Historic Sites
Bushy Run Battlefield
Bushy Run Battlefield is the site of the military encounter in 1763 between three British Regiments, led by Col. Henry Bouquet, and several Native American Nations of the Ohio Valley. Colonel Bouquet and a force of approximately 400 British soldiers left Carlisle in July 1763 to relieve the besieged Fort Pitt and end a series of unchecked attacks against frontier outposts. The decisive victory over the Native Americans at the Battle of Bushy Run on August 5 & 6, 1763, resulted in the opening of Western Pennsylvania to settlement. Highlights of the site include the new interpretive exhibit, "The March to Bushy Run" at the site's visitor center, as well as guided and self-guided tours over three miles of historic hiking trails, special events, and educational programs. For information call: (724)527-5584
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The Cornwall Iron Furnace
Early America's industrial heritage comes alive at this completely preserved mid-19th century ironmaking complex, which was in blast from 1742 to 1883. The massive stone furnace, steam-powered air-blast machinery, and several related buildings survive intact. Primarily a producer of pig iron and domestic products, Cornwall Furnace cast cannon barrels for the American Revolution and Civil War. Cornwall Furnace offers a strong interpretive program and exciting new exhibits are being added to an expanded Visitor Center by 2000. Nearby, you can explore countryside dotted with picturesque workers' villages, partake in several excellent dining options, or enjoy a myriad of cultural options in charming Mt. Gretna. For information call: (717)272-9711
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The Conrad Weiser Homestead
The Conrad Weiser Homestead features the small, 18th century frontier residence of Conrad Weiser, a pivotal figure in Colonial Pennsylvania, who served as ambassador and interpreter to the Iroquois Nation. Through Weiser's efforts, in part, Pennsylvania was the last of the original English colonies to experience warfare between its native American and European inhabitants. Weiser was also a leader of the Pennsylvania Regiment's First Battalion, a magistrate in Lancaster County, a judge in Berks County, a tanner, farmer, and Lutheran lay minister. His stone home, spring house, and gravesite are set in a beautiful, 26-acre park designed by the sons of Frederick L. Olmsted in the heart of the Pennsylvania-German farming area. For information call: (610)589-2934
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The Daniel Boone Homestead
The Daniel Boone Homestead was settled in 1730 by the frontiersman's parents. Daniel Boone was born here in 1734 and lived his first 16 years in Berks County. When Boone lived here, the area was sparsely populated by English Quaker, German, Swiss, Huguenot and Swedish pioneers. The mid-18th century structure that survives today is built over the spring and cellar where the first Boone log cabin stood and where young Daniel Boone lived before his family moved to North Carolina. Today, the historic site tells the story not only of the early life of Daniel Boone, but also the saga of the region's settlers by comparing and contrasting the lifestyles of different cultures in 18th century rural Pennsylvania. For information call: (610)582-4900
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Washington Crossing Historic Park
At Washington Crossing Historic Park, George Washington led his ragged troops across the ice-choked Delaware and assaulted the unsuspecting Hessians at Trenton. His victory bolstered sagging morale, changing the course of the American Revolution. The 500-acre site and recreational area includes 13 historic buildings, the noted 100-acre Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve and observation tower, and many picnic areas. For information call: (215)493-4076
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Tourist Attractions
Pittsburgh Zoo
Our Adopt An Animal Program lets you take an active role in furthering the Zoo's conservation efforts, plus play a significant part in promoting the comfort and growth of your favorite Zoo animals. Like humans, all the animals at the Pittsburgh Zoo have unique and constantly changing needs. When you adopt, your gift helps provide for the care, feeding, and acquisition of Zoo animals. The Adopt An Animal Program is one way of helping the Pittsburgh Zoo to be the best possible place for the animals to live. For the living gift that leaves a lasting impression, Adopt An Animal! Instill the value of wildlife conservation into a small child or surprise your favorite animal lover by transforming them into a monkey's uncle or a zebra's mama. Give a lion something to roar about and join the crowd of adoptive parents at the Pittsburgh Zoo! people too! For information call: (800)4-PGH-ZOO
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Kennywood Park
At Kennywood Park in Pittsburgh, they are planning to exterminate the competition with a Subterranean Roller Coaster called the Exterminator! This new addition for the park's 101st season will combine some of the greatest sensations in the amusement park industry that insiders are saying "you've got to ride to believe." The Exterminator will be a coaster in the dark with an attitude that sets it apart from coasters of its type. The experience begins when the intrepid riders enter a tunnel that leads to the depths of underground utilities, sewers and a world of the unknown. The riders will explore this cavity of terror... strapped in their seats of the coaster. For information call: (412)461-0500
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HersheyPark
"The Sweetest Place on Earth," is going to be just a little sweeter this summer thanks to the sights, sounds and smells of their new "Hersheypark County Fair" that will last all summer long. It's no wonder why HersheyPark has evolved into one of America's most popular theme amusement parks with more than 50 rides and attractions that include outstanding live entertainment, the most roller coasters in Pennsylvania, gift shops and high-quality food outlets spread over 110 acres. For information call: (800)HERSHEY
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Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom
A 200-acre amusement park/water park located near Allentown is one of the most diverse amusement and entertainment experiences in the Northeastern United States. For information call: (800)551-5656
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Independence Hall
Independence Hall was built in 1732 as the Pennsylvania State House. It was a symbol of the nation to come. At the time it was the most ambitious public building in the thirteen colonies. The Provincial government paid for construction as they went along, so it was finished piecemeal. It wasn't until 1753, 21 years after the groundbreaking, before it was completed. It was the original "Philadelphia lawyer," none other than Andrew Hamilton that oversaw the planning and worked to guarantee its completion. Hamilton had won renown for his successful 1735 defense of Peter Zenger in New York that was to become a freedom-of-the-press landmark. For information call: (215)925-7877
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