Stonycreek Township near Indian Lake in Somerset County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
A Field of Honor
A Common Field
This land is first settled in the late 1700s. For a century and a half, much of the area remains wooded, with cultivated fields and pastures surrounding a few scattered farmhouses and barns.
Beginning in the 1950s, mining reshapes the landscape. Huge machines scrape away layers of soil and rock to reveal long, black seams of coal. Enormous trucks travel this road, hauling away coal to steel mills and power plants. Coal mining brings people and jobs.
In the mid-1990s, surface mining of these lands ends. Although unused mining equipment and industrial buildings litter the area, the rocky land is being reclaimed. Coarse grasses and small trees are planted, mine water is treated to improve its quality, and wildlife is returning.
A Field of Honor
On September 11, 2001, the land is transformed again by the actions of the passengers and crew of United Airlines Right 93. Because of their struggle with terrorists, the airplane crashes - just two miles ahead and not at the terrorists' intended target in Washington, D.C. At the site of the crash, a memorial and verdant trees, grasses, and wildflowers embrace this land. Millions of people from around the world come to pay their respects.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is September 11, 2001.
Location. 40° 3.968′ N, 78° 53.725′ W. Marker is near Indian Lake, Pennsylvania, in Somerset County. It is in Stonycreek Township. Marker is on Approach Road, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Stoystown PA 15563, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. View from the Flight Path Overlook (within shouting distance of this marker); September 11, 2001 (approx. 0.7 miles away); Flight 93 National Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); Flight 93 Temporary Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); Overlooking History (approx. 0.8 miles away); Welcome To Flight 93 National Memorial (approx. 0.9 miles away); Flight 93 (approx. 0.9 miles away); Tower of Voices (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Indian Lake.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 19, 2016, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 412 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 19, 2016, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.