Live, Grow, Invest - where the crossroads of heritage and hospitality meet in Bedford County, Pennsylvania
Lush limestone valleys dotted with working dairy farms. What more could any family want? Bedford County, with its historic, beautiful countryside has the best of all worlds. Just 2 hours from the Baltimore-Washington or Pittsburgh suburbs, it is a step back in time where family values grow from its rural heritage.
HistoryBedford, Pennsylvania, was settled in the mid-1700s and became an important frontier fort during the French and Indian War. Then, as is true today, it was known as a transportation hub with Forbes Road, the major route into the wilderness, forged through its virgin forests. Through the years Bedford County has made history. George Washington commanded the troops in Bedford during the Whiskey Rebellion -- the only time a President has commanded troops in the field. Several structures -- including the Espy House in the downtown Bedford's 22-block National Historic Register District -- boast signs indicating that "Washington slept here." The Bedford Springs Hotel, a National Historic Landmark awaiting a long anticipated restoration, was one of the country's first mineral springs hotels, opening in 1804. A favorite summer retreat for Eastern industrialists and refugees from Washington, D.C.'s sweltering summers, Bedford Springs played host to congressmen, senators and other leaders from the Capital. The Supreme Court held session at the Bedford Springs -- the only time it has met outside of Washington. And the historic hotel was a favorite spot for President James Buchanan, who received the first trans-Atlantic cable -- from Great Britain's Queen Victoria -- while vacationing at the Springs. Old Bedford Village is home to more than 40 original structures from America's past, including log buildings and an eight-sided Quaker schoolhouse. Costumed guides and working crafts people lead visitors through tours of the Village.
And with 14 19th century covered bridges, the county remains one of the best places to enjoy these "kissin' bridges" -- many have been carefully restored and are open to traffic. For a map of historical-related sites in Bedford County, visit the Southwestern Pennsylvania Heritage Commission's website.
RecreationBedford County has a myriad of outdoor activities -- from canoeing down the Juniata River, to waterskiing in 27-mile Lake Raystown, to hiking through State Forests and Game lands, to snow skiing at Pennsylvania's highest ski-resort, Blue Knob. If you like the outdoors, you'll find lots to do in Bedford County. A favorite pastime for visitors is poking through the county's more than 30 antique shops -- many located in historic Schellsburg -- or through the many specialty shops in downtown Bedford. The county is famous as a bastion of Pennsylvania country furniture and primitives and is attracting a vigorous group of craftsmen who find the both markets and an attractive working environment in the county. The Bedford Fall Foliage Festival, held the first two weekends in October, attracts more than 30,000 visitors annually who come for the 300 craftsmen, entertainment, great food and striking fall colors. For more information about what to see and do in Bedford County, visit For more general information about traveling in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Travel and Tourism site.
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