Located along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, Williamsport has a unique history.

Two key economic expansions brought millions of dollars to the area, but devastating disasters took their toll on the city, resulting in multiple transformations over time. Comparing our present to our past is how we understand our history. Arcadia's Past & Present series makes such local comparisons available. Books in this series offer a special view of American life by placing historical images side by side with contemporary photographs.