In 1727, Indiana County, PA’s recorded history began when the French trader James LeTort set up a trading post for the Native Americans near the town now known as Shelocta. In 1805, Indiana became the county seat when George Clymer (a signer of both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution) donated 250 acres of land. HISTORICAL SITES & MUSEUMS Indiana County is home to several historical organizations & museums that are dedicated to preserving & promoting our county’s rich history. For example, the Historical & Genealogical Society of Indiana County (HGSIC) focuses on county-wide history while the Blairsville Area, Homer-Center, Saltsburg Area and Smicksburg Area Historical Societies highlight their specific town history. For extensive exhibits on Indiana County’s involvement
with the underground railroad, be sure to visit the Blairsville Underground Railroad History Center.
Blairsville Underground Railroad & History Center 214 South East Lane Blairsville, PA 15717 724-599-8105 / 724-343-1014 www.UndergroundRailRoad BlairsvillePA.com Historical and Genealogical Society of Indiana County 621 Wayne Avenue Indiana, PA 15701 724-463-9600 www.HGSIC.org Historical Society of the Blairsville Area 116 East Campbell Street Blairsville, PA 15717 724-459-0580 www.BlairsvilleHistoric.com Homer-Center Historical Society Caboose Museum 240 North Main Street Homer City, PA 15748 724-599-8105 / 724-840-7859 www.HomerCenterHistori. wixsite.com/website IUP University Museum Sutton Hall - Room 111 1011 South Drive Indiana, PA 15705 724-357-2424 www.IUP.edu/Museum Saltsburg Stone House Museum / Saltsburg Area Historical Society 105 Point Street Saltsburg, PA 15681 724-639-9003 www.SaltsburgStoneHouse Museum.org Smicksburg Area Heritage Society / John G. Schmick Heritage Center 59 East Kittanning Street Smicksburg, PA 16256 814-257-8083
Covered Bridge Driving Tour At one time there were more than 48 covered bridges within the county, now four remaining bridges are all listed on the National Register of Historic Places. ◄ Harmon Covered Bridge 2730 Musser Road Indiana, PA 15701 ◄ Trusal Covered Bridge 1961 Trusal Road Creekside, PA 15732 ◄ Thomas Covered Bridge 280 Thomas Covered Bridge Road Indiana, PA 15701 Scenic covered bridge driving tour is 36 miles round trip. 2725 Donahue Road Creekside, PA 15732 ◄ Kintersburg Covered Bridge
“Must Do” checklist • See the “Rest on Arms” Statue: Located in front of the Silas M. Clark House on South 6th St.
in Indiana, the statue pays tribute to Indiana County Veterans of the Civil War. While there, tour the historic Victorian mansion. • Stop by Additional Veteran’s Memorials: Located in downtown Indiana by the courthouse & in Memorial Park, as well as in the towns of Blairsville, Cherry Tree, Clymer, Creekside and McIntyre. • View and Learn About Historic Furnaces: Visit historic sites along the Ghost Town Trail including the 30-foot high Buena Vista Furnace, the Eliza Furnace which is regarded as one of PA’s best preserved iron furnaces, and the Coal Miner’s Memorial. • Visit the Cherry Tree Monument: The Cherry Tree Monument designates the northern corner of the historic Indiana land purchase and the junction of 3 counties: Cambria, Clearfield, and Indiana. • View Stunning American Flag Displays: There are more than 800 full-size flags on display at Blairsville Cemetery during four major holidays each year. View additional displays at the Oakland Cemetery in Indiana, including a large flag in “The Garden of Honor” - installed Fall 2022. • Take a Picture of a Refurbished Caboose: The Caboose houses a museum dedicated to the history of Homer City and Center Township. • Explore Saltsburg Canal Park: Take a self-guided walking tour through town that traces the authentic route of the Main Line Canal. View interpretive panels along the way and a representation of Canal Lock 8 at its actual location.
Photos courtesy of Blairsville UGRR, Historical & Genealogical Society of Indiana County, Indiana County Parks & Trails, Homer-Center Historical Society, Bob Manning & Colleen Wakefield.
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