Steelton, Pennsylvania

Steelton is a borough in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, United States, 4 miles (6 km) southeast of Harrisburg. The population was 5,990 at the 2010 census. The borough is part of the Harrisburg–Carlisle Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History

Steelton was incorporated as a borough on January 19, 1880. It was named from the steel industry contained within its borders. The extensive works of the Pennsylvania Steel Company, later operated by Bethlehem Steel, are located along the Susquehanna River in Steelton. Also present at one time were brickyards, a flouring mill, and machine shops.

Steelton is the birthplace of Homer Litzenberg, the Korean War hero who commanded the 7th Marine Regiment during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.

19 people were killed and 199 injured, when a Baseball Special train from Harrisburg to Philadelphia derailed at Steelton on July 28, 1962. Three of the nine cars landed in the Susquehanna River. A passing U.S. Navy drill team participated in the rescue efforts.