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Southwestern Pennsylvania's Community Guide Fayette County's Main Attractions |
| Fayette County, including Uniontown, Connellsville and Perryopolis, contains a wealth of local attractions for visitors and life-long residents alike. The ones that I have listed below are just some of the more well-known or unique attractions that you may be interested in. For additional attractions and links, be sure to visit The Southwestern Pennsylvania Guide home page, at www.swpenna.com. | |
| 1. | Braddock's Grave (Chalk Hill) |
| Major General Braddock was sent to North America in 1755 to attack French forts and weaken their land claims. On the way to Fort Duquesne, his force of 1400 men fell under surprise attack and was decimated. Wounded near what is now Braddock, PA, he was taken back to Fort Necessity where he died, and was buried under the access road (now US 40) so that he might rest in peace. In 1804, his remains were discovered, and in 1913 the current grave marker was erected. | |
| 2. | Fallingwater (Ohiopyle / Bear Run) |
| In 1937, construction was completed on Fallingwater, designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The brilliant design fused nature and function like no other - complete with a stream running through the house. This much celebrated vacation home in the Laurel Highlands of Edgar & Liliane Kaufman is now open to the public and under direction of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. Plan to visit during all four seasons, as each season brings its own unique beauty. | |
| 3. | Fort Necessity (Farmington) |
| On July 3, 1754, Col. George Washington led the first battle on the French and Indian War at this site. Although he lost the battle, the British eventually won the war, paving the way for the Revolutionary War and America’s independence. The fort has been recreated, and the history of site well presented by the National Park Service to the public. If you’re a history buff, don’t miss this one. | |
| 4. | Friendship Hill National Historic Site (Point Marion) |
| Friendship Hill was the country estate of Albert Gallatin, well known especially for his service as Secretary of the Treasury for the Jefferson and Madison administration. His name is still prominent in areas across Fayette County. The 661-acre estate is now maintained and run by the National Park Service. An audio self-tour is available, as well as ranger tours. The grounds surrounding the homestead contain many nature trails that are open to the public. Check the website for additional activities and special events. | |
| 5. | Jumonville Glen Historical Site (Jumonville / Chestnut Ridge) |
| In these woods in 1754, a young George Washington fell into a skirmish with French troops that would ultimately lead to the French and Indian War. The peaceful glen, with its rock outcrops, stands today much as it did back then. If you are a nature lover and history buff, you won’t want to miss this one. | |
| 6. | Kentuck Knob (Hagen House) (Chalk Hill / Ohiopyle) |
| As a friend and business acquaintance of Edgar Kaufmann, I. N. Hagen visited Fallingwater often and hired Frank Lloyd Wright to design a similar home for him nearby. Kentuck Knob is near Chalk Hill, on the other side of Ohiopyle from Fallingwater, and now offers private and public tours as well. The homestead features a unique “Usonian” design, with a single floor plan with no attic or basement. | |
| 7. | Laurel Caverns Geological Park (Hopwood / Chestnut Ridge) |
| Laurel Caverns is located on top of (and within) Chestnut Ridge, covering 435 acres and boasting Pennsylvania’s largest cave. Two miles of passageway await the caver looking for an adventure, most of which remains undeveloped. This is a great place for aspiring spelunkers to begin because the park enforces safety measures that are usually absent in wild caves. It also offers reasonably priced “family guided” tours all day long through the “developed” part of the cave. These tours are about an hour long and are both fun and educational. | |
| 8. | National Road - US Route 40 (National Park Service) () |
| The National Road, known today as U.S. 40, was the first built entirely with federal funds. It closely followed the road used by George Washington and General Braddock in 1754-55. At its peak, stagecoaches and wagons headed westward to new settlements, and establishments along the route saw prosperity. Today the historic aspects of the road are preserved by various historical societies and agencies. Markers on historic structures can be found all along the route and special events are planned throughout the year. | |
| 9. | Nemacolin Woodlands Resort (Farmington) |
| Nemacolin is known as one of the area’s premier resorts, with luxury and recreational opportunities for all. Golf is a major focus, with two fantastic courses, Mystic Rock and The Links, to choose from. Pamper yourself at the Woodlands Spa and enjoy dining at one of the casual or fine locations. During the winter, skiing at Mystic Mountain is also in operation. | |
| 10. | Ohiopyle State Park (Ohiopyle) |
| Situated on 19,000 acres as a gateway to the Laurel Highlands, Ohiopyle features all the outdoor opportunities of a state park. It is best known for the 14 mile river gorge of the Youghiogheny, home to some of the best white water rapids in the eastern United States! Take advantage of one of the many guided rafting tours, or tour privately. Ohiopyle is also known for its natural waterslides and biking / walking trail. | |
| 11. | Providence Meeting House (Quaker Church) (Perryopolis / Fayette City) |
| The “Quaker Church” (as it is locally known) is the third building to stand on this site, erected in 1893. It was constructed from the original stone of the previous meetinghouse. The Providence Meeting House was first chartered in 1789 to Mr. John Cope as a branch of the Redstone Monthly Meeting, which consisted of several Quaker families. It actively served as a church until around 1880. Only one acre of the original ground remains, and a gated cemetery surrounds the sole structure. The Quaker Church is the subject of much local folklore and haunted stories, and though it is very peaceful with gorgeous views by day, it is rather spooky by night! | |
| 12. | Quebec Run Wild Area (Elliottsville) |
| With development these days, it can be difficult for outdoor enthusiasts to find a place of undisturbed nature. This area of 7,500 acres on Chestnut Ridge has been designated as “wild”, meaning no permanent development will be allowed on it. It is an area reserved for hiking, fishing and backpack camping, or just for enjoying the peace of nature. The Quebec Run Wild Area maintains several hiking trails, and some of the streams are stocked with trout. The remote nature of this area also helps to keep the crowds away! | |
| 13. | Washington Grist Mill (Perryopolis) |
| Reconstructed in 1999, the Grist Mill is a close replica to the original that was owned by George Washington. Washington had the mill constructed in 1774-1776 on land that he owned as an investment. Although he didn’t run the day to day operations (he was busy being the first president), he frequented the site and inspected it. The Perryopolis Historical Society offers tours of the Mill, as well as a Distillery, “Bake Shop” and other attractions on the site. | |
| 14. | Yough River Trail (Youghiogheny River West Bank) |
| The Youghiogheny River Trail is a limestone surfaced trail that extends 43 miles from McKeesport to Confluence. It is one part of the “Great Allegheny Passage” that runs from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, MD. Because it was developed on an old railroad line, the alignment is nearly flat and closely follows the river. The trail is ideal for biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing and is open year round. It passes through such locations as Boston, Cedar Creek Park, Connellsville and Ohiopyle, with ample parking at several locations. | |
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