National Register Listing

Coudersport Historic District

a.k.a. See Also:Potter County Courthouse

Roughly bounded by Seventh, East, Water and Main Sts., Coudersport, PA
Local significance of the district:
Commerce; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

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 Pennsylvania State University, commonly known as Penn State, was established in 1855 and is one of the largest universities in the United States.
Pennsylvania random facts
Potter County, Pennsylvania, located in the north-central part of the state, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Seneca and the Iroquois, who relied on the region's abundant natural resources for their livelihoods. However, European settlers began to arrive in the late 18th century, leading to significant changes in the area.

In the early 19th century, Potter County witnessed a surge in population as the timber industry boomed. The vast forests of the region attracted loggers and sawmill operators, resulting in the clearing of millions of acres of timberland. This era of intensive logging also led to the construction of the Susquehanna River log drives, where logs were floated down the river to be processed further downstream.

The late 19th century brought further changes to Potter County with the discovery of oil and natural gas. This led to the establishment of drilling operations and the development of oil fields, significantly impacting the local economy. Oil and gas exploration continued well into the 20th century, shaping the landscape and contributing to the county's growth.

Today, Potter County is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Its vast forests, expansive pastures, and rolling hills make it a popular destination for camping, hiking, hunting, and fishing. The county is also home to several state parks and the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum, which highlights the region's logging heritage. Overall, Potter County's history is a fascinating blend of Native American heritage, resource exploitation, and present-day conservation efforts.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Potter County, Pennsylvania.

  • 1804 - Potter County is formed from parts of Lycoming and McKean counties.
  • 1807 - The first settlers arrive in Potter County.
  • 1836 - Coudersport, the county seat, is incorporated.
  • 1856 - The first railroad, the Sunbury and Erie Railroad, reaches Potter County.
  • 1860 - The first oil well is drilled in Potter County, sparking the oil boom.
  • 1872 - The Kinzua Viaduct, one of the tallest and longest railroad bridges in the world at the time, is completed in Potter County.
  • 1898 - Austin Dam, a hydroelectric dam, is completed.
  • 1903 - Austin Dam collapses, causing massive flooding and loss of life.
  • 1937 - Cherry Springs State Park is established as a dark sky preserve.
  • 1940 - Potter County Memorial Hospital opens in Coudersport.
  • 1993 - Kettle Creek State Park is established in Potter County.