Galeton in Potter County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Built From The Forest
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel
1. Built From The Forest Marker
In 1879, only a few hundred people lived in this area, surrounded by forested wilds. Then William McClure Gale came to town, and launched an industry that quickly transformed the region. On the land before you (now John J. Collins Memorial Park), Gale built the W. and L.R. Gale Tannery. By the 1890s, it had grown to be one of the nation's largest leather tanneries.
Around 1890, lumber companies moved into the area, followed by the Buffalo and Susquehanna Railroad, and the local economy boomed. During the early 1900s, more than 4,200 people lived here. Incorporated in 1897, Galeton was named after William Gale.
Hemlock-Based Industries
The Galeton Hemlock Mill (right) sawed hemlock logs into lumber for construction timbers, boxes, shingles and lath. Note the pond in foreground, where logs were stored before milling. The Penn Tanning Company (above) depended on hemlock bark for the tannic acid needed for tannin hides. Logging railroads with specialized locomotives replaced horse-drawn log wagons, allowing lumbermen to access remote hemlock forests.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry
this page online
Location. 41° 44.119′ N, 77° 38.716′ W. Marker is in Galeton, Pennsylvania, in Potter County. Marker is on Grand Army of the Republic Highway (U.S. 6) 0.1 miles west of Bridge Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Galeton PA 16922, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Historic Galeton (here, next to this marker); Pine Creek Gorge (approx. 9˝ miles away); United States Civilian Conservation Corps (approx. 9˝ miles away); CCC Chestnut Cabin (approx. 9.8 miles away); a different marker also named Pine Creek Gorge (approx. 10.2 miles away); Pine Creek (approx. 10.2 miles away); Is That an Eagle? (approx. 10.2 miles away); Born to Be Wild... and Respected (approx. 10.2 miles away).
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel
2. Built From The Forest Marker
top photo
Penn Tanning Co., early 1900s
Penn Tanning Co., early 1900s
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel
3. Built From The Forest Marker
bottom photo-left
The B&S Railroad connected Galeton with the outside world. Visit the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum (located 10 miles west on US Route 6) to learn more about the rich history of the lumber industry in Pennsylvania.
bottom photo-right
Above, Pine Creek rushes past River Street during Galeton's last major log drive, which took place around 1900 (note outhouse tipped by floodwaters). Railways offered a more reliable way to ship logs to market.
The B&S Railroad connected Galeton with the outside world. Visit the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum (located 10 miles west on US Route 6) to learn more about the rich history of the lumber industry in Pennsylvania.
bottom photo-right
Above, Pine Creek rushes past River Street during Galeton's last major log drive, which took place around 1900 (note outhouse tipped by floodwaters). Railways offered a more reliable way to ship logs to market.
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel
4. Built From The Forest Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 26, 2018. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2018, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 234 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 26, 2018, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
