Warren County

Historical marker location:
204 Fourth Avenue, Warren, Pennsylvania
( Marker is at the intersection of Fourth Avenue (U.S. 62) and Market Street (U.S. 62), on the left when traveling west on Fourth Avenue.)
Marker installed: 1981

Marker
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Pennsylvania was the site of the deadliest nuclear accident in U.S. history. In 1979, a partial meltdown occurred at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Warren County, Pennsylvania, located in the northwestern part of the state, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Seneca and the Munsee, who relied on the region's abundance of natural resources like the Allegheny River for sustenance and transportation.

European settlers began to arrive in the area in the 18th century, primarily attracted by the fur trade. The county's namesake, General Joseph Warren, a Revolutionary War hero, was among the first to explore the region. The county's incorporation as a separate entity came in 1800, when it was formed from parts of Allegheny and McKean counties.

During the 19th century, Warren County experienced significant growth due to the timber industry. The vast forests provided an abundant supply of lumber, which was transported via the Allegheny River. As a result, Warren emerged as an important center for the production and trade of timber, attracting immigrants and contributing to the county's economic development.

In the early 20th century, the oil industry also played a crucial role in Warren County's history. The region experienced an oil boom in the late 1800s, with oil wells dotting the landscape and attracting fortune seekers. The discovery of oil not only brought wealth to the area but also led to the establishment of refineries and other related industries.

Today, Warren County maintains its picturesque charm and remains closely connected to its natural surroundings. With an economy that has diversified beyond timber and oil, the county offers a range of recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking, and hunting, drawing visitors from near and far to experience its scenic beauty and historical significance.

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

  • 1800: Warren County established as a county in Pennsylvania
  • 1801: First settlers arrive in the region
  • 1819: Warren Borough is incorporated
  • 1825: Warren becomes a center of the lumber industry
  • 1859: Oil is discovered in the region, leading to an oil boom
  • 1875: Construction of the Warren County Courthouse begins
  • 1895: Construction of the Kinzua Viaduct, one of the tallest railroad bridges in the world at the time, is completed
  • 1931: Completion of the Kinzua Dam, creating the Allegheny Reservoir
  • 1970: Warren County Historical Society is founded
  • 1996: The Kinzua Bridge State Park is established