History of Bedford County, Pennsylvania

Bedford County, Pennsylvania, located in the southwestern part of the state, has a long and storied history that stretches back to its early settlement in the mid-18th century. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Shawnee and Susquehannock, the area was later colonized by European settlers during the period of westward expansion. Bedford County played a significant role in both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War and was an important part of Pennsylvania’s development during the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, it is known for its scenic landscapes, rich history, and charming small towns.

Origins and Early History

Native American Inhabitants

Before the arrival of European settlers, the land that would become Bedford County was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee, Susquehannock, and Delaware peoples. These tribes lived along the rivers and streams that ran through the area, hunting, fishing, and farming. They constructed villages near water sources and engaged in trade with other tribes. The Shawnee were particularly prominent in the region, as they controlled a significant portion of southwestern Pennsylvania.

The native population had established a deeply rooted connection with the land, utilizing its vast forests and waterways for sustenance and shelter. The arrival of European settlers, however, marked the beginning of significant changes for these Indigenous groups, including displacement and conflicts with settlers.

European Settlement and Early Colonial History

European settlers first arrived in the area in the early 1700s, with Scots-Irish and German immigrants being some of the first to establish farms and homesteads. The fertile land and the abundance of natural resources, including timber, game, and waterways, made the region attractive to these early colonists. By the 1730s, the area that would become Bedford County was part of Lancaster County.

The early settlers were primarily farmers and craftsmen, but as the population grew, the need for governmental structure and administrative organization became apparent. In 1741, the area was officially organized as part of Cumberland County, but as settlement expanded westward, the need for a separate county grew. This eventually led to the establishment of Bedford County in 1771, when it was carved out of Cumberland County.

The Role of Bedford County During the American Revolution

Bedford County played an important role in the American Revolution, with many of its residents actively participating in the war effort. Due to its location along key trade routes and its proximity to the western frontier, Bedford was a strategic location for military campaigns during the Revolutionary War. The county became a hub for militia recruitment and support, with many men enlisting to fight in both local skirmishes and major battles.

One of the most significant events during the Revolution in Bedford County was the establishment of Fort Bedford in 1758. Built during the French and Indian War to defend the region from hostile Native American attacks, Fort Bedford served as a supply post for the American Revolution, helping to bolster the efforts of the Continental Army. The fort was also used as a military staging area for troops moving westward.

Key Historical Events

The Whiskey Rebellion (1794)

One of the most significant events in the early history of Bedford County was its involvement in the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794. This rebellion was a protest against the federal excise tax on distilled spirits, which was deeply unpopular among farmers in western Pennsylvania and the surrounding regions, including Bedford County. Many farmers relied on distilling whiskey as a primary form of income, and they saw the tax as an unfair burden.

The rebellion reached its peak when a group of rebels, many from Bedford County, gathered in opposition to the tax. They resorted to violent protests, including the intimidation of tax collectors. The federal government, under President George Washington, responded by sending a militia to suppress the rebellion. The rebellion was ultimately quelled, but it marked a significant moment in early American history, demonstrating the federal government’s power to enforce laws.

The Civil War Era (1861-1865)

Like much of Pennsylvania, Bedford County was divided in its loyalties during the Civil War. While Pennsylvania was a Union state, Bedford County, with its deep ties to agriculture and industry, had many residents who sympathized with the Confederacy. The county did not see major battles during the war, but many soldiers from Bedford County fought for both the Union and Confederate sides.

Bedford County residents were also involved in the Underground Railroad, helping escaped slaves find their way to freedom in the northern states. The county’s location along the southern border of Pennsylvania made it a critical area for Underground Railroad activity.

In the post-war years, Bedford County began to rebuild, and the war’s impact was felt through the loss of life and the economic disruption caused by the conflict.

Industrialization and Growth (Late 19th Century to Early 20th Century)

The late 19th and early 20th centuries were a time of industrial growth in Bedford County. The development of the railroad network in the region facilitated the movement of goods and people, connecting Bedford to larger markets in Pittsburgh and beyond. This period saw the growth of industries such as coal mining, lumber, and ironworks. The county’s natural resources were heavily exploited to fuel industrialization, and the rise of these industries contributed to the county’s growing population and economic prosperity.

By the early 1900s, tourism also became an important part of Bedford County’s economy. The region’s beautiful landscapes, including its numerous forests, mountains, and lakes, began to attract visitors. The establishment of resorts and parks in the area led to an influx of tourists, many of whom came to enjoy the outdoor recreation opportunities, including hunting, fishing, hiking, and boating.

Historical Sites

1. Fort Bedford

Overview and Location

Fort Bedford was originally constructed in 1758 during the French and Indian War as a military fortification to protect settlers in the region from Native American attacks. The fort was used during the American Revolution as a strategic base of operations for the Continental Army. Today, Fort Bedford is a historical site in Bedford, Pennsylvania, and serves as a reminder of the area’s early military history.

The site features reconstructed portions of the original fort, as well as displays of period artifacts and educational programs that explain the role of the fort during both the French and Indian War and the American Revolution.

Ticket Price and Parking Information

• Admission: Free
• Parking: Free parking is available at the site.

2. The Whiskey Rebellion Monument

Overview and Location

Located in nearby New Oxford, the Whiskey Rebellion Monument commemorates the violent protests against the federal whiskey tax in 1794, an event that had a significant impact on Bedford County. The monument is an important symbol of the early challenges faced by the young United States in enforcing federal laws. It highlights the rebellion’s historical importance and its place in the nation’s history of resistance to government control.

Ticket Price and Parking Information

• Admission: Free
• Parking: Free parking is available at the site.

3. The National Museum of the American Coverlet

Overview and Location

Located in Bedford, Pennsylvania, the National Museum of the American Coverlet preserves and showcases one of the country’s most unique collections of historic quilts and coverlets. The museum celebrates the tradition of American textile craftsmanship and offers a glimpse into the history of the region’s settlers and their home life. Many of the exhibits feature the handiwork of local artisans from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Ticket Price and Parking Information

• Admission: $5 for adults, $3 for children
• Parking: Free parking is available at the museum.

4. Bedford County Courthouse

Overview and Location

The Bedford County Courthouse, located in the town of Bedford, is a beautiful example of late-19th-century architecture. Built in 1884, the courthouse is still in use today and serves as the county’s center of legal and governmental activity. The building’s grand design, including its prominent clock tower and detailed masonry, reflects the county’s pride in its history and the importance of civic institutions.

Ticket Price and Parking Information

• Admission: Free
• Parking: Free parking is available in a public lot near the courthouse.

County Facts

Geography and Climate

Bedford County is located in the Allegheny Plateau region of southwestern Pennsylvania. The county features a mixture of mountainous terrain, dense forests, and fertile valleys, making it ideal for outdoor recreation and agriculture. The county is part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and its rivers and streams provide important natural resources.

The climate in Bedford County is classified as humid continental, with cold winters and warm, humid summers. Snowfall in winter can be significant, with heavy snowfalls common during the winter months, while summers are generally warm, with temperatures averaging between 70°F and 85°F (21°C–29°C).

Key County Facts

• Year Founded: 1771
• County Seat: Bedford
• Population: Approximately 49,000 (2020 Census)
• Population Density: 59.9 people per square mile
• Largest Cities: Bedford, Everett, Saxton
• Major Highways: Interstate 99, U.S. Route 30, U.S. Route 220
• Adjacent Counties: Blair County, Huntingdon County, Fulton County, Franklin County, Somerset County