Historical Markers and War Memorials in Newport, Pennsylvania
New Bloomfield is the county seat for Perry County
Newport is in Perry County
Perry County(156) ► ADJACENT TO PERRY COUNTY Cumberland County(428) ► Dauphin County(318) ► Franklin County(228) ► Juniata County(20) ► Northumberland County(113) ►
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The Perry Historians began in 1976 as a grass-roots organization, largely through the efforts of Harry A. Focht and Jerry A. Clouse, to preserve the oral and genealogical history of Perry County that was slowly slipping away. The group set out to . . . — — Map (db m241985) HM
This tavern operated as early as 1798. The tavern's name refers to a large blue ball suspended from a pole; when raised, it announced to travelers and teamsters that overnight accommodations were available. Blue Ball Tavern played an important . . . — — Map (db m241984) HM
Some of the following structures are no more; some have had their original uses altered by time and circumstance. They are part of Newport's past where citizens lived, worked and played.[Captions:]
The Old Town . . . — — Map (db m241964) HM
William 'Billy' Richard Cox (1919-1978) was by all accounts one of the best fielding infielders whoever played in the Major Leagues. A 1939 graduate of Newport High School he started his career at shortstop for Harrisburg in the . . . — — Map (db m241931) HM
Since 1925, the Newport Citizen's Fire Company No. 1 has provided Newport and surrounding township with an ever increasing level and safety efficiency and service. During the past century, the Company has occupied three fire halls, each new . . . — — Map (db m241974) HM
The 1956 Fire Hall
To house augmented equipment and vehicles, the present Company twice has moved to larger quarters in 1956 to 50 South 3rd Street and in 1999 to 301 Mulberry Street.
The 1956 fire house was constructed on a lot . . . — — Map (db m241979) HM
Commitment and Courage
Over the decades, dedicated volunteers have invested countless hours in training, practice and responding to thousands of fires and accidents. This involves long hours away from family, employment and relaxation. On . . . — — Map (db m241982) HM
In 1762, David English, Sr., a yeoman farmer from what is now Dauphin County, began to claim land that in time became part of Miller and Oliver Townships and Newport Borough. With an eye for business, he constructed grist mills on the Little and . . . — — Map (db m241968) HM
Newport began as a river community, a shipping center for the farm and forest products of the county's interior. By the 1790s flatboats floated goods down the Juniata to markets in the Susquehanna Valley. In the 19th century the canal and . . . — — Map (db m220368) HM
In 1988 the National Park Service listed the Newport Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places in recognition of its splendidly preserved examples of 19th and 20th century architecture. Over 400 structures dating from 1817 to . . . — — Map (db m241955) HM
The last decades of the 19th century and first decades of the 20th century were the high mark of Newport and Oliver Township industrialization and manufacturing. This pen and ink drawing by T.M. Fowler, Morrisville PA, portrays a prosperous river . . . — — Map (db m241946) HM
On April 6, 1917, the United States declared war on Germany and began the arduous task of recruiting and training an army for battle in France. From May 2 to August 14, 1917, Company F, 3rd Regiment of the Pennsylvania National Guard gradually . . . — — Map (db m241926) HM
In July 1841, three Md. slaves, Alick, Tom, and Ben, were pursued to Newport by bounty hunters. While Ben drowned as he attempted to cross the Juniata River, the other two were captured. Several Newport citizens aided the fugitives escape, and in . . . — — Map (db m89724) HM
(Top plaque) Route of the United States Despatch Riders who entered Perry County through Sterretts Gap (originally Croghans Gap), crossed the Juniata River at Reiders Ferry, bearing orders from the United States Government War Department . . . — — Map (db m89728) HM WM
Newport Historic District has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999 by the United States Department of the Interior — — Map (db m175042) HM
During the first two decades of the 20th Century, a new type of business and social association developed in the nation. Generally founded in the mid-west, these clubs promoted good citizenship, civic benevolence and ethical business practices. . . . — — Map (db m220377) HM
For over two centuries, the square has been the central business district, a major thoroughfare and a gathering place for parades, politicians and celebrations. When the Paul Reider family surveyors designed what became Newport in the . . . — — Map (db m220393) HM
World War I
Pvt. Harry C. Arndt, July 22, 1918, France
Pvt. Leroy N. Reynolds, October 12, 1918, France
Pvt. Harry E. Rhoads, November 7, 1918, France
Pvt. William H. Saylor, June 6, 1918, France
World War . . . — — Map (db m241903) WM
The motor vehicle both altered and saved the local economy. In 1903 businessman W. H. Gantt owned one of the first automobiles in the borough. By 1925 the livery stables and carriage manufacturers in Newport were out of business. The town . . . — — Map (db m220375) HM
At the hub of Newport's four historical transportation arteries the Juniata River, the 1829 Pennsylvania Canal, the 1849 Pennsylvania Railroad (now Norfolk Southern), and State Highway 34, stands a tribute to the men and women who have provided . . . — — Map (db m220578) HM WM
This Newport Heritage Park location was made possible in 2015 by the generous community spirit of the congregation of St. Pauls Lutheran Church.
First recorded Lutheran services were held in Newport homes and school houses by the Rev. John W. . . . — — Map (db m89726) HM
On this site from 1871 to 1931 the Bechtel Tannery operated a large industrial complex that produce leather sold throughout the United States and Europe. The leather received numerous industry awards for high quality including a medal at the . . . — — Map (db m241904) HM
In November 1829, a canal boat loaded with elected officials arrived in Newport from Mifflintown. The boat was drawn by two white horses. An American flag was flying, a cannon roaring and a band playing! Thus, the canal era officially opened . . . — — Map (db m175051) HM
Built in 1889, The Church of the Nativity was constructed by prominent Newport contractor John W. Hetrick in mock Tudor style. The adjacent 1893 facility served as the rectory until converted in 2004 to office and meeting space.
The first . . . — — Map (db m241966) HM
The Demareee/Hench building epitomizes the town's growing affluence after 1865. Several of the community's leading citizens have resided here during the past 150 years.
Newport businessman/attorney and Civil War Capt. Albert B. Demaree . . . — — Map (db m241958) HM
After the Civil War manufacturers and businesses continued to grow. The Marshall Iron Furnace and Bechtel Tannery were founded in 1871. By the late 1800s manufacturers and businesses in Newport and Oliver Township had grown considerably including . . . — — Map (db m220306) HM
In the spirit of the early 20th century American Progressivism Newport's Civic Club led the creation of the Newport Free Library dedicated November 1915. The School Board provided space in the new Fourth Street School, and club members solicited . . . — — Map (db m241889) HM
The Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) reached Newport in 1849 and connected with Pittsburgh by 1857. As with the 1829 Pennsylvania Canal, Newport area business and population increased. By the late 1800s as many as seven passenger trains a day . . . — — Map (db m175062) HM
Three hundred million years ago tectonic plates smashed together and created the Pennsylvania Ridge and Valley Region. Over the eons tributaries fashioned the Juniata River. In what is now Newport an alluvial plain developed between two . . . — — Map (db m175044) HM
Pre and Post Civil War prosperity brought business, housing and industrial expansion to Newport. Between 1857 and 1876, on each corner of the Square, three-story brick buildings were constructed which stand to this day. The Gantt Hotel 1875 2 . . . — — Map (db m241929) HM
Perry county has had at least five separate fairs over two centuries. The first was in Landisburg in 1821, only decades removed from frontier society. New Bloomfield hosted the fair from 1852 to 1859. With 68% of the county involved in . . . — — Map (db m241887) HM
Wheat, oats and rye were the mainstay of early 19th century agriculture. By the 21st century corn was the largest field crop, producing twice as many bushels on 10% less acreage than in 1954. Wheat, oats and rye were grown on just 15,800 acres. . . . — — Map (db m241878) HM
The First Settlers, the Mid-18th Century
When the Scotch-Irish and German settles entered Perry County in the 1750s, they found fertile limestone valleys, such as Pfoutz and Shermans Creek, along what are now Route 17 and 274. They . . . — — Map (db m241874) HM
As the century began almost all farms had a flock of chickens usually tended by women. Young chicks grew up in a brooder house kept warm by a stove on cool nights. When older, the chicks moved into the chicken house. Every day eggs were . . . — — Map (db m241877) HM