250 Years of History in Catawissa
Article courtesy of Catawissa Borough
Note from the Visitors Bureau: Catawissa Borough, established in 1774, is situated on the Susquehanna River with a current popula- tion of approximately 1,550 people. The community is in the midst of celebrating its 250th Anniversary in 2024, so we wanted to take this opportune moment to reflect on its origins. The area where Catawissa is now situated was originally owned by William Henry in 1769. Catawissa was laid out in 1787. At this time it was referred to as Hughesburg or Catawissey. The lots of the town were distributed out by lottery. When boats began to commonly travel along the Susquehanna River, Catawissa became locally im- portant. Talk of a school in Catawissa began in 1796, and a school was built there in 1800. The Catawissa Fire Company was found- ed in 1827. The Catawissa Deposit Bank was incorporated in 1871. The Catawissa Water Company was formed in 1882. A number of Masonic establishments were built in Catawissa in the mid to late 1800s. The Catawissa Friends Meetinghouse was listed on the Na- tional Register of Historic Places in 1978.
Mifflin, Mayberry of Montour County, and part of Union Township in Schuylkill County, it was reduced in size by the formation of Roaringcreek Township in 1832, Franklin in 1843, and Main in 1844. It is the oldest subdivision of the county and contains the oldest settlements. Authorities differ as to the meaning of the Indian name “Catawese.” Redmond Conyngham, after whom the township of that name was called, stated that the Piscatawese had a settlement here. Stewart Pierce stated that the Shawanese had a town here in 1697. The word “Catawese” occurs in several of the Indian dialects, and means “pure water.” The greater part of the eastern portion of the township is occupied by the majestic Catawissa mountain, the brow of which overshadows the town. In the summer many parties are made up to visit this eminence, from all parts of the county. It was a favorite resort of the Indians. Within a short distance of the summit is a fine, ever-flowing spring. Beside this stood for many years an immense gum tree, the only one for miles around, which was looked upon with reverence by the savages. The tree was overturned by a high wind some years ago and has rotted away, but younger descendants of the forest monarch are springing up to take its place.
Beginnings
Catawissa Township was formed from Augusta in 1785, and orig- inally included all of Weaver, Conyngham, Franklin, Locust, Main,
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