Sunbury PA

About Sunbury, PA in Northumberland County

Sunbury, PA is located on the Susquehanna River in Central Pennsylvania’s Susquehanna River Valley. Sunbury, PA is often considered the “heart” of the region because it, along with its “twin city” Northumberland, are where the two branches of the Susquehanna River merge into one, before heading south to Selinsgrove, Harrisburg and eventually into the Chesapeake Bay.

Sunbury is one of the larger towns in the region (it’s actually considered a city) – and is home to nearly 10,000 people. Sunbury is accessible by Route 15, Route 11, and Route 61.

The History of Sunbury, PA Sunbury PA

It’s difficult to think about Sunbury, PA and not think of Thomas Edison. Located downtown, the Edison Hotel pays tribute to this great inventor.

Sunbury, PA has a unique history dating back to the 1700s. It was named after an English village near London. Fort Augusta (now home to the Hunter House Museum and the Northumberland County Historical Society) is located within city limits. Fort Augusta was the stronghold in the Susquehanna River Valley providing protection for early settlers. Sunbury, PA was founded in 1772, four years prior to our nation’s independence. Magnificent historical buildings, dating back as far as the 18th century, still maintain their significant architectural facades.

Thomas Edison installed the first successful three-wire electric lighting system in July 1883 at what was then known as the City Hotel. Today, it is named the Edison Hotel and provides both dining and lodging options for locals and visitors.

Susquehanna River and Shikellamy State Park in Sunbury, PA

Sunbury, PA is located on the Susquehanna River, where the two branches meet. The River provides many recreational opportunities for residents, college students and visitors, including boating, fishing, swimming, and ice skating.

Shikellamy State Park is in Union and Northumberland counties. The 78-acre Shikellamy Overlook section is on the western shore of the Susquehanna River and overlooks the confluence of the West and North Branches of the Susquehanna River. The 54-acre Shikellamy Marina section is in Northumberland County, between the Borough of Northumberland and the City of Sunbury on the southern tip of Packer’s Island, at the confluence of the West Branch and North Branch Susquehanna River.

McCann School of Business in Sunbury, PA

McCann School of Business maintains a campus in Sunbury, PA. McCann offers a wide variety of degree training programs to help people make a career change, or gain a degree in a specialized field. McCann offers 22 Associate degree programs and 20 diploma programs.

The Daily Item in Sunbury, PA

The region’s largest daily newspaper, The Daily Item, is located in Sunbury, PA. With a circulation of around 22,000, The Daily Item covers Snyder, Union, Northumberland and Montour Counties. Their sister newspaper, The Danville News, covers the Danville area in particular. They also publish a quarterly glossy magazine called Inside PA.

Sunbury Broadcasting Corporation in Sunbury, PA

The region’s largest radio conglomerate, Sunbury Broadcasting Corporation, is located in Sunbury, PA. The Corporation includes five major stations:

  • 94.1 WQKX
  • 100.9 WVLY The Valley
  • Newsradio 1070 WKOK
  • Eagle 107
  • Talk Radio 1380 WMLP

Sunbury’s Revitalization Inc. and Sunbury River Festival

Downtown Sunbury, PA is home to many shops, restaurants, bars and cafes. The downtown is managed by Sunbury’s Revitalization Inc. (SRI). SRI began as a Main Street Program in 1986. Since then, SRI has evolved from a Main Street Program into an Economic Development Organization that embraces the entire City of Sunbury. The work of SRI is carried out by volunteers who are organized into various committees.

The largest and most important event to Sunbury, PA is its annual Sunbury River Festival, held for several days in August. The riverfront area is packed with a variety of food and craft vendors and live entertainment takes to the stages every hour, cardboard regatta, talent show, a Civil War encampment, and the area’s largest car cruise-in.

Additional Resources in and Around Sunbury, PA