Watsontown, Pennsylvania
| Watsontown, Pennsylvania | |
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| Borough | |
Panorama of part of Watsontown from the Watsontown Cemetery (view full size)
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| Nickname(s): Town of The Brothers Kramer | |
 Watsontown, Pennsylvania
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| Coordinates: 41°05′07″N 76°51′48″W / 41.08528°N 76.86333°WCoordinates: 41°05′07″N 76°51′48″W / 41.08528°N 76.86333°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Northumberland |
| Settled | 1794 |
| Incorporated (borough) | 1858 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km2) |
| • Land | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km2) |
| • Water | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km2) |
| Elevation | 481 ft (146 m) |
| Population (2000) | |
| • Total | 2,254 |
| • Density | 3,161.9/sq mi (1,226.3/km2) |
| Time zone | Eastern (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | EDT (UTC) |
| Zip code | 17777 |
| Area code(s) | 570 |
| Website | Watsontown |
Watsontown is a borough in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,254 at the 2000 census. It was named for John Watson, an early settler.
Land in the Watsontown area was first purchased by John Watson in 1792. The borough's post office was opened in 1828. There was a racetrack in Watsontown from 1830 to 1840. Railroad tracks first reached the borough in 1854. A sawmill was built in the area in 1856. Watsontown was a part of Turbot Township until its incorporation in 1867.
Watsontown is located at 41°5′7″N 76°51′48″W / 41.08528°N 76.86333°W (41.085319, -76.863325). According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 0.9 square miles (2.3 km2), of which, 0.7 square miles (1.8 km2) of it is land and 0.2 square miles (0.52 km2) of it (24.47%) is water.
Watsontown's terrain is almost entirely flat except for a hill in the eastern part of the borough. The borough's land is mostly residential, with some forest and industrial areas. The West Branch Susquehanna River borders the western part of Watsontown. The borough is served by Pennsylvania Route 44 and Pennsylvania Route 405.
Watsontown has a rich history dating back to the late 18th century. Watsontown was an important part of a transportation network that included roads, railroads, and canals along the Susquehanna River. Additionally, Watsontown served as a stop along the Underground Railroad for slaves escaping to Canada. Many businesses were located here because of this. Part of the old canal and the tow path used by mules at the time is still visible along the river.
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