Historic Places in Pennsylvania
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Pennsylvania state parks are great places to experience history.
From Colonial times to the Civilian Conservation Corps Era, state parks
harbor historic buildings and districts, and tell the stories of
important people.
The parks on this page have interpretive exhibits and are open for a significant portion of the year. All of the significant historic places in Pennsylvania state parks are listed here in several ways. You can find places by Tourism Region, Category and by Time Period. |
There are 42 state parks with facilities on the National Register of Historic Places. For more information, go to the National Historic Places List
Tourism Regions
Pocono Mountains/Endless Mountains - Philadelphia and its Countryside/Lehigh Valley - Allegheny National Forest Region - Hershey/Dutch Country Region - Laurel Highlands/Southern Alleghenies - Lake Erie - Pittsburgh Region - Valleys of the Susquehanna
Pocono Mountains/Endless Mountains
Promised Land: Within the park you can still see the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps done in the 1930s. A seasonal museum explores CCC contributions and area wildlife. CCC-era buildings and ruins are scattered throughout the park. The CCC-era Bear Wallows Cabin Area is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Philadelphia and Its Countryside/Lehigh Valley
Delaware Canal: The 60-mile Delaware Canal is the only remaining continuously intact canal of the great towpath canal building era of the early and mid-19th century. The canal remains today with almost all of its features as they existed during its century of commercial operation. The canal is a National Historic Landmark and its towpath is a National Heritage Hiking Trail.
Jacobsburg: The history of Jacobsburg focuses on the Henry family and their small arms industry; an industry that played a key role in the American Industrial Revolution. Henry Rifles were the favored weapon of early explorers of the American West. The Jacobsburg Historic District is in and adjacent to the park and has a Henry Rifle Museum.
Ridley Creek: Portions of Ridley Creek State Park are on the National Register of Historic Places. Part of the park is leased to the Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation. Operated under the direction of Bishop's Mill Historical Institute, the plantation provides visitors with an accurate picture of life on a Delaware County farm prior to the American Revolution.
Allegheny National Forest Region
Kinzua Bridge: The Kinzua Viaduct is a National Engineering Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places. When this viaduct was built in 1881, it was the world's highest and longest railroad bridge at 301 feet tall and 2053 feet long. An excursion train travels through the Allegheny National Forest and over the bridge.
Parker Dam: Steeped in CCC-era buildings, Parker Dam has three sites on the National Register of Historic Places and a CCC Interpretive Center that interprets the Civilian Conservation Corps. Logging history is explored in the visitor center.
Hershey/Dutch Country Region
Buchanan's Birthplace: Dedicated in honor of the 15th president of the United States, this narrow, peaceful hollow is the site of James Buchanan's birthplace. A stone pyramid monument surrounded by majestic conifers stands on the site of the original cabin where he was born.
French Creek/Hopewell Furnace: Many French Creek facilities were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, including two sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Adjacent to the park lies Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site that features a cold-blast furnace restored to its 1830s appearance. National Park Service costumed interpreters lead tours and demonstrations
Pine Grove Furnace: This park was once the site of the Pine Grove Furnace Iron Works that dates from 1764. Historical buildings include the ironmaster's mansion, a gristmill, an inn and several residences. The self-guiding historical trail leads you through the remains of the iron works. The Appalachian Trail passes through the park.
Laurel Highlands/Southern Alleghenies
Greenwood Furnace: A walk through historic Greenwood Furnace creates images of the community that flourished here from 1834 to 1904. Greenwood Furnace was a busy industrial complex, with all the noise and dirt of a 19th century iron making community. The Greenwood Furnace National Historic District features many buildings from the town and a costumed interpreter.
Lake Erie
Oil Creek: The site of the world's first commercial oil well, Oil Creek State Park tells the story of the early petroleum industry by interpreting oil boom towns, oil wells and early transportation.
Pittsburgh Region
| McConnell's Mill: A restored gristmill grinds corn and other grains. There are frequent tours and presentations in the summer season. |
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Point: The Allegheny and Monongahela rivers meet at Point State Park to form the Ohio River. During the mid-1700s, the armies of France and Britain were attracted to this area, each vying for control of the Ohio Valley.
The Fort Pitt Museum, housed in the Monongahela Bastion, and one of the five original bastions of old Fort Pitt, is devoted to the frontier period of local history. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission administers the museum. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Mondays when the museum is closed. On Sundays the hours are from noon to 5 p.m. The Music Bastion in the eastern section of the park has been partially excavated to expose part of the Fort's original foundation as a permanent exhibit.
The Fort Pitt Blockhouse, owned and operated by the Fort Pitt Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, is the oldest authentic building in Western Pennsylvania. Built by Colonel Henry Bouquet in 1764, it is open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, on Sundays from 12 noon to 4 p.m. It is closed on Mondays.
Valleys of the Susquehanna
Canoe Creek: The Blair Limestone Company Kiln remnants are the focus of historical and interpretive programs and displays. These large, gray furnaces were used to create quicklime form limestone. The Blair Limestone Company was a subsidiary of Jones and Laughlin Steel Company of Pittsburgh, Pa.
Little Buffalo: The Little Buffalo Historic District has a covered bridge, a restored, operating grist mill, an old farm house built on the site of a colonial tavern, and a narrow gauge railroad trace which feature one of the original railroad cars.
Categories
Colonial
Jacobsburg: The history of Jacobsburg focuses on the Henry family and their small arms industry; an industry that played a key role in the American Industrial Revolution. Henry Rifles were the favored weapon of early explorers of the American West. The Jacobsburg Historic District is in and adjacent to the park and has a Henry Rifle Museum.
Point: The Allegheny and Monongahela rivers meet at Point State Park to form the Ohio River. During the mid-1700s, the armies of France and Britain were attracted to this area, each vying for control of the Ohio Valley.
The Fort Pitt Museum, housed in the Monongahela Bastion, and one of the five original bastions of old Fort Pitt, is devoted to the frontier period of local history. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission administers the museum. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Mondays when the museum is closed. On Sundays the hours are from noon to 5 p.m. The Music Bastion in the eastern section of the park has been partially excavated to expose part of the Fort's original foundation as a permanent exhibit.
The Fort Pitt Blockhouse, owned and operated by the Fort Pitt Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, is the oldest authentic building in Western Pennsylvania. Built by Colonel Henry Bouquet in 1764, it is open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, on Sundays from 12 noon to 4 p.m. It is closed on Mondays.
| Ridley Creek: Portions of Ridley Creek State Park are on the National Register of Historic Places. Part of the park is leased to the Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation. Operated under the direction of Bishop's Mill Historical Institute, the plantation provides visitors with an accurate picture of life on a Delaware County farm prior to the American Revolution. |
 |
CCC Facilities
Parker Dam: Steeped in CCC-era buildings, Parker Dam has three sites on the National Register of Historic Places and a CCC Interpretive Center that interprets the Civilian Conservation Corps. Logging history is explored in the visitor center.
Promised Land: Within the park you can still see the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps done in the 1930s. A seasonal museum explores CCC contributions and area wildlife. CCC-era buildings and ruins are scattered throughout the park. The CCC-era Bear Wallows Cabin Area is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The five parks below were recreation demonstration areas created by the National Park Service then given to Pennsylvania State Parks. All contain at least one group cabin area of CCC or WPA construction. Please check at the park office before visiting the group areas because the areas might be rented and have restricted access. CCC-era structures are throughout these parks.
Blue
Knob
French Creek
Hickory Run
Laurel
Hill
Raccoon Creek
Iron Industry
Canoe Creek: The Blair Limestone Company Kiln remnants are the focus of historical and interpretive programs and displays. These large, gray furnaces were used to create quicklime form limestone. The Blair Limestone Company was a subsidiary of Jones and Laughlin Steel Company of Pittsburgh, Pa.
French Creek/Hopewell Furnace: Many French Creek facilities were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, including two sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Adjacent to the park lies Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site that features a cold-blast furnace restored to its 1830s appearance. National Park Service costumed interpreters lead tours and demonstrations
Greenwood Furnace: A walk through historic Greenwood Furnace creates images of the community that flourished here from 1834 to 1904. Greenwood Furnace was a busy industrial complex, with all the noise and dirt of a 19th century iron making community. The Greenwood Furnace National Historic District features many buildings from the town and a costumed interpreter.
Pine Grove Furnace: This park was once the site of the Pine Grove Furnace Iron Works that dates from 1764. Historical buildings include the ironmaster's mansion, a gristmill, an inn and several residences. The self-guiding historical trail leads you through the remains of the iron works. The Appalachian Trail passes through the park.
Famous People
Buchanan's Birthplace: Dedicated in honor of the 15th president of the United States, this narrow, peaceful hollow is the site of James Buchanan's birthplace. A stone pyramid monument surrounded by majestic conifers stands on the site of the original cabin where he was born.
Oil Industry
Oil Creek: The site of the world's first commercial oil well, Oil Creek State Park tells the story of the early petroleum industry by interpreting oil boom towns, oil wells and early transportation.
Transportation
Delaware Canal: The Delaware Canal is the only remaining continuously intact canal of the great towpath canal building era of the early and mid-19th century. The canal remains today with almost all of its features as they existed during its century of commercial operation. The canal is a Registered National Historic Landmark and its towpath is a National Heritage Hiking Trail.
Kinzua Bridge: The Kinzua Viaduct is a National Engineering Landmark. When this viaduct was built in 1881, it was the world's highest and longest railroad bridge at 301 feet tall and 2053 feet long. An excursion train travels through the Allegheny National Forest and over the bridge.
Agriculture
Little Buffalo: Historical features include a covered bridge, a restored, operating grist mill, an old farm house built on the site of a colonial tavern, and a narrow gauge railroad trace which feature one of the original railroad cars.
McConnell's Mill: A restored gristmill grinds corn and other grains. There are frequent tours and presentations in the summer season.
Ridley Creek: Portions of Ridley Creek State Park are on the National Register of Historic Places. Part of the park is leased to the Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation. Operated under the direction of Bishop's Mill Historical Institute, the plantation provides visitors with an accurate picture of life on a Delaware County farm prior to the American Revolution.
Time Periods
Colonial - Before 1776
Jacobsburg: The history of Jacobsburg focuses on the Henry family and their small arms industry; an industry that played a key role in the American Industrial Revolution. Henry Rifles were the favored weapon of early explorers of the American West. The Jacobsburg Historic District is in and adjacent to the park and has a Henry Rifle Museum.
Point: The Allegheny and Monongahela rivers meet at Point State Park to form the Ohio River. During the mid-1700s, the armies of France and Britain were attracted to this area, each vying for control of the Ohio Valley.
The Fort Pitt Museum, housed in the Monongahela Bastion, and one of the five original bastions of old Fort Pitt, is devoted to the frontier period of local history. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission administers the museum. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Mondays when the museum is closed. On Sundays the hours are from noon to 5 p.m. The Music Bastion in the eastern section of the park has been partially excavated to expose part of the Fort's original foundation as a permanent exhibit.
The Fort Pitt Blockhouse, owned and operated by the Fort Pitt Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, is the oldest authentic building in Western Pennsylvania. Built by Colonel Henry Bouquet in 1764, it is open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, on Sundays from 12 noon to 4 p.m. It is closed on Mondays.
Ridley Creek: Portions of Ridley Creek State Park are on the National Register of Historic Places. Part of the park is leased to the Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation. Operated under the direction of Bishop's Mill Historical Institute, the plantation provides visitors with an accurate picture of life on a Delaware County farm prior to the American Revolution.
Early Industrial - 1800s
Buchanan's Birthplace: Dedicated in honor of the 15th president of the United States, this narrow, peaceful hollow is the site of James Buchanan's birthplace. A stone pyramid monument surrounded by majestic conifers stands on the site of the original cabin where he was born.
Canoe Creek: The Blair Limestone Company Kiln remnants are the focus of historical and interpretive programs and displays. These large, gray furnaces were used to create quicklime form limestone. The Blair Limestone Company was a subsidiary of Jones and Laughlin Steel Company of Pittsburgh, Pa.
Delaware Canal: The Delaware Canal is the only remaining continuously intact canal of the great towpath canal building era of the early and mid-19th century. The canal remains today with almost all of its features as they existed during its century of commercial operation. The canal is a Registered National Historic Landmark and its towpath is a National Heritage Hiking Trail.
French Creek/Hopewell Furnace: Many French Creek facilities were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, including two sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Adjacent to the park lies Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site that features a cold-blast furnace restored to its 1830s appearance. National Park Service costumed interpreters lead tours and demonstrations
Greenwood Furnace: A walk through historic Greenwood Furnace creates images of the community that flourished here from 1834 to 1904. Greenwood Furnace was a busy industrial complex, with all the noise and dirt of a 19th century iron making community. The Greenwood Furnace National Historic District features many buildings from the town and a costumed interpreter.
| Kinzua Bridge: The Kinzua Viaduct is a National Engineering Landmark. When this viaduct was built in 1881, it was the world's highest and longest railroad bridge at 301 feet tall and 2053 feet long. An excursion train travels through the Allegheny National Forest and over the bridge. |
 |
Little Buffalo: Historical features include a covered bridge, a restored, operating grist mill, an old farm house built on the site of a colonial tavern, and a narrow gauge railroad trace which feature one of the original railroad cars.
McConnell's Mill: A restored gristmill grinds corn and other grains. There are frequent tours and presentations in the summer season.
Oil Creek: The site of the world's first commercial oil well, Oil Creek State Park tells the story of the early petroleum industry by interpreting oil boom towns, oil wells and early transportation.
Pine Grove Furnace: This park was once the site of the Pine Grove Furnace Iron Works that dates from 1764. Historical buildings include the ironmaster's mansion, a gristmill, an inn and several residences. The self-guiding historical trail leads you through the remains of the iron works. The Appalachian Trail passes through the park.
Early Modern - 1900s
Parker Dam: Steeped in CCC-era buildings, Parker Dam has three sites on the National Register of Historic Places and a CCC Interpretive Center that interprets the Civilian Conservation Corps. Logging history is explored in the visitor center.
Promised Land: Within the park you can still see the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps done in the 1930s. A seasonal museum explores CCC contributions and area wildlife. CCC-era buildings and ruins are scattered throughout the park. The CCC-era Bear Wallows Cabin Area is on the National Register of Historic Places.
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