Somerset County, Pennsylvania

142nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry A Field of Honor Adam Schneider Alan Freed America Attacked! American Legion Post 449 War Memorial Ankeny Square Baughman Rocks Bell and Cone Berlin Bethel Church Blue Star Memorial Highway Deeter's Gap Early Bible Edgewood Aerie 1801 F.O.E. World War II Memorial Flight 93 Flight 93 National Memorial Flight 93 National Memorial Flight 93 National Memorial Flight 93 Temporary Memorial Flora Black Forbes Road Forbes Road Forbes Road Forbes Road Forbes Road Forbes Road Forbes Road Fort Hill Frederick S. Duesenberg General Robert Philson Great Crossings Harmon Husband Highway Attractions Highway Enterprise Honor Roll Hooversville Veterans Memorial Jeremiah S. Black John Christian Frederick Heyer John Nelson Davis Johnny Weissmuller Lest We Forget Log Grist Mill Mayday! Meyersdale Centennial Mt. Davis National Road Overlooking History Pennsylvania Quecreek Mine Accident and Rescue Quemahoning Township Veterans Memorial Rural Electrification September 11, 2001 Somerset County Somerset County Korean War / Vietnam War Memorial Somerset County World War I Memorial Somerset County World War II Memorial T/Sgt. Melvin F. Wooten The Coal Miner The Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway The Great War The Investigation The Old Petersburg Toll House Toll House Veterans Memorial Western Maryland Railway Wind Power Windber Windber Area Victims of July 20th 1977 Flood Windber Strike of 1922-23 Windber Veteran's Park Windber War Memorial “We're going to do something.”
Somerset County, Pennsylvania has a rich history dating back to the early 18th century. The county was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Delaware tribes. The area was first explored by Europeans in the late 1600s, with the first permanent European settlement being established in 1748 by Jacob Coleman.

During the American Revolutionary War, Somerset County played a significant role as a strategic location. It was a route for military supply lines and saw several engagements, such as the Battle of Fort Bedford in 1758 and the Battle of Ligonier in 1758. The county was also home to Whiskey Rebellion activities in the late 1700s, as farmers protested against the federal excise tax on whiskey.

In the 19th century, Somerset County experienced rapid growth and development. The construction of the Cumberland Road (now part of US Route 40) in the early 1800s connected the region to the West, leading to increased trade and economic opportunities. The discovery of rich coal seams in the area further fueled growth, attracting mining companies and providing employment to many residents.

The county's industrialization continued into the 20th century, with the rise of the steel and manufacturing industries. Somerset County was also home to Flight 93, one of the planes hijacked during the September 11, 2001 attacks, which crashed in Stonycreek Township. Today, Somerset County is known for its beautiful rural landscapes, historic sites, and outdoor recreational opportunities, attracting visitors from all over.
Brief timeline of the history of Somerset County, Pennsylvania:

  • April 17, 1771 - Somerset County officially formed as part of Bedford County.
  • 1795 - Somerset becomes an independent county.
  • 1797 - Somerset County's first courthouse is built in the town of Somerset.
  • 1815 - The National Road, a major transportation route, reaches Somerset County.
  • 1846 - The Pennsylvania Railroad reaches Somerset County, further improving transportation and trade.
  • September 11-13, 2001 - United Airlines Flight 93 crashes in Stonycreek Township during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
  • 2002 - The Flight 93 National Memorial is established to honor and remember the passengers and crew who lost their lives on Flight 93.
  • Present - Somerset County continues to thrive as a scenic and historical area, attracting visitors with its natural beauty and rich heritage.

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