Lewisburg

History

Lewisburg was founded in 1785 by Ludwig Derr. A settler of the area (since as early as 1763–1769), Derr purchased several tracts of land from the William Penn family and other neighboring landowners, the largest of which was known as "The Prescott". Having been on the land for such a long time, Derr had befriended the local Native Americans of the area. His relationship with these indigenous peoples was so well founded that, even as many of the other local settlers' homesteads were routinely sacked by Native Americans, Derr's lands remained free from attacks. Subsequently, in 1784, he worked with Samuel Weiser to lay out his combined land tracts, and create Derrstown. The name was later changed to Lewisburgh when Snyder County was created from Union County in 1855 (according to a local Keystone marker sign), but was known on original plans and deeds as Lewisburg before that time. U.S. Postal Service states that it was named Lewisburgh when it was established in 1796; in 1893, the name was shortened to Lewisburg. The origin of the street names that run east-west is also unknown. St. George, St. Catherine, and St. Louis appear to be named for saints. While Lutherans, as was Derr, do recognize historic Catholic saints, the street names are more likely named for Derr's family members, whose names happen to coincide with saints. Those streets are consecutively parallel and emanate from what was then Derr's home and the location of the first available lot sold (which were both situated on what is now Mill Street). George was Ludwig's son, his wife was Catherine, and himself, Ludwig/Lewis/Louis (sic). The other original street names that still exist are St. John, St. Mary and St. Anthony, which may be the names of other children from families with whom Derr's own family…

Geography

Lewisburg is located at (40.963895, -76.888154). According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of , all land.

Race & ethnicity

Largest nearby schools

• Lewisburg HS
  High · Lewisburg · 610 students · 15.3:1 ratio
• Kelly El Sch
  Elementary · Lewisburg · 548 students · 13.4:1 ratio
• Mifflinburg Area SHS
  High · Mifflinburg · 493 students · 12:1 ratio
• Donald H Eichhorn MS
  Middle · Lewisburg · 413 students · 12.5:1 ratio
• Mifflinburg Area MS
  Middle · Mifflinburg · 402 students · 13:1 ratio
• Mifflinburg Area Intrmd Sch
  Elementary · Mifflinburg · 393 students · 12.3:1 ratio
• Mifflinburg El Sch
  Elementary · Mifflinburg · 388 students · 12.1:1 ratio
• White Deer El Sch
  Elementary · New Columbia · 323 students · 13.5:1 ratio