Laurel Run Borough

Laurel Run is a small borough located in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, in the northeastern part of the state near the city of Wilkes-Barre. Despite its modest size, it has an intriguing history and is part of the larger region that experienced significant industrial growth, particularly due to coal mining in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The borough was originally settled by European immigrants, predominantly of German and Irish descent, during the 19th century. The area, mostly rural at the time, attracted settlers due to its proximity to the coal mines, which played a central role in the local economy.

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Like many communities in northeastern Pennsylvania, Laurel Run was deeply influenced by the booming coal industry in the 1800s. The coal industry attracted workers from various places, and small mining towns such as Laurel Run emerged to support the industry's growth. Laurel Run was officially incorporated as a borough in 1881, during a period of industrial expansion that saw the rise of numerous small communities. The borough’s population grew alongside the mining operations that dominated the local economy.

However, as the coal industry began to decline in the mid-20th century, communities like Laurel Run faced economic struggles. The population fluctuated as people moved away in search of work in other industries or regions. Today, Laurel Run is a quiet residential community with a population of just under 1,000 residents. It has maintained its small-town charm while remaining part of the larger region, which includes urban centers such as Wilkes-Barre. While there aren't many major tourist attractions in Laurel Run, its location offers easy access to nearby nature, outdoor activities, and the cultural and historical sites of Wilkes-Barre and the surrounding areas. Laurel Run exemplifies the typical history of many small Pennsylvania towns that once thrived on coal mining but later adapted to an evolving economic landscape, preserving its strong sense of community while contributing to the broader industrial heritage of the region.

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Business Hours:
Administrative Office

100 DuPont Drive

Laurel Run, PA 18706
By Appointment Only

570-822-9581

For emergencies: Call 911

Notice of Council Meetings: All Council Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month beginning at 7:00 p.m. unless otherwise advertised.  In addition, the governing body holds a monthly work session prior to the regularly scheduled council meeting, beginning at 6:00 p.m. (as needed).