Visit Perryopolis, Pennsylvania

Perryopolis, Pennsylvania, small in size, but huge in history as many famous people and events have graced its perimeters. Lush green hillsides surround its entirety as it sits quietly in the center of a valley filled with remnants of the past. Perryopolis was given its name by the locals who decided that Oliver Hazard Perry, a war hero of 1812 would be appropriate for a small community that had such a large amount of patriotism and pride as many of the original settlers had also fought in battle themselves.

Facts

George Washington first visited Perryopolis in 1770, and was so smitten with it that he later purchased 1,644 acres of land. He took note of its rich meadows, and because rain was no stranger to the area he felt that it was a perfect seat for his grist mill which was completed in 1776. His whiskey distillery began to thrive and this soon brought other business’s to Perryopolis. The grist mill still sits proudly on Layton Road which is only about four miles from the Linden Hall Mansion, home to the famous James and Sarah Cochran. He was the first coke entrepreneur to ship this valuable product used for heating purposes to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Coke ovens soon began emerging all over the valley which gave Irish, Italian, and German immigrants a steady income and a place to settle and call home.

History

In the heart of Perryopolis you will find a circle designed like a wheel with names taken from history donning many of the street signs. The layout was based on a plan originally designed by a retired surveyor and Continental Army general named George Washington, whose idea was that this community would become the capital of the brand new United States of America, but for one reason or another it never took place even though many more politicians would visit the small community to get a feel for a town that derived from another era.

There are many buildings still standing in Perryopolis as well as Indian rock carvings dating back to the 1,400’s. An original blacksmith shop and log house from 1820 still stands, and is now a gift shop. If this doesn’t draw you in then the rich heritage will. In fact it is so rich that every year colonial historians and demonstrators bring the 18th century back to life during Pioneer Days. Hundreds of Civil War reenactions bring Perryopolis to a heightened level of days gone by.

Why You Should Visit Perryopolis

It is no wonder that Perryopolis has had the pleasure of hosting guests from General La Fayette who visited in 1825, and William Jennings Bryan who later came in 1908. A few other famous people followed suit, but one of Perryopolis’s most famous visitors was Harry S. Truman, and his daughter Margaret. Mr. Truman was running for Vice President of the United States at the time of his visit. History is the primary reason that Perryopolis receives so many visitors, but its local canoe, kayaks, and fishing trips along the Youghiogheny River also allure many weary travelers to stop and enjoy the wildlife and scenery while cooling down. Put simply, it’s the closest thing to God’s country that you can physically touch.