National Register Listing

West Hickory Bridge

LR 598 over Allegheny River, West Hickory, PA
Local significance of the structure:
Engineering

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

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.

bridges
Pennsylvania was once home to a giant freshwater mussel called the Pennsylvania pigtoe, which is now considered endangered.
Pennsylvania random facts
Forest County, Pennsylvania, located in the northwestern part of the state, has a rich and fascinating history. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Seneca and the Munsee Delaware. In the late 18th century, European settlers began to explore and establish settlements in the area, attracted by its lush forests and abundant resources.

The first permanent settlements in Forest County were established in the mid-19th century. The county was officially formed in 1848, carved out of parts of neighboring counties. Its name reflects the dominant feature of the area - its dense forests. The timber industry played a significant role in the county's early development, serving as a source of livelihood for many inhabitants.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the forestry industry boomed in Forest County. Lumber mills were established, and logging became the primary economic activity. The county's vast forest resources were exploited for timber, contributing to Pennsylvania's reputation as the "Lumber Capital of the World" at the time.

However, the relentless logging and deforestation led to environmental concerns. By the mid-20th century, the impact of logging had devastated much of the forestland in the county. This prompted a shift towards more sustainable forestry practices and reforestation efforts. Today, Forest County is widely recognized for its successful forest conservation and environmental initiatives, promoting both the economic and ecological well-being of the region.

In summary, Forest County, PA, has a history deeply intertwined with its forests. From its early settlement by European pioneers to its rise as a major lumber-producing region, the county has experienced the highs and lows of the timber industry. The environmental consequences of extensive logging spurred conservation efforts and reforestation in later years. Today, Forest County serves as an example of the importance of responsible natural resource management and environmental stewardship.

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

  • Created on April 11, 1848, as a result of the Partition of Venango County.
  • Incorporated on May 2, 1857.
  • Named Forest County due to its abundant forested land.
  • Became known for its timber industry in the late 19th century.
  • By the late 1800s, oil was discovered in the area, leading to an oil boom.
  • During the early 20th century, the timber industry declined, and many sawmills closed.
  • Forestry became an important industry in the mid-20th century, with the establishment of Allegheny National Forest.
  • Today, Forest County is known for its beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor recreational activities.