The earnest settlement of Archbald (or White Oak Run) began in 1845. The vast majority of the settlers were Irish Catholics, fleeing the potato famine in Ireland. The first settlers, described Archbald as:    “A magnificent region in those days. It was a vast expanse of woodland, dotted here and there with well-tilled farms. Viewed from the high rocks at the northern end of town, it made an entrancing panorama as the landscape spread away towards the North and the South. The well-wooded hills especially in the fall gathered up her robes of glory, presented to the beholder a vision of loveliness in color not easily surpassed.”

Archbald Borough was incorpated in 1876 from BlakelyTownship and named after James Archbald, who was very prominent in the development of the Lackawanna Valley, both economically and industrially. Held in high esteem by those who knew him best, Mr. Archbald had the entire confidence and affection of the railroad managers and employees. “The simplicity of his character, the purity of his life, and the uprightness of his dealings, have made his name synonymous with honesty. He never failed in his work, he never refused a favor, nor harbored an enemy and he never solicited an office.” The village of Eynon in the borough is named after Thomas Eynon, a Welshman who developed coal mines in the area.  Archbald Borough is the eighth largest borough in the state.

Municipal Statistics

Located in Lackawanna County
2010 Population:  6,984
Square Miles:  16.9
Density/Sq. Mi: 416
School District:  Valley View

Post Offices with Zip Codes

Archbald 18403
Jermyn 18433
Olyphant 18447

Utility Companies

PPL Electric Utilities
1-800-342-5775
pplelectric.com

UGI Penn Natural Gas
1-800-276-2722
ugi.com

Comcast
1-800-COMCAST
comcast.com

Lackawanna River Basin Sewer Authority
570-489-7563
lrbsa.com