Chapter 69
Section 69 of A Guidebook of Art, Architecture, and Historic Interests in Pennsylvania, edited by Marguerita R. Chambeau. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Read by Tatiana Chichilla, Fulton County. Formed April 19, 1850, named for Robert Fulton, the Tuscarora Mountains rise like a huge barrier on the eastern boundary, with numerous other ridges and peaks. Streams that flow into the Potomac River are largely fed by splendid limestone springs. From the Susquehanna to the Ohio River, the scenery cannot be surpassed for picturesque beauty.
Far sweeping valleys, rugged mountains, grand forests, from a constantly changing panorama. It is both beautiful and historic. The Chambersburg and Pittsburgh Turnpike, built in 1814-15, now the Lincoln Highway, was first an old Indian trail from Harrisburg through Fort Loudon, Clinton County, and westward to Bedford, crossing the center of the county. In the days following Braddock's defeat in 1755, this region became the area in which the Red Warrior of the Forests and the White Frontiersmen fought to the death. Not a valley, creek, nor mountain range, site of modern city or town, but what was the scene of thrilling events, some of which influenced the world for all time.
Early settlers were Scotch-Irish, on the Auchwick, and on the Great Cove. Chief industries, iron ore, bituminous, coal, and agriculture. Dickies Mountain in the southeast is rich in hematite and fossil ores. McConnellsburg, county seat, population 689, land granted to William and Daniel McConnell by warrant in 1762, is in the heart of the Great Cove. It was laid out in 1786, and in 1830 was one of the most important stopping places on the old Turnpike.
Here, from 1827 to 47, were the Hanover ironworks, two furnaces and two forges, that used hematite ore, mined from Lowry's Knob, one mile distant. It is said that no territory of equal extent in this state is so rich in iron ore as is Fulton County. Fort Littleton in the north was one of a chain of government forts from the east to Fort Pitt. Burnt Cabins, on the Old State Road, was named because of the burning of the cabins of early settlers near here by the provincial authorities. It is said that Fulton County contributed more men to the Civil War in proportion than any other county in Pennsylvania.
End of section 69.
