In front of you is the site of Engine House No. 6, one of ten such power plants on the Allegheny Portage Railroad. The building was demolished in 1900, but portions of the stone foundation remain intact. The National Park Service is preserving the . . . — — Map (db m53783) HM
In front of you is the site of Inclined Plane No. 6, one of ten inclines on the Allegheny Portage Railroad. The track visible today has been reconstructed.
From 1834 to 1854, railroad cars bearing canal boats, freight, and passengers were pulled . . . — — Map (db m53782) HM
The tracks of the Alegheny Portage Railroad snaked over the mountains in stair-step fashion. The steep inclined planes were connected by sections with gentle grades called "levels." There were eleven levels, and, like the inclines, each was . . . — — Map (db m53797) HM
On this hillside archeologists have found evidence of stonecutting that was almost certainly related to the building of the Allegheny Portage Railroad. There is no formal quarry pit, but broken stone is abundant, and many sandstone outcrops reveal . . . — — Map (db m53758) HM
The spur trail to your left leads 1/3 mile down the east slope of the mountain to the historic Skew Arch Bridge. The bridge is located near the base of the portage railroad's Incline No. 6. The trail roughly parallels the incline.
The Skew Arch . . . — — Map (db m53775) HM
He laid the foundation of the National Park Service defining and establishing the policies under which its areas shall be developed and conserved unimpaired for future generations. There will never come an end to the good that he has done. — — Map (db m53800) HM
The boardwalk in front of you leads to the summit of the historic Allegheny Portage Railroad. It was here in 1834 that trains first crossed the Allegheny Mountains. The railroad ceased operations in 1854, but remnants of historic structures are . . . — — Map (db m53799) HM
Samuel Lemon and his wife Jean moved to this mountain in 1826 and built a log tavern not far from here. As many as fifty Conestoga wagons a night camped at Lemon's first tavern on the old turnpike that crossed this gap.
Five years later, in . . . — — Map (db m53794) HM
Born here in 1898, Cowley became an influential literary critic, editor, poet, and historian after World War I. He chronicles the "Lost Generation" in Exile's Return, his most famous work. Blue Juniata, a book of verse, celebrates this region. He . . . — — Map (db m74410) HM
Pioneer in antitubercular campaign and among first to recognize this disease was communicable. Organized first American tuberculosis society, 1892. Founded White Haven Sanatorium, 1901. Birthplace 400 yards east of highway. — — Map (db m65080) HM
Rear Admiral Robert E. Peary was born near Cresson on May 6, 1856. This Park and monument commemorate his birth and achievements. — — Map (db m52727) HM
Pennsylvania's anti-tuberculosis campaign, led by Dept. of Health Commissioner S.G. Dixon, included three state-run sanatoria. Est. 1913, Cresson was a model for the nation. It was first to be racially integrated, run a school of nursing, and offer . . . — — Map (db m73397) HM
Here was Number 5 of the ten inclined planes used to carry canal boats by rail, Hollidaysburg to Johnstown. The road to Lilly follows closely the route of the Portage Railroad over the mountain to Johnstown. — — Map (db m52726) HM
This monument was placed in honor of the Arctic explorer, discoverer of the North Pole April 6, 1909. Peary was born in Cresson, May 6, 1856, the family moving to Maine in 1859. — — Map (db m52730) HM
A Marine, he was the oldest and highest ranking of the six men who took part in the famous raising of the U.S. flag on Iwo Jima, Feb. 23, 1945. This scene, photographed by Joe Rosenthal of the Associated Press, was later used in the Marine Corps . . . — — Map (db m74506) HM
Formed March 26, 1804 out of Huntingdon and Somerset counties. Its name, dating from Roman Britain, means "Wales." County seat, Ebensburg, was incorporated 1825. Famed Portage Railroad extended west to Johnstown. Birthplace of Rear Admiral Robert E. . . . — — Map (db m52728) HM
L. Robert Kimball, an Ebensburg native and lifelong resident, is a true corporate citizen. In 1953, with an engineering degree and $800, he founded "L. Robert Kimball, Civil Engineer," a two-person civil engineering and surveying company that has . . . — — Map (db m174175) HM
The three-story red brick Penn-Eben Hotel was the finest example of a "salesman" hotel within the Borough of Ebensburg. With the introduction of the automobile and improved highways, Ebensburg gradually became a point of passage rather than a final . . . — — Map (db m167366) HM
This tablet marks the site of the last toll gate house on the old Huntingdon, Cambria
and Indiana Turnpike. This pike, completed in 1820, was a main artery between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and maintained by tolls collected at established points . . . — — Map (db m168026) HM
On September 3, 1915, this park was dedicated "To the memory of the soldiers and sailors from Cambria County, Pennsylvania who fought in defense of their country.” A distinguished panel of fourteen Civil War Veterans from across Cambria County . . . — — Map (db m174177) HM WM
The Gallitzin Tunnel was an engineering triumph and an essential step in conquering the steep grades of the Allegheny Mountains by railroad. Combined with the Horseshoe Curve, the Gallitzin Tunnel made the idea of a Pennsylvania mainline railroad a . . . — — Map (db m52531) HM
In 1894, the Pa. Supreme Court ruled that the Catholic Sisters of St. Joseph were permitted to wear religious attire while teaching in Gallitzin public schools. In response, the Pa. legislature passed the 1895 Garb Act, forbidding public school . . . — — Map (db m177010) HM
Joe was a founding member of the Gallitzin Area Tourist Council and served as its historian. He was also one of the hands-on crew who lovingly restored this caboose from a rusted-out hull to make it the centerpiece of the GATC "Tunnels' Park" . . . — — Map (db m224747) HM
Built in 1830 by Samuel Lemon. Standing at head of Plane Number 6 of Allegheny Portage Railroad, it served for many years as a station and as a resting place for travelers. House is visible 75 yards north of highway. — — Map (db m52471) HM
Lewis and his men camped about two miles above the state line dividing “the
States of Virginia [now West Virginia] and Pennsylvania on the east side of the
river and on the west that of Pennsylvania from the State of Ohio. This line is
made . . . — — Map (db m223672) HM
From 1924 to 1926 the United Mine Workers of America held innovative workers’ education programs in bituminous coal towns throughout western Pa. Hastings recorded the largest attendance in 1925. With the leadership of district President John Brophy, . . . — — Map (db m74507) HM
In memory of
those lost in the March 17, 1936
Greater Johnstown Flood
Daniel Gallagher • Cecilia Seifert Wehn
Foster W. Buchanan • Henry Belande
Mrs. Jacob Fruhlinger • Faber Eckenrod
James Langham • Louis F. Ansman
Joseph Runko • . . . — — Map (db m21885) HM
The concrete river channels before you are part of the Pittsburgh District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's [sic], Johnstown Local Flood Protection Project (JLFPP). It is the longest paved channelization project in Pennsylvania and one of the largest . . . — — Map (db m52760) HM
On June 5, 1889, Clara Barton and a group of American Red Cross volunteers arrived in Johnstown to help the survivors of a devastating flood resulting from the failure of the South Fork Dam. It was one of the first major disaster responses for the . . . — — Map (db m74402) HM
The booming period, from 1867 to 1889, was used to make steel rails and fortunes...Across this rampant industrial expansion, the Great Flood of 1889 rolled like a juggernaught. - Nathaniel Daniel Shappee. A History of Johnstown and the Great Flood . . . — — Map (db m76909) HM
Founded in 1853, this neighborhood was the first home to immigrants who came to Johnstown to find work in the coal mines and steel mills. Nationality churches and ethnic clubs exemplify the neighborhood's rich and diverse culture. — — Map (db m52634) HM
On May 31, 1889, the Cambria Iron Company suffered $3,000,000 in damages to its properties throughout the valley, including this building which housed the main office. Cambria Iron was Johnstown's main industry, so the city waited anxiously to . . . — — Map (db m53912) HM
On May 31, 1889, Washington Street became one of the main paths of destruction for the raging flood wave from the broken South Fork Dam. There were two buildings on this site: the office residence of Mrs. Hettie Ogle - the Western Union . . . — — Map (db m53914) HM
On May 31, 1889, Central Park was under 18 feet of water and tons of debris. Within a few days, however, the park was cleared off and transformed into a tent city for some of the 6,000 laborers and 580 members of the 14th Pennsylvania Regiment . . . — — Map (db m21829) HM
This arch was dedicated posthumously to Anna Morrell Chapin by her husband Philip Chapin, former General Manager of Cambria Iron Company.
It was the original entrance to Grandview Cemetery. The switchback road in the picture was replaced by . . . — — Map (db m21833) HM
In February 1837, two slaves, brothers Patrick and Abraham, escaped from a farm in Bath, Va. As they made their way to freedom, bounty hunters pursued them and they were wounded. Both black and white abolitionists assisted them on their way through . . . — — Map (db m227652) HM
Formed 1873 in the loft of the Woodvale Tannery by workers there. Organized as Cambria Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, 1874, at Napoleon and Dibert Sts. About 1877 it moved here. Washed from its foundation in the 1889 flood but later restored. — — Map (db m21871) HM
To commemorate
Flood Prevention
from these rivers
Dedicated to the
Flood Correspondents Association
of the Flood of 1889
on the fifty-first anniversary
May 31, 1940 — — Map (db m52761) HM
“A people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light: to them who live in the region of the shadow of death, a light has risen.” Isaiah 9:2
[Names, ages, and residence of the 78 people who died are listed on the monument] . . . — — Map (db m21594) HM
Between 1927 and 1999 a 135-foot single-span concrete-encased riveted steel polygonal-chord Pratt pony truss bridge crossed the Little Conemaugh River at this location. First proposed in Henry Hornbostel's 1917 "Comprehensive Plan of Johnstown" the . . . — — Map (db m52765) HM
On May 31, 1889, a wall of water and wreckage 35 feet high traveled 14 miles from the broken South Fork Dam, destroying more than 1,600 homes and claiming 2,209 lives. Public and private efforts from across America helped Johnstown to rebuild. — — Map (db m52671) HM
Built (1938-1943) and maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Pittsburgh District), the JLFPP reflects the 1930s move toward a major federal role in local flood protection. This concrete-paved channel project, extending 9.2 miles along . . . — — Map (db m52672) HM
In commemoration of
Joseph Johns
(Joseph Schantz)
The founder of the
City of Johnstown
Erected by citizens
of German descent of
Johnstown
June 16, 1913
Zum gedächtnis an
Joseph Schantz
Grüder der
Stadt . . . — — Map (db m52848) HM
In 1889 Johnstown was a steel company town of Germans and Welsh. With a population of 30,000, it was a growing and industrious community known for the quality of its steel. Founded in 1794, Johnstown prospered with the building of the Pennsylvania . . . — — Map (db m203932) HM
On May 31, 1889, the Market House, which held the police station and municipal offices was completely washed away. It had occupied this northeast corner of Market Square, a plot of land laid out by Joseph Johns in his town plan of 1800.
After . . . — — Map (db m21886) HM
On May 31, 1889, this post-Civil War, cast iron statue was swept away by the flood wave and carried to a pile of wreckage downstream. After being found amidst the debris, it was returned to the front yard of the James Morley mansion which . . . — — Map (db m21835) HM
On May 31, 1889, The main main [sic] thrust of the 30-foot wave from the broken South Fork Dam smashed into the hillside to your left, sparing the PRR stone bridge from its full impact. The bridge held, its arches clogged with debris. The raging . . . — — Map (db m52764) HM
On July 11, 1902, on this hillside. 112 bituminous coal miners, mostly immigrants. were killed in a gas explosion at Cambria Iron Company's Rolling Mill Mine. It was the first of four major mining accidents in PA contributing to the deadliest decade . . . — — Map (db m203729) HM
In memory of
Sgt. John T. Boxler
Automotive mechanic U.S. Post Office
Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Served his country two tours of duty in Vietnam. Gave his life for the American way February 25, 1991 in Operation Desert Storm in Dhahran, . . . — — Map (db m21569) WM
On May 31, 1889, St. John Gualbert's parish experienced not only a great loss, but also a nearly miraculous rescue. The church itself burned down in the midst of the floodwaters, having caught fire when the burning Wolfe residence crashed into . . . — — Map (db m21593) HM
On May 31, 1889, George T. Swank, editor and publisher of the Johnstown Tribune, was preparing the weekly issue of the paper on the second floor of this building. The rising waters outside drew him to the office windows to report on the . . . — — Map (db m53915) HM
Built in 1917-18, the Walnut Street Bridge was one of the most critial bridges in Johnstown, providing the sole link from the West End to downtown. In 2006, the concrete arch bridge was reconstructed based on plans for the earlier bridge
Funded . . . — — Map (db m53906) HM
In reverent and enduring memory
of all Americans who fought for
a new world of freedom and peace
They counted not their lives
dear unto themselves — — Map (db m53916) HM
Lilly was targeted for a massive Ku Klux Klan demonstration because local coal mines had hired Catholic immigrants and fired Klan members. Four hundred hooded Klansmen arrived by train early on this April evening and paraded to Piper's Hill where . . . — — Map (db m39277) HM
This Monument marks the site of the Hitching Shed
- at the base of Plane No. 4 of the APRR, in the settlement of "Foot of Four.” -
Inclined Plane No. 4 was constructed - circa 1833 - by manipulating the terrain to make a navigable path . . . — — Map (db m149276) HM
The first commercial mining of coal in Cambria County (c. 1825) was by Matthew and Michael Myers - sons of Joseph Moyer - the founder of Our Community - in what would later be called the "Lemon” seam - about a half mile west of Lilly.
. . . — — Map (db m149278) HM
The steel king, of whom Carnegie said he "knew more about steel than any man in the world," had his estate here. The grounds and buildings are owned by Saint Francis College. — — Map (db m52908) HM
Here is the tomb of the Russian prince-priest who gave up a life of ease for a frontier mission. Founder of Loretto, Catholic colony, 1799. Saint Michael's is on the site of his chapel. He died here May 6, 1840. — — Map (db m52909) HM
This village, 3.5 miles northwest of here, was founded 1799 by Prince Gallitzin as a Catholic colony. The site of the priest -missioner's grave is here. Charles Schwab, steel king, had his home in Loretto, and is buried here. — — Map (db m52729) HM
Founded 1799 by the prince-priest, Demetrius Gallitzin. Here he began in 1800 the first school in the area, a forerunner of St. Francis College, chartered in 1858. Catholic cultural center. Charles M. Schwab, steel king, had his home here. — — Map (db m73400) HM
Born at The Hague, Netherlands, December 20th, 1770
Died at Loretto, Pennsylvania, May 6th, 1840
He was ordained March 18th, 1795, and spent most of his priestly life as pioneer missionary in the Allegheny Mountains. In his travels through these . . . — — Map (db m73401) HM
Geography induced Pennsylvanians to propose a daring new transportation system. In order to link the populous and commercially vigorous eastern seaboard with the developing and resource-rich Ohio River Valley, legislators voted, in 1826, to fund the . . . — — Map (db m163495) HM
Workers hired to build the Allegheny Portage Railroad in the 1830's created the pathway before you. They dug, filled, and leveled the land, and built a flat railroad bed between here and the Staple Bend Tunnel. This now-abandoned trace, called the . . . — — Map (db m163496) HM
First railroad tunnel built in the U.S. and a part of the Portage Railroad. The masonry is intact and a unique engineering feat of the times. Can be visited a few miles east of here, via Mineral Point. — — Map (db m116894) HM
The Path of the Flood Trail is 4 miles long and will take about 2 hours to walk. The trail follows the right-of- way of the former Southern Cambria Railway trolley line, and links to the National Park Service Staple Bend Tunnel Trail.
Trail . . . — — Map (db m163497) HM
The American labor leader lived here in Nanty Glo. Brophy was president of District 2, United Mine Workers of America, 1916-1926; he gained national prominence for his "Miner's Program," calling for a shorter work week, nationalization of the mines, . . . — — Map (db m52911) HM
Dedicated to the 77 men named here who died in an explosion November 6, 1922 in Reilly's colliery #1. Spangler, Penna. and to the many others who lost their lives before and since in area coal mines. — — Map (db m203102) HM
From 1834 to 1854 this 36-mile line connected Hollidaysburg to Johnstown. The railroad portaged canal boats over the Allegheny Mountains, which formed a barrier to the Pennsylvania canal system. Horses and mules pulled the first trains. Later steam . . . — — Map (db m65079) HM
In 1889 the valley in front of you held one of the largest man-made lakes of its time, containing an estimated 480 million cubic feet of water. Lake Conemaugh extended from the dam just below this point more than 2 miles to your left, with an . . . — — Map (db m21867) HM
The valley in front of you once cradled a scenic lake. Held back by an earthen dam just below here, Lake Conemaugh stretched more than two miles up the valley to your left. The lake was the heart of an exclusive resort where sailboats caught the . . . — — Map (db m21887) HM
This memorial has been
erected and dedicated
by the grateful citizens
of this community
in humble recognition
of the devotion to
duty and sacrifices of
our veterans of
World War II
[Honor Roll of Veterans]
[Those killed in . . . — — Map (db m52809) HM
Just below you stands the remains of the South Fork Dam, a 931-foot-long dam made chiefly of earth. The dam remains intact on the ends where it joins the sides of the valley. But at its center, a 300-foot section is gone. Through this chasm the . . . — — Map (db m21866) HM
You are now standing on what remains of the South Fork Dam. Completed in 1853, the dam was made chiefly of earth. Layers of clay one-foot-thick or less were built up one by one. Each layer was covered with a skim of water, or “puddled,” . . . — — Map (db m21851) HM
Col. Elias J. Unger, who served as manager of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club, built this house in the mid-1880s. From here he had a commanding view of the club's lake and dam.
On May 31, 1889, Unger supervised a group of laborers in a . . . — — Map (db m21878) HM
The breast of South Fork Dam which broke the night of May 31, 1889, to cause the historic flood is a short distance away. The remains of the dam can be observed. — — Map (db m60386) HM
This is one of several, similar inclines built in western Pennsylvania during the late nineteenth century. It was designed by Samuel Diescher (1839-1915) after the great flood of 1889, to provide an efficient means of transportation between . . . — — Map (db m76884) HM
On May 31, 1889, a massive earthen dam located 14 miles east of Johnstown broke under record rains, releasing 20 million tons of water into the little Conemaugh Valley. The flood hit Johnstown at 4:07 p.m., entering the town through the notch . . . — — Map (db m76881) HM
