The Bedford County Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the following sponsors:

About Bedford County

Bedford County, Pennsylvania is a wonderful place to live, work and play. And the strength of our community is solely reliant on the success of our local businesses. It is the Chamber’s role to serve members’ collective needs and enhance a viable business climate in Bedford County. We are focused more than ever on making a difference in the business climate to enable our businesses to thrive.

Bedford County History
The Bedford County seal is derived from seal of the Dukes of Bedford and contains their whimsical logo.

People coming into Bedford County will find in our local history a seemingly endless source of interesting places and stories. Originally founded nearly 250 years ago, the area has a rich tapestry of buildings from colonial times up through modern construction. The residents of the County care deeply for the mix of history and commerce and have devoted considerable attention to preservation and tourism. The collage of facts and fancy below are a few highlights taken from the County annals.

In 1750, Robert MacRay established a trading post in the region which would one day become Bedford County. Life on the frontier was full of turmoil, a result of hostilities between the British and French. Raids and attacks from hostile Indians, allies of the French, eventually pressured MacRay to abandon his Raystown outpost. In 1759, the British ousted the French from Fort Duquesne. In preparation, a new road was cut to Raystown and toward the French stronghold. A new garrison at Raystown was named Fort Bedford. The captured French fortification was named Fort Pitt. The new road west was transformed from a network of Indian trails to become known as the Forbes Road. Later, this evolved into a toll road, or turnpike, providing a direct route across the state.

Following the defeat of the French and with the expectation of greater safety afforded by Fort Bedford, the area soon began to increase in population. Pioneers used Forbes Road to reach and settle in the lush valleys and timber-rich mountains. However, outlying communities, such as Saxton, still experienced the dangers of the frontier. Casualties from Indian conflicts were frequent as late as 1780.

Fort Bedford and its environs grew as a transportation and lodging center because of its strategic location on the major route through Pennsylvania. In 1794, the Nation's 1st President, George Washington, stayed at Espy House in Bedford. The President's arrival was in response to one of this Country's first tax crises, the Whiskey Rebellion.

The discovery of curative spring waters and the establishment of the Bedford Springs Hotel by Dr. John Anderson, lured the wealthy and influential to Bedford during the 19th Century. President James Buchanan used the hotel as his summer White House. It was here that our President received the first trans-Atlantic telegram, sent by Queen Victoria, from England. The United States Supreme Court convened at the "Springs", the only time that the Justices were known to have met outside their Washington chambers. Because of the timing of their stay, it is probable that discussions concerning the historic Dred Scott case were held on the hotel's porches. Presidents Hayes, Garfield and Benjamin Harrison also stayed at the "Springs", as did famous Kentuckian, Henry Clay.

In concert with agriculture and commerce, early industry flourished in the county. As the colonies pushed for independence, coal was discovered in Broad Top. Iron foundries were established in Hopewell around 1800. Rail service between Huntingdon and Bedford, expanded the transportation industry carrying coal, timber and iron. Passengers used the service to commute or tour points of interest along the line.

The second half of the 19th Century was a time of prosperity in the County, with population increasing almost 100% between 1870 and 1890. Many of the area's attractive homes and Victorian neighborhoods were built during this time. The Huntingdon an Broad Top Railroads steamed between the mines, foundries and coal fields. The picturesque route crossed the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River at several sites, such as the crossing at Mountaiin Rose Beach. Passengers could enjoy a trip through wooded mountains and fertile fields with stops at locations with colorful names like Cypher Station.

Transportation services continued in importance with auto and truck traffic using the Lincoln Highway (Route 30) and the new Pennsylvania Turnpike. The Interstate highway system brings an ever growing stream of traffic to the County on I-76, I-70 and I-99. For many travelers, Bedford County is an easy place to visit, but a difficult place to leave.