Bradford County, Pennsylvania

1922 Train Station Abraham Lincoln Second Inaugural Address American Hotel American Veterans Memorial Armed Forces Memorial Asylum Asylum Athens Athens Veterans Memorial Azilum Azilum Bradford County Courthouse Bradford County Roll of Honored Dead Bradford County Soldiers & Sailors Monument Camptown Races Captain Augustus S. Perkins Carrying Path Citizens National Bank Building Civil War Memorial Colonel John Franklin Colonel Thomas Hartley Communities Connected by Water Courthouse Annex David Wilmot Dr. Alice C. Evans Dr. Samuel Huston House Edward Overton House First Presbyterian Church First Presbyterian Church First Universalist Church Fort Sullivan Fort Sullivan Fort Sullivan Frank Overton House Friedenshuetten Frost's Furniture Factory General Henry W. Perkins Guthrie Square Guy Hulett Watkins Henry J. Madill History of 312 Main St. In Memory And Never Forgotten Iwo Jima Flag Raising J. A. Decker House James H. Hawes House John Boyle Landscapes of Conservation Lehigh Valley Railroad Lester Frank Ward Lime Hill Limehill Battlefield / Joseph Elliott McKinney Family Major General John SullivanÂ’s March Major Jared Phelps Memorial Masonic Building Maxwell-Bennett House Medal of Honor Recipients During the American Civil War Milltown Naming of Towanda Oscalui Oscoluwa Engine & Hose Company Fire Bell Our Veterans' Workplace - The World Pine Plains Roll of Honor Rural Electrification Sheshequin Path Site of Athens Academy Smithfield Civil War Monument Stephen Foster Stephen Foster Stone Wall Hill Sullivan Expedition Sullivan Expedition Against the Iroquois Indians 1779 Sullivan's March Sullivan's March Sullivan's March Teaoga Teaoga The Battle of Lime Hill The Canal House The Creamery The Daily Review The Keystone Theatre The Macfarlane House The Old Bradford County Jail The Quintessential Soldier The Sullivan Expedition against the Iroquois Indians The Train Station The War Ravaged Tree Towanda Academy Towanda First Methodist Church Towanda Historic District Towanda Public Library Towanda River Bridges Towanda's Oldest House United States Air Force United States Army United States Coast Guard United States Marine Corps United States Navy Van Dyne Civic Building Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Vietnam Veterans War Memorial War Memorial War Memorial Warriors Path William W. Hawes House World War I Doughboy World War I Memorial World War I Memorial Wyalusing Wyalusing Borough Historic District Wysox Presbyterian Church
Bradford County, Pennsylvania, located in the northeastern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history that spans over two centuries. The county was named after William Bradford, a successful printer, and became an official county in 1810. Prior to European settlement, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Susquehannocks.

In the 18th century, European settlers began to establish communities in Bradford County, attracted by its fertile soil and proximity to the Susquehanna River. The 1760s saw the arrival of large groups of migrants from Connecticut seeking new land, leading to a conflict known as the Connecticut-Yankee-Pennamite Wars. Ultimately, Pennsylvania's authority was recognized, and settlers from various backgrounds contributed to the county's growth.

During the 19th century, the economy of Bradford County thrived, driven primarily by agriculture, logging, and the development of the natural gas industry. The discovery of vast natural gas reserves in the late 19th century brought rapid industrialization to the area. As a result, towns like Towanda and Sayre experienced significant growth, attracting businesses, industries, and a diverse workforce.

Bradford County played a crucial role in the nation's history, particularly during the Civil War. Soldiers from the county fought in various battles, and the county contributed resources to support the Union cause. Additionally, the region played a significant role in the Underground Railroad movement, providing a safe passage for enslaved individuals seeking freedom.

Today, Bradford County continues to be an important agricultural and industrial hub in Pennsylvania. The county's picturesque landscapes, historical landmarks, and cultural heritage attract tourists and visitors. As the county evolves and embraces modernization, it still cherishes its past, preserving the rich history that has shaped its identity.
Brief timeline of the history of Bradford County, Pennsylvania:

  • 1770s - Early European settlers begin to arrive in the area that would become Bradford County.
  • 1786 - Bradford County is officially established and named after William Bradford, the second U.S. Attorney General.
  • 1790 - The population of Bradford County is recorded at 2,817 residents.
  • 1800s - The county experiences rapid growth due to the timber, coal, and oil industries.
  • 1850 - The population of Bradford County exceeds 30,000 people.
  • 1862 - The Civil War affects Bradford County, with many residents serving in the Union Army.
  • 1871 - The town of Sayre is founded and becomes an important railroad hub in the region.
  • 1880s - The first natural gas wells in Pennsylvania are drilled in Bradford County, leading to the development of the local gas industry.
  • 1906 - The city of Towanda becomes the county seat of Bradford County.
  • 1920s - The Great Depression and declining industry impact the county, causing economic hardship for many residents.
  • 1960s - Construction of the Route 220 Interstate Highway and the construction of Interstate 86 in the 1990s significantly improve transportation in Bradford County.
  • 2000s - The county experiences growth in the natural gas industry due to the discovery of the Marcellus Shale formation, creating both economic opportunities and environmental concerns.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Bradford County, Pennsylvania.