National Register Listing

McConnell's Mill Covered Bridge

N of Portersville on T 415, Slippery Rock Township, Princeton, PA
Local significance of the structure:
Engineering; Transportation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

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
Audiobooks about the history of Pennsylvania.
The first drive-in movie theater in the world opened in Camden, New Jersey, just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, in 1933.
Pennsylvania random facts
Lawrence County, Pennsylvania has a rich history that dates back to the Native American tribes who originally inhabited the region. The area was frequented by various tribes, including the Delaware, Shawnee, and Iroquois, before European settlers arrived in the 18th century. The county was officially established in 1849, named in honor of Captain James Lawrence, a naval war hero from the War of 1812.

In the early years of European settlement, Lawrence County was primarily a rural, agricultural area, with many families relying on farming for their livelihood. However, the discovery of valuable natural resources like coal and oil in the late 19th century drastically changed the county's landscape. The mining and extraction industries boomed, attracting new residents and contributing to the growth of towns like New Castle and Ellwood City.

Lawrence County played a significant role during the industrial revolution, particularly in the steel industry. In the early 1900s, the region became home to numerous steel mills, which quickly became the backbone of the local economy. The steel industry brought jobs and prosperity but also faced challenges during periods of economic downturn and technological advancements. Despite these challenges, Lawrence County's steel heritage remains an important part of its identity.

In more recent years, Lawrence County has diversified its economy, transitioning from a reliance on heavy industry to a more balanced mix of manufacturing, healthcare, education, and service sectors. The county continues to embrace its historical roots, with several museums, historical sites, and cultural events that provide opportunities for residents and visitors to learn more about the county's past. Today, Lawrence County is a vibrant and thriving community, with a blend of old and new industries, a strong sense of community pride, and a commitment to preserving its history for future generations.

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

  • 1849 - Lawrence County is established from parts of Beaver and Mercer counties.
  • 1851 - New Castle becomes the county seat.
  • 1858 - The Shenango and Mahoning Railroad is completed, boosting transportation and trade in the region.
  • 1871 - Slippery Rock University is founded as a teacher's college.
  • 1908 - The Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad begins operations, further improving transportation in the county.
  • 1932 - Lawrence County experiences a severe flood, causing significant damage to infrastructure.
  • 1942 - The Ellwood City Hospital is established to serve the healthcare needs of the local community.
  • 1951 - The Lawrence County Historical Society is founded to preserve and display the county's history.
  • 1977 - The Lawrence County Government Center is built, providing a centralized location for county offices.
  • 1998 - Westminster College establishes a branch campus in New Wilmington, offering expanded educational opportunities.