Local Towns & History
In 1727, Indiana County, PA’s recorded history began when the French trader James LeTort set up a trading post for the Indians near the town now known as Shelocta. In 1805, Indiana became the county seat when George Clymer
(a signer of both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution) donated 250 acres of land.
Now, Indiana County has 24 sites on the National Register of Historic Places — historical towns, historical societies, historic landmarks and covered bridges gives you a formula for a region rich in history. To top it off, visitors can mix other activities, like bike riding or hiking, with a history lesson. By hiking or biking on the Ghost Town Trail and following the trail of towns gone by, one will eventually encounter the Buena Vista and Eliza Furnaces. These furnaces operated during the 1800’s producing iron ore and contributed to shaping the region.
