The city of Nanticoke is located in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. It is the third-largest city in the county, with a population of 10,628 people as of the 2020 census. Its land area is 3.5 square miles, and it is located in the Northeastern part of the state.
Nanticoke River Water Trail
The Nanticoke River Water Trail connects the towns of Vienna and Seaford, Virginia, along the Nanticoke River. This trail was named for legendary English explorer Captain John Smith, who explored the river in 1608. It is a beautiful and diverse watershed, home to a diverse range of wildlife and rare plants. It is also home to a variety of historic and cultural landmarks.
The trail stretches from the headwaters of the river in Seaford to the Maryland state line. The watershed of the river protects over 100 species, including white-tailed deer, a national symbol. Taking a trip on the Nanticoke River offers the chance to view cultural and biological habitats that are not often explored.
For those who prefer to get out on the water, a paddle along the Nanticoke River is a great way to spend a few hours outdoors. It runs through a dense cypress swamp, and its forest canopy offers cool shade during the hotter summer months. The water is surprisingly quiet, and wildlife is plentiful. Be on the lookout for bald eagles and great blue herons as you paddle along.
A large portion of the Nanticoke watershed is protected from development. An undeveloped stretch of shoreline along the western shore of the river is permanently protected through conservation easements. This means that future efforts to protect the watershed will be able to build on this success. There are already many conservation projects in the watershed.
Governor Ross Mansion & Plantation
The Governor Ross Mansion & Plantation in the town of Nanticoke, Virginia, is a two-story brick mansion that dates back to 1859. The exterior is a classic Italianate style and features a three-story tower in the center. The interior is filled with period details.
The Governor Ross Mansion & Plantation is owned by the Seaford Historical Society. This is a pre-Civil War historic house museum that is open to the public. Tours are free and guided tours are available. There are special events that take place here.
The Seaford marker is located just one mile from the Nanticoke Post No. 6. The mansion’s owner was a southern sympathizer during the Civil War. Although he was an early supporter of the Confederacy, he escaped to England to avoid arrest. On February 12, 2014, Allen C. Browne submitted the marker to mark the historic location.
The Governor Ross Mansion & Plantation was purchased by the Seaford Historical Society in 1976. Originally owned by William Henry Harrison Ross, the governor of Delaware from 1851 to 1855, the mansion is a remarkably well-preserved example of Victorian Italianate architecture. The Governor Ross Mansion also features the only documented log slave quarter in Delaware. It also includes a granary, stable, smokehouse, corn cribs, and Honeymoon Cottage.
Located in the picturesque town of Nanticoke, Delaware, the Governor Ross Mansion & Plantation is an ideal destination for visitors. The pristine watershed of the Nanticoke River is home to numerous cultural and historical landmarks. At the beginning, it was part of Maryland.
Mim Mineral Museum
If you’re in the area and want to learn about minerals, the Mim Mineral Museum is a must-see. It features the world’s second largest collection of minerals. Open Tuesday through Saturday, it’s free to visit, especially for kids.
This museum is located in a lovely building on a knoll overlooking the Nanticoke River. The museum is a great way to learn about the area’s geological history, which has been traced to the Stone Age. The site is also home to a number of fossils, including a ring of jasper that’s over 4,000 years old.
