickdale is its location. It acts as a southern entrance to Swatara State Park. This park is a wonderful place for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and enjoying nature. If you love exploring the outdoors, Lickdale is a great starting point.
Roads and Connections
Lickdale is easy to reach. Route 72 passes through the area. It also has an interchange with Interstate 81 via Fisher Avenue. This makes it simple for people to travel to and from Lickdale. Even though it's a small community, it's well-connected to larger areas.
The community is served by the Jonestown post office, which uses the zip code of 17038.
