Founding and Government
Cambria County was created on March 26, 1804, by an act of the Pennsylvania Assembly. Its territory was taken from Huntingdon and Somerset Counties. According to the act, the county’s boundaries began at the Conemaugh River and extended through Canoe Place, Clearfield, Centre, Bedford, and Somerset before returning to the starting point.
The legislation also required that the county seat be located within seven miles of the county’s center. As a result, Ebensburg was chosen in 1805. Trustees John Horner, John J. Evans, and Alexander Ogle received land donated by Rees, John, and Stephen Lloyd for public buildings. Soon after, the first election was held in 1807, marking the county’s whole organization.
Boundary disputes arose in later years, especially along the Allegheny Mountain. However, in 1849, commissioners Hon. James Gwin and E. A. Vickroy were appointed to adjust the eastern line. Their work settled the issue permanently.
Geography and Natural Features
Cambria County occupies the tableland between the Allegheny Mountain and Laurel Hill, covering about 670 square miles. It is thirty-five miles long and twenty-one miles wide. Because of its elevation, the eastern approaches are abrupt, while the western slopes are comparatively gentle.
Several gaps cut through the Allegheny, including Blair’s Gap, Burgoon’s Gap, Sugar Run Gap, and Bell’s Gap. These openings not only provided travel routes but also supplied water sources. Streams such as the Susquehanna’s West Branch, Chest Creek, Clearfield Creek, the Juniata branches, the Conemaugh, Stony Creek, and the Blacklick all served as public highways.
The county is also known for unusual landmarks. For example, the Horse-shoe Viaduct lies near the Conemaugh, with a natural rock crevasse just wide enough for wagons. In addition, the Windfall leveled by a hurricane created an open plain remembered today by the name “Fallen Timber.”
Early Settlement and People
First Settlers
Michael McGuire established the earliest settlement near present-day Loretto in 1790. Soon afterward, his family and other pioneers, including Richard Nagle, John Storm, and William Meloy, arrived. Furthermore, John Storm built the county’s first grist mill, which supported early settlers.
Catholic Families from Maryland
American Catholic families, many of them originally from Maryland, migrated to the northeast portion of the county. Over time, they concentrated around Loretto and influenced the region’s religious and cultural traditions.
Pennsylvania Germans
Pennsylvania Germans from Somerset and nearby areas arrived during the early 1790s. Many were Mennonites and Dunkers who settled near Johnstown and Amish Hill. Because of their agricultural skill, they soon became an important presence in the southern part of the county.
Welsh Emigrants
In 1796, Welsh families founded Ebensburg and Beula. They named their settlement “Cambria” after the mountainous region of Wales. Among the first families were the Phillips, Jenkins, Rees, and Griffiths. Their religious services were often held in the Welsh language, and even today traces of Welsh heritage remain.
Prince Demetrius Gallitzin
Rev. Demetrius Augustine Gallitzin, a Russian-born Catholic priest, arrived in 1799. He ministered to settlers for more than forty years, building churches, donating land, and encouraging education. Although he had noble origins, Gallitzin lived humbly in Loretto and dedicated his resources to the community. His leadership left a lasting influence on the county’s spiritual and social development.
Other Settlements
Northern Cambria contained the Weakland and Luther settlements. Michael Rager, a Revolutionary War veteran, established his home along Laurel Hill. Carrolltown grew from German Catholic settlers introduced by Rev. Peter Henry Lemke. Later on, migrants from New England brought new traditions of industry and enterprise.
Anecdotes and Traditions
Frontier life was harsh and uncertain. Wolves and panthers roamed the forests, while settlers struggled through severe winters. One story, often repeated, tells of Mrs. Alcorn, who vanished near Loretto under mysterious circumstances. Such accounts reflect the dangers and hardships of early settlement.
Industry and Economy
Coal and Iron
Coal underlies much of the county’s surface. As a result, mining became central to local development. Johnstown’s Cambria Iron Company grew into one of the largest iron and steel producers in the nation. Its works covered over sixty acres and operated nine blast furnaces, rolling mills, and rail yards. Moreover, the company’s rail connections and resources shaped settlement and employment across the region.
Timber and Lumber
Forests of pine, ash, and maple supported a strong lumber trade. At first, timber was rafted down the Susquehanna. Later, logging and sawmills supplied both local and distant markets. The shook business, which produced oak staves for shipping goods, also became significant.
Agriculture
Cambria’s soil was better suited to grazing than to grain. Even so, wheat and oats were widely cultivated, and dairy farming produced large amounts of butter. Although corn was less successful, the county remained an important agricultural contributor.
Other Industries
Tanneries operated in Johnstown and Carrolltown. Smaller iron furnaces, such as Ashland and Eliza, were also active for a time. In addition, water, cement, and limestone deposits are added to local resources.
Summer Resorts and Culture
By the 19th century, Cambria attracted summer visitors seeking mountain air. For instance, the Cresson House could accommodate nearly 1,000 guests. Summitville became known for its refreshing breezes, while Bellemont in Ebensburg and the Lloyd House also welcomed travelers. Because of its elevation, the Allegheny region was free from malaria and offered cool nights, making it an attractive health resort.
Communities and Towns
Ebensburg
Founded by Rev. Rees Lloyd, Ebensburg became the county seat. It developed schools, churches, and civic buildings, and was incorporated in 1825. Over time, it grew into an educational and administrative center.
Johnstown
Located at the junction of the Conemaugh and Stony Creek, Johnstown expanded into a significant industrial town. It supported churches, schools, cemeteries, and newspapers. Because of the Cambria Iron Company, it became home to thousands of workers and their families.
Other Boroughs and Villages
Carrolltown, with its German Catholic population, grew around its monastery and convent. Loretto, founded by Gallitzin, developed churches and schools. Boroughs such as Conemaugh, Millville, Franklin, East Conemaugh, Woodvale, Coopersdale, and Prospect grew near Johnstown’s industries. Smaller communities such as Chest Springs, Wilmore, Munster, Gallitzin, Lloydsville, and others developed around farming, lumber, and coal. In contrast, Beula, once a rival to Ebensburg, eventually declined and was abandoned.
Religion and Education
Religious life shaped much of the county’s history. Catholic parishes spread from Loretto, while Welsh and German congregations maintained their traditions. At the same time, schools and academies were established, including those led by the Sisters of St. Joseph and Franciscan institutions. Education expanded alongside religious influence.
Military and Public Life
Cambria contributed two companies to the War of 1812 and additional volunteers during the Mexican War. Meanwhile, roads and turnpikes connected the county to Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. The Portage Railroad of the 1830s and the Pennsylvania Railroad through the Gallitzin Tunnel transformed travel and trade. In addition, Cambria became part of the 24th judicial district and shared representation with surrounding counties.