| |
Historic Sites in Pennsylvania
|
Bushy Run Battlefield
Bushy Run Battlefield is the site of the military encounter in
1763 between three British Regiments, led by Col. Henry Bouquet,
and several Native American Nations of the Ohio Valley. Colonel
Bouquet and a force of approximately 400 British soldiers left
Carlisle in July 1763 to relieve the besieged Fort Pitt and end
a series of unchecked attacks against frontier outposts. The
decisive victory over the Native Americans at the Battle of
Bushy Run on August 5 & 6, 1763, resulted in the opening of
Western Pennsylvania to settlement. Highlights of the site
include the new interpretive exhibit, "The March to Bushy Run"
at the site's visitor center, as well as guided and self-guided
tours over three miles of historic hiking trails, special
events, and educational programs. For information call:
(724)527-5584
The Cornwall Iron Furnace
Early America's industrial heritage comes alive at this
completely preserved mid-19th century ironmaking complex, which
was in blast from 1742 to 1883. The massive stone furnace,
steam-powered air-blast machinery, and several related buildings
survive intact. Primarily a producer of pig iron and domestic
products, Cornwall Furnace cast cannon barrels for the American
Revolution and Civil War. Cornwall Furnace offers a strong
interpretive program and exciting new exhibits are being added
to an expanded Visitor Center by 2000. Nearby, you can explore
countryside dotted with picturesque workers' villages, partake
in several excellent dining options, or enjoy a myriad of
cultural options in charming Mt. Gretna. For information call:
(717)272-9711
The Conrad Weiser Homestead
The Conrad Weiser Homestead features the small, 18th century
frontier residence of Conrad Weiser, a pivotal figure in
Colonial Pennsylvania, who served as ambassador and interpreter
to the Iroquois Nation. Through Weiser's efforts, in part,
Pennsylvania was the last of the original English colonies to
experience warfare between its native American and European
inhabitants. Weiser was also a leader of the Pennsylvania
Regiment's First Battalion, a magistrate in Lancaster County, a
judge in Berks County, a tanner, farmer, and Lutheran lay
minister. His stone home, spring house, and gravesite are set in
a beautiful, 26-acre park designed by the sons of Frederick L.
Olmsted in the heart of the Pennsylvania-German farming area.
For information call: (610)589-2934
The Daniel Boone Homestead
The Daniel Boone Homestead was settled in 1730 by the
frontiersman's parents. Daniel Boone was born here in 1734 and
lived his first 16 years in Berks County. When Boone lived here,
the area was sparsely populated by English Quaker, German,
Swiss, Huguenot and Swedish pioneers. The mid-18th century
structure that survives today is built over the spring and
cellar where the first Boone log cabin stood and where young
Daniel Boone lived before his family moved to North Carolina.
Today, the historic site tells the story not only of the early
life of Daniel Boone, but also the saga of the region's settlers
by comparing and contrasting the lifestyles of different
cultures in 18th century rural Pennsylvania. For information
call: (610)582-4900
Washington Crossing Historic Park
At Washington Crossing Historic Park, George Washington led his
ragged troops across the ice-choked Delaware and assaulted the
unsuspecting Hessians at Trenton. His victory bolstered sagging
morale, changing the course of the American Revolution. The
500-acre site and recreational area includes 13 historic
buildings, the noted 100-acre Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve
and observation tower, and many picnic areas. For information
call: (215)493-4076
|
|
|
|
|
|
