Northeastern Pennsylvania & the Poconos
Honesdale, Pennsylvania
Borough and Wayne County seat
The birthplace of the American railroad
Honesdale is a borough in Wayne County and has been the county seat since 1876. It is known as the birthplace of the American railroad, where the Stourbridge Lion made its first run in 1829, and today serves as a gateway to the Upper Delaware region.
History & Local Character
Laid out in 1826 as Dyberry Forks and renamed Honesdale for Philip Hone, the borough was the terminus of the Delaware and Hudson Canal. The Stourbridge Lion locomotive ran here in 1829.
Housing & Real Estate
Honesdale offers Victorian singles, twins and rowhouses at moderate prices, with newer development outside the borough.
Restaurants & Shopping
Main Street hosts cafes, restaurants and a brewery, with a walkable historic business district.
Schools & Education
Wayne Highlands School District serves the borough.
Parks & Recreation
The Stourbridge Rail Trail, Prompton State Park and the Upper Delaware River provide recreation.
Transportation & Accessibility
Route 6, Route 191 and Route 670 serve the borough, with limited public transit.
Local Businesses
Tourism businesses, small manufacturers and independent shops line Main Street.
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Nearby Attractions
- Stourbridge Line rail excursions
- Prompton State Park
- Upper Delaware River
- Dorflinger Glass Museum
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Historic walkable downtown
- Delaware River recreation
- Affordable housing
- Strong tourism identity
Considerations
- Limited retail
- Seasonal tourism economy
- Long drives to larger cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Honesdale the birthplace of the American railroad?
The Stourbridge Lion, the first steam locomotive to run in the United States, operated at Honesdale in 1829 on the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company's tracks.
Is Honesdale the Wayne County seat?
Yes. Honesdale has been the seat of Wayne County since 1876.