Pennsylvania has several prominent rivers that fueled early industrialization and commerce.
The Delaware River
Forming the eastern state boundary, the Delaware River was vital for Philadelphia's port and shipbuilding industry starting in the Colonial era.
The Susquehanna River
The Susquehanna River runs through central Pennsylvania and powered mills and manufacturing in Harrisburg and Wilkes-Barre via its tributaries.
The Allegheny River
Joining the Monongahela to form the Ohio River, the Allegheny River enabled trade and supported Pittsburgh's steel mills.
Though not bordering the Great Lakes, Pennsylvania benefits from these massive bodies of water.
Lake Erie
Lake Erie in the northwest corner provided shipping access from Erie's port and shipbuilding industry.
Finger Lakes
New York's Finger Lakes just north of the state border supply grape vineyards in the Chautauqua-Lake Erie wine region.
From colonial times through the peak of American manufacturing, Pennsylvania's network of waterways played an integral role in development.