Visit / PA Historical Marker Trail

Jefferson County

Jefferson County

Quick Story

Jefferson County’s forests supported generations of loggers, sawmills, and small communities that depended on the lumber industry. The county’s history reflects the determination and resilience of the people who helped shape Pennsylvania’s forest heritage.

Why This Marker Is Significant

Jefferson County’s historical markers preserve the stories of hardworking communities, local industries, and significant events that influenced the area’s development. They encourage visitors to discover the people and places that shaped the county’s heritage.

Then and Now

Historic image of Cooks Mill Bracket Dam in Jefferson County
Historical photograph
Jefferson County
Current marker photograph

Stop #1 – Olean Road

This early road from Olean to Kittanning followed the Catawba Path, formerly used by Five Nations war parties attacking the Catawbas of South Carolina. Near here it crossed the Indian path from Venango (Franklin) to Chinklacamoose (Clearfield).

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Discovering Lumber Hertitage Through History and Education

Stop #2 – Jefferson County

Formed March 26, 1804 out of Lycoming County and named for President Thomas Jefferson. Until 1806 attached to Westmoreland County, then to Indiana County until 1830. Noted for its coal and lumber industries. Brookville, county seat, was incorporated 1834.

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Discovering Lumber Hertitage Through History and Education

Stop #3 – Dr. William J. McKnight (1836-1918)

A physician turned senator, he coauthored an act in 1883 that established a board to oversee the distribution of unclaimed bodies to medical schools for anatomical study. In effect, it made grave robbery illegal and promoted the advancement of medical science.

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Discovering Lumber Hertitage Through History and Education

Stop #4 – Elijah Heath (1796-1875)

Outspoken abolitionist and judge, in 1835 Heath & others rescued two fugitive slaves, Charles Brown & William Parker. Heath, a Brookville resident, was sued by a Virginia slaveholder and fined for his actions. Undeterred, Heath continued his Underground Railroad activities.

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Discovering Lumber Hertitage Through History and Education

Stop #5 – Lewis Earle Sandt (1888-1913)

A pioneer aviator, Sandt was the first American to make an international flight, from Erie to Canada, in 1912. Like many early pilots, he died as a result of crash injuries a year later. His efforts helped spur popular interest in flight. He lived here for most of his brief life.

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Discovering Lumber Hertitage Through History and Education

Stop #6 – Pennsylvania Memorial Home

Established in 1890 by Kate Scott and Annie Wittenmyer of the Woman’s Relief Corps, an advocate for Civil War veterans. It was the first home in the nation to accept not only former soldiers, but also their wives, children, widows, and orphans.

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Discovering Lumber Hertitage Through History and Education

Stop #7 – Ross Leffler School of Conservation

Within State Game Lands 54 is the original site of the first academy in the nation devoted entirely to the training of Game Protectors, later known as Wildlife Conservation Officers. Established in 1932, it was an important component in the professionalism of game management in Pa. It was named for Ross L. Leffler, a 30-year member of the Game Commission and Asst. Secretary of the Interior, appointed by President Eisenhower.

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Discovering Lumber Hertitage Through History and Education

Stop #8 – First Pennsylvania Troopers Killed in the Line of Duty

On September 2, 1906, Privates John F. Henry and Francis A. Zehringer were killed in the line of duty as they attempted to arrest fugitive murderers barricaded in a nearby house. Three other troopers were wounded. Their sacrifice symbolizes the Pa. State Police Call of Honor, which states, in part, “I must serve honestly, faithfully, and if need be, lay down my life as others have done before me, rather than swerve from the path of duty.”

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Discovering Lumber Hertitage Through History and Education

Stop #9 – Great Shamokin Path

This major Indian path, connecting the Susquehanna and Allegheny rivers, paralleled the present highway at this point. Long used by Native Americans as a thoroughfare for hunting and trade, it was traveled by Delaware and Shawnee warriors during the French and Indian War. Bishop John Ettwein and 200 Indians with their cows used this portion of the route on their way west to Friedensstadt, July 1772.

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Discovering Lumber Hertitage Through History and Education

Stop #10 – Groundhog Day

As early as 1886, German immigrants here observed Groundhog Day and established the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club in 1899. According to folklore, if the hibernating groundhog – known as Punxsutawney Phil – leaves its burrow on February 2 and sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. The legend is based on a European custom predicting the length of winter by weather conditions on Candlemas, an ancient Christian festival.

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Discovering Lumber Hertitage Through History and Education

Stop #11 – Charles Margiotti (1891-1956)

Prominent lawyer, business executive, and civic and political leader, Margiotti was appointed Pennsylvania Attorney General, 1935-1938, by Governor George Earle. He was among the first Italian Americans to hold such a post in the US. He was the Republican candidate for Governor in 1934. He practiced law in Pittsburgh and donated services to defend immigrant workers. A native of Punxsutawney, Margiotti is interred here at Calvary Cemetery.

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Discovering Lumber Hertitage Through History and Education

Stop #12 – Cooksburg

Named for John Cook who came to this section in 1826 and started lumber industry along Tom’s Run. Here is Cook Forest State Park. In this park, there is one of the finest stands of large white pine-hemlock in the State.

 

Stop #13 – Iroquois “Main Road”

The highway here follows the course of an old war path used by the Iroquois. It was their best route to the south until the Susquehanna Valley was opened to them by their victory over the Susquehannocks.

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