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Harrisburg PennsylvaniaINTRODUCTION The Pennsylvania State Capitol is located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. There are many things to do in Harrisburg from touring the Capitol (which dome is modeled after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome), to taking a leisurely ride along the Susquehanna on the "Pride of the Susquehanna," an authentic paddlewheeler that starts at Harrisburg's City Island and sails from May-October. Call ahead to arrange a dinner cruise http://www.harrisburgriverboat.com/ City Island, sometimes called Harrisburg's Playground, is a 60-acre island in the middle of the Susquehanna River, directly across from the Historic Pennsylvania State Capitol Building. This is a great place for family fun. Take in a baseball game--City Island is home to the Harrisburg Senators http://www.senatorsbaseball.com/, a minor league baseball team based in the city, ride the steam train or play a round of miniature golf. Enjoy the evening downtown where you can choose from a myriad of restaurants located in the heart of downtown Harrisburg on Restaurant Row. Here you will find fine dining establishments, alongside casual bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a luxurious dinner, a light snack, a specialty martini or an evening of musical entertainment. HISTORY At first inhabited by Native Americans known as "Peixtin", this area was visited by John Smith as traveled up the Susquehanna River from Virginia in 1608. The first European to settle here was John Harris Sr. in 1719. It was named state capital in 1812. Harrisburg was a noted stop on the Underground Railroad. By the 1830s, it was incorporated into the Pennsylvania canal system as well as a center for railroad travel. This opened the place up for important steel and iron industries. During the Civil War, Harrisburg was a major training and rail center for the Union army. As such, it was twice attempted to be taken during the Maryland Campaign and the Gettysburg Campaign. During the late 20th century, the city experience flooding and economic decline. However, economic improvements and city building projects have improved the city immensely since the 1980s. ATTRACTIONS Appalachian Trail RESTAURANTS LODING 
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