National Register Listing

Ridgway Historic District

Roughly bounded by the Borough line, Clarion R, Erie Alley, and Gallagher Run, Ridgway, PA
Local significance of the district:
Architecture; Industry; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The first recorded U.S. flag-raising on foreign soil occurred in 1777, when the Stars and Stripes were flown during a naval battle off the coast of Quiberon Bay, France, commanded by Pennsylvania native John Paul Jones.
Pennsylvania random facts
Elk County, Pennsylvania has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Iroquois Confederacy, the area later became part of the expanding European settlement. The first European settlers arrived in the region in the late 1700s, establishing small farming communities along the Allegheny River and its tributaries.

In the early 19th century, Elk County experienced a significant growth spurt with the discovery of vast deposits of coal and timber resources. The region quickly became an important center for industrial development, attracting numerous mining and logging companies. These industries fuelled the economy of Elk County for several decades and transformed the landscape with railroads and infrastructure.

During the Civil War, Elk County residents actively participated in the conflict, with many joining the Union Army to fight for their ideals. The county contributed soldiers to several famous regiments, including the famed Bucktail Regiment. This period in history had a lasting impact on the community, and many monuments and memorials can be found throughout the county today.

In the 20th century, Elk County shifted its economic focus from resource extraction to manufacturing and tourism. The decline of the coal and timber industries led to the emergence of new industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism. Today, Elk County is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a vibrant manufacturing sector that continues to contribute to its economic growth.

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

  • 1749 - Elk County is explored by Europeans and becomes part of the British Empire
  • 1769 - Area is surveyed by General John Forbes
  • 1785 - The county becomes part of the Northwest Territory
  • 1800 - Elk County is incorporated into the Indiana Territory
  • 1803 - The county becomes part of the Ohio Territory
  • 1812 - Territory transfers to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
  • 1843 - Elk County is established as a separate county
  • 1855 - Ridgway is chosen as the county seat
  • 1868 - First railroad, the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad, is completed in the county
  • 1898 - Elk County experiences an oil boom
  • 1942 - The area becomes an important location for manufacturing during World War II
  • 1965 - Allegheny National Forest is established in Elk County