Considering the role that Pennsylvania has played in the coal and steel industry, it's no wonder that Honesdale is steeped in commercial history, based around the local coal mines. The town was laid out in 1826, and was originally called Dyberry Forks. The main purpose for its existence was to provide a terminal for canal barges that carried coal to New York City markets. At one time Honesdale had the largest stockpile of coal in the world. Named after Philip Hone, former Mayor of New York and president of the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company, it takes pride in being the 'birthplace of American railroad' – the place where the first commercial steam locomotive in the US was operated.