Quintessential Pennsylvania

  POTTS GROVE - Founded 1821. Named for Hans Potts, early pioneer settler. How to Get There: Sources and Links: Valley Girl Views - Pottsgrove, Northumberland County

  PAXINOS - Founded 1769. Named for Swanee (Shawnee?) Indian chief. How to Get There:

  POWELL - Founded 1855. Formerly Greenwood. Renamed for Joseph Powell , a former Congressman from Bradford County, Pennsylvania. How to Get There:

  PLEASANTVILLE - Founded 1821. So named, due to ideal home conditions existing here. There are a few places in Pennsylvania called Pleasantville. This Pleasantville is located in Venango County and is located near Oil Creek State Park . How to Get There: Sources and Links: Roadside Thoughts - Pleasantville, Pennsylvania (Venango County) PA-Roots.com - Pleasantville, Venango County Pennsylvania

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Philadelphia is Independence National Historical Park.  Celebrating both the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, Independence National Historical Park is home to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and numerous other historic sites.   Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and signed, is the centerpiece of the park.  Built in 1753 as the Pennsylvania State House as part of the Colonial Capital, Independence Hall was home to the Second Continental Congress (Declaration of  Independence) and the Constitutional Convention.   Statue of George Washington in front of Independence Hall Tours of the building are free; however, the only way to see the interior is through a park guided tour.  The tour includes the Pennsylvania Assembly Hall which is where both the Declaration and the Constitution were signed. The Pennsylvania Assembly Hall where th...

Fayette County's Perryopolis has a unique history.  The town's history can be traced to George Washington and his purchase 1644 acres of land in 1769.  Washington found the area perfect for a grist mill which was constructed and began operation in 1776.  Over a decade later in 1789, Washington leased portions of his land and the mill to Colonel Israel Shreve.  When both Washington and Shreve died in 1799, the land would be subdivided and sold. The layout of Perryopolis ( Madalyn Linderman/Perryopolis.com ) Originally known as New Boston , the layout of Perryopolis would take shape in 1814.  Renamed Perryopolis after War of 1812 hero, Oliver Hazard Perry , the town's layout is in the shape of a wagon wheel .   The hub of the layout is known as Washington Square which to this day remains the center of town. Perryopolis would grow as the main town and marketplace for a number of the local farmers and grist mills in the early-mid 1800s.  As the 19th centu...

PLEASANTVILLE - Incorporated 1871.  It appears that this small village of around 200 people hasn't completely decided on a name.  Located in Bedford County, this community is one of three Pleasantville's in the state.  However, it is also known as Alum Bank.  Prior to that, the community was formerly called Dubbstown.  Photo taken by Doug Kerr.

PUNXSUTAWNEY --- Founded 1818. Name of Indian Origin. Best known for annual Groundhog Day ceremony and the legendary groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil .

PHOENIXVILLE - Founded 1849.  Named after the fabulous bird that rose out of the ashes to new life.  The town has a wealth of history dating back to the 18th Century.  The town was originally named Manavon when settled in 1732 .  The Phoenixville name was adopted when the borough was incorporated in 1849.  The Phoenix Iron Works was one of the major iron and steel mills in the country for decades

PENN'S CREEK - Photo taken along PA 104 in Penn's Creek.  Penn's Creek is a tributary of the Susquehanna River and is the focal point of Penn's Valley.  Penn's Creek is the state's longest and largest limestone stream and is well known for its trout and fly fishing and other recreation activities.