Luzerne County, founded in 1786, was named for the Chevalier de la Luzerne, the French Minister to the United States. The county seat, Wilkes-Barre, was named for two members of the British Parliament, both strong advocates for American rights. This multiculutral sensibility flourished as the region became home to the rich variety of ethnic groups who came to work in the anthracite mines, on the railroads, or in the locomotive and machine plants. The county courthouse and surrounding lands in Wilkes-Barre provide a stunning example of the late19th century ‘city beautiful’ movement, a model of urban planning which incorporated building design, open space, parks and boulevards into the fabric of city life. Today, Luzerne County is renowned for its history and cultural life, its proximity to both Philadelphia and New York, and for a wealth of outdoor activities ranging from skiing to hiking to harness racing.