Bedford County, Pennsylvania is located in the Allegheny Mountains region of Pennsylvania. It is bordered by Fulton County to the east, Huntingdon County to the north, Somerset County to the west, and Westmoreland County to the south. The county covers an area of approximately 832 square miles and is home to a population of around 49,000 people.
Bedford County’s geography is characterized by rolling hills and valleys that are interspersed with rivers, streams and reservoirs. The Allegheny River runs through Bedford County from north to south while Raystown Lake provides recreation opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The highest point in Bedford County is located at Blue Knob Mountain which stands at an elevation of 3127 feet above sea level.
The terrain throughout Bedford County varies greatly with steep mountainsides in some areas giving way to rolling hills or flat plains in others. There are also numerous forests throughout the county that provide habitat for wildlife such as black bears, deer, wild turkeys and other species of birds and mammals.
Bedford County is home to numerous state parks including Shawnee State Park which features a wide variety of outdoor activities from camping and fishing to hiking trails and horseback riding trails. In addition there are also numerous recreational facilities such as golf courses, ski resorts, marinas and campgrounds that offer residents plenty of options for getting outdoors year-round.
Overall, Bedford County offers its residents a diverse landscape that provides them with plenty of opportunities for enjoying nature as well as engaging in outdoor recreational activities all year round.
Country seat and other main cities of Bedford County, Pennsylvania
The county seat of Bedford County, Pennsylvania is located in the borough of Bedford. The town was founded in 1795 and is home to a population of approximately 2,000 people. It is located within the Allegheny Mountains region and sits at an elevation of 1,731 feet above sea level. Bedford is home to a number of important historical sites such as the Bedford County Courthouse, Old Jail Museum and Fort Bedford Park.
According to COUNTRYAAH, other main cities in Bedford County include Everett, Hyndman, Manns Choice, New Paris and Osterburg. Everett is located along the south branch of the Raystown Branch Juniata River and has a population of around 1,500 people. Hyndman is situated at the intersection between U.S. Route 40 and Pennsylvania Route 36 and has a population of about 600 people. Manns Choice lies just north of Everett along U.S. Route 30 with a population of around 400 people while New Paris sits near the eastern border with Somerset County boasting nearly 500 residents. Osterburg is located within Snake Spring Township with a population estimated at 200 people.
Each city within Bedford County offers its own unique attractions for visitors to enjoy such as Everett’s historic buildings including Stoner House which dates back to 1790 or Hyndman’s nearby scenic trails that offer great views of Raystown Lake from atop Jacks Mountain Ridge or Blue Knob State Park located near Claysburg where visitors can explore its many hiking trails or take part in winter activities like skiing or snowboarding down its slopes during winter months.
Bedford County provides its residents with plenty to do and see whether it be exploring its rich history or taking part in outdoor recreational activities year round there’s something for everyone in this beautiful corner of Pennsylvania.
History of Bedford County, Pennsylvania
Bedford County, Pennsylvania is located in the southwest corner of the state and has a rich history that dates back to 1771 when it was first established. At the time, it was part of Cumberland County and included parts of modern-day Huntingdon, Fulton and Somerset counties. In 1787, Bedford County became its own entity with Bedford Town being designated as its county seat.
During the Revolutionary War, Bedford County played an important role in the conflict between Britain and America. The town of Bedford was destroyed by British forces during General Edward Braddock’s campaign in western Pennsylvania in 1755. The town was rebuilt after the war and continued to grow throughout the 19th century as transportation improved with the construction of roads and canals.
In 1846, a railroad line connecting Altoona to Cumberland was completed which brought about a boom in coal mining and manufacturing industries to Bedford County. As these industries grew, so did towns across the region such as Everett, Hyndman, Manns Choice, New Paris and Osterburg which all became major centers for coal mining and manufacturing activities at the time.
Throughout its history, Bedford County has been home to many notable people including President James Buchanan who was born in Cove Gap near Mercersburg; Robert E Lee who spent much of his childhood living on a farm near Everett; General John J Pershing who attended school at what is now known as Penn State Altoona; Johnstown Flood survivor Mrs Ida Tarbell who wrote her famous book “The History of Standard Oil” while living in Titusville; inventor Thomas Edison who lived briefly in New Paris; as well as several other notable people whose contributions have shaped American history over time.
Today, Bedford County offers visitors plenty to do from exploring its rich history sites such as Fort Bedford Park or Old Jail Museum to taking part in outdoor recreational activities all year round like skiing or snowboarding down Blue Knob State Park’s slopes during winter months or hiking one of Hyndman’s scenic trails overlooking Raystown Lake from atop Jacks Mountain Ridge any time of year there is something for everyone here in this beautiful corner of Pennsylvania.
Economy of Bedford County, Pennsylvania
Bedford County, Pennsylvania is an area full of natural beauty and rich history. It is located in the Appalachian Mountains region of Pennsylvania and has a population of approximately 49,000 people. The county seat is Bedford Town, which was designated as its own entity in 1771. The economy of Bedford County is largely based on agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.
Agriculture has been an important part of the economy for centuries. Farming is still a major industry in the county, producing a variety of crops such as corn, wheat, hay, soybeans, oats, and barley. In addition to farming activities, there are also several large dairy farms and livestock operations in the county.
Manufacturing has also played a major role in the economy for many years. Companies such as Sheetz Inc., Standard Steel LLC., and Altoona Pipe & Steel have all called Bedford County home at some point over the years. These companies have provided jobs to many people in the area and have helped to create economic stability within the county.
Tourism is another key component of Bedford County’s economy. There are numerous attractions that draw visitors from near and far each year including Fort Bedford Park, Old Jail Museum, Raystown Lake Recreation Area (the largest lake in Pennsylvania), Blue Knob State Park (a popular ski resort), Hyndman’s scenic trails overlooking Raystown Lake from atop Jacks Mountain Ridge (a popular hiking destination), historic sites such as President James Buchanan’s birthplace near Mercersburg, Robert E Lee’s childhood home near Everett, General John J Pershing’s school at Penn State Altoona, Johnstown Flood survivor Mrs Ida Tarbell’s home near Titusville, and Thomas Edison’s former residence in New Paris. Each of these places provides unique experiences that make Bedford County an attractive destination for tourists from around the world.
Overall, Bedford County enjoys a diverse economy that provides stability for its citizens through agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. With its natural beauty, rich history, and wide range of attractions this corner of Pennsylvania continues to be an attractive place to live work or visit.