Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania is a city located in the northeastern part of the state. It is the county seat of Luzerne County and the largest city in the county. The city has a rich history and there are many interesting attractions in the area, such as the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins hockey team. As a result, many people visit the city every year.
But before you can properly explore Wilkes-Barre, you need to know how to pronounce it. The correct pronunciation of Wilkes-Barre is wilks-bar. Here is a guide to help you get the pronunciation right.
The History of Wilkes-Barre
Wilkes-Barre was founded in 1769 by Colonel John Wilkes and Isaac Barre. The two men were sent by the British government to establish a settlement in the area. The city was named after the two founders, and the name has been used ever since.
The city grew rapidly in the 19th century, and it was incorporated as a borough in 1806. The city was officially chartered as a city in 1871.
How to Pronounce Wilkes-Barre
The correct pronunciation of Wilkes-Barre is wilks-bar. The first syllable is pronounced with a hard “k” sound, and the second syllable is pronounced with a “bar” as in “barre.” This pronunciation is consistent with the original spelling of the city’s name.
Common Mispronunciations of Wilkes-Barre
Despite the correct pronunciation, some people make common mispronunciations of Wilkes-Barre. The most common mispronunciation is to pronounce the first syllable with a “v” sound, instead of a “k” sound. This mispronunciation results in the city being pronounced as “vilks-bar.”
Another common mispronunciation is to pronounce the second syllable with a “bair” sound, instead of a “bar” as in “barre.” This mispronunciation results in the city being pronounced as “wilks-bair.”
Other Names for Wilkes-Barre
Wilkes-Barre has several other names, all of which have the same correct pronunciation. The most commonly used alternate names are simply Wilkes and Barre.
The city also has two nicknames: The Diamond City and The City of the Seven T’s. The nickname “The Diamond City” was given to the city in the late 19th century due to the large number of diamond-shaped streets and squares in the city. The nickname “The City of the Seven T’s” was given to the city because the seven hills surrounding the city resemble the letter T.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct pronunciation of Wilkes-Barre?
The correct pronunciation of Wilkes-Barre is wilks-bar. The first syllable is pronounced with a hard “k” sound, and the second syllable is pronounced with a “bar” as in “barre.”What are some common mispronunciations of Wilkes-Barre?
The most common mispronunciations of Wilkes-Barre are “vilks-bar” and “wilks-bair.”What are some other names for Wilkes-Barre?
The most commonly used alternate names for Wilkes-Barre are simply Wilkes and Barre. The city also has two nicknames: The Diamond City and The City of the Seven T's.When was Wilkes-Barre founded?
Wilkes-Barre was founded in 1769 by Colonel John Wilkes and Isaac Barre.What is the population of Wilkes-Barre?
As of 2020, the population of Wilkes-Barre is 41,498.What is the average temperature in Wilkes-Barre?
The average temperature in Wilkes-Barre is 48.7°F (9.3°C).What is the elevation of Wilkes-Barre?
The elevation of Wilkes-Barre is 858 feet (262 meters).What is the time zone in Wilkes-Barre?
Wilkes-Barre is located in the Eastern Time Zone (UTC -5).What is the area code for Wilkes-Barre?
The area code for Wilkes-Barre is 570.What is the zip code for Wilkes-Barre?
The zip code for Wilkes-Barre is 18702.What is the longest river in Wilkes-Barre?
The longest river in Wilkes-Barre is the Susquehanna River, which flows for 444 miles (715 km) from its source in Cooperstown, New York to its mouth in Havre de Grace, Maryland.Conclusion
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania is an important city in the northeastern part of the state. It is the county seat of Luzerne County and the largest city in the county. Whether you’re visiting the city or just need to pronounce it correctly, it is important to know how to pronounce Wilkes-Barre correctly. The correct pronunciation of Wilkes-Barre is wilks-bar. This pronunciation is consistent with the original spelling of the city’s name. There are several alternate names and nicknames for Wilkes-Barre, all of which have the same correct pronunciation.