Cambria County, Pennsylvania

1889 Johnstown Flood Unidentified Dead 1936 Greater Johnstown Flood Victims A Success Story Admiral Peary Park Allegheny Portage Railroad Allegheny Portage Railroad Plane No. 2 American Legion Post 551 Veterans Memorial American Red Cross Calamity and Prosperity Cambria City Cambria County Cambria Iron Company Office Cambria Library Central Park Chapin Arch Charles M. Schwab Cresson Tuberculosis Sanatorium Dedicated to the 77 Men Demetrius Gallitzin Dr. Lawrence F. Flick Engine House No. 6 Escape of Freedom Seekers Patrick and Abraham First Cambria A.M.E. Zion Church Flood Prevention Gallitzin Tunnels Greater Johnstown Flood Victims Hastings UMWA - District 2 Labor Chautauquas Inclined Plane No. 6 John Brophy Johns Street Bridge Johnstown Civil War Memorial Johnstown Flood Johnstown Flood Johnstown Incline Johnstown Local Flood Protection Project Johnstown Veterans and War Memorial Joseph Johns Ku Klux Klan Riot Lake Conemaugh Lemon House Levels Loretto Loretto Malcolm Cowley Market Square May 31, 1889 Morley's Dog Oklahoma House Pennsylvania Railroad Stone Bridge Plane No. 4 - Allegheny Portage Railroad Portage Railroad Railroad Stone Rev Demetrius Augustine Gallitzin Robert E. Peary Saint Michael World War II Honor Roll Sgt. John T. Boxler Sgt. Michael Strank Skew Arch Bridge Trail St. John Cathedral Staple Bend Tunnel Stephen Tyng Mather Summit Level Historic Area The Coal Miner The Dam Melts Away The Grand Army of the Republic Hall The Johnstown Flood The Lemon House The South Fork Dam The Unger House Tribune Building Walnut Street Bridge World War II Memorial
Cambria County, Pennsylvania, has a rich history dating back to the American Revolutionary War period. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Lenape and Shawnee, who were later displaced by European settlers. The first European settlers arrived in the mid-18th century, and Cambria County was officially established in 1804.

During the 19th century, Cambria County experienced rapid industrialization and became an important center for the iron and steel industry. The discovery of vast reserves of high-quality bituminous coal in the region led to the establishment of numerous coal mining operations. Cambria County's strategic location, abundant natural resources, and access to transportation networks, including the Pennsylvania Canal and later the Pennsylvania Railroad, further boosted its economic development.

The county played a significant role in the American Civil War. It was here that the famous Battle of Gettysburg's debris and wounded soldiers were transported for medical care. Additionally, numerous regiments recruited from Cambria County participated in various battles, including the battles of Antietam and Fredericksburg.

In the 20th century, Cambria County faced the challenges of economic decline due to the collapse of the steel industry and the gradual depletion of coal reserves. However, the county has adapted and diversified its economy through the development of healthcare, education, and tourism sectors. Today, Cambria County is known for its historical landmarks, including the Johnstown Flood National Memorial, which commemorates the tragic flood that occurred in 1889. The county continues to thrive as a vibrant community with a deep sense of history and resilience.
Brief timeline of the history of Cambria County, Pennsylvania:

  • 1804: Cambria County is established by an act of the Pennsylvania Legislature.
  • 1807: The first courthouse is built in the county seat of Ebensburg.
  • 1825: The Allegheny Portage Railroad, a transportation system connecting the Eastern and Western divisions of the Main Line of Public Works, is completed in Cambria County.
  • 1846: Johnstown is incorporated as a borough.
  • 1852: The Pennsylvania Canal, which runs through Cambria County, is completed.
  • 1869: The South Fork Dam, located upstream of Johnstown, fails, leading to the devastating Johnstown Flood.
  • 1889: The Cambria Iron Company, one of the largest and most successful iron and steel companies in the nation, is founded in Johnstown.
  • 1892: The Great Johnstown Flood occurs, resulting in a massive loss of life and destruction of property.
  • 1913: The Johnstown Flood Museum is established to commemorate the two major floods that occurred in the area.
  • 1950s-1960s: Cambria County experiences a decline in the steel industry, leading to economic challenges.
  • 1996: The Johnstown Inclined Plane, a historic cable car system, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • Present: Cambria County continues to be home to a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, education, and tourism.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Cambria County, Pennsylvania.