Beaver County Radio
“Before Beaver County: The Forgotten Tales and Early Trails from Pre-History to 1803,” shines a light on the earliest days of Beaver County.
This extensive new book — a resource for students, teachers, researchers, history lovers and curiosity seekers — captures the stories and mysteries of the people who lived on our rivers, hills and valleys from pre-history to 1803.
To mark America250, the Beaver County Historical Research & Landmarks Foundation rallied volunteers to research, write, make maps and illustrations and publish “Before Beaver County.”
Readers will uncover the riddle of early Native peoples and their seeming disappearance. They will learn why fortune-seekers and risk-takers came to this promising frontier — considered to be worth dying for by French, English, Colonial and Native forces.
Additional chapters reveal intriguing details about:
● The heart of a massive lake that covered three states and why our rivers reversed the direction of their flow
● Mysterious Native rock carvings, a Gilded Age tourist attraction near Smith’s Ferry
● Native American artifacts dating from 7,000 B.C
● The tribal village of Logs Town, a major trading and diplomatic center
● George Washington’s travels here, leading to the French and Indian War
● The first military training grounds for American troops
● The home of a Revolutionary War fort
● A well-traveled road originally built to transport military supplies.
A Missing Chapter In Written History
Beaver County was formed by the Pennsylvania Legislature in 1800, but became officially independent from Allegheny County in 1803 — the same year that Meriweather Lewis was stalled on the Ohio River during the first leg of the nation’s Discovery Corps exploration.
Notably, in 1904, Joseph H. Bausman published the detailed two-volume “The History of Beaver County, Pennsylvania: And Its Centennial Celebration.” In 1989, “The Twentieth Century History of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, 1900-1988,” edited by Cheryl Weller Beck, was released, covering the area’s industrial era, social shifts and modern developments.
This latest book about Beaver County looks at the earliest ages, when the Beaver and Ohio rivers carved routes for travelers, tribes and settlers, filling in a critical missing chapter of Beaver County history.
Now Available — Quantities Limited
“Before Beaver County” is a 250-page, hardcover book sold at the Beaver County Historical Research and Landmarks Foundation (BCHRLF), Vicary Mansion, 1235 Third Ave. Freedom.
The cost is $39.95, plus tax. $10 more for shipping.
For details and an order
form call 724-775-1848 or email bchrlf@bchrlf.org, or visit bchrlf.org.
In addition, just in time for holiday gifting, a book signing event will be hosted at the Vicary Mansion on Nov. 7, 1 to 3 p.m., with a chance to chat with the authors, illustrators and designers.
This effort was supported by Beaver County250 and the Beaver County Recreation and Tourism Department as part of America250.
Reference copies will be available at local libraries and historical societies.
The Story Behind the History
Charles Townsend, one of Beaver County’s foremost historians, initiated this project as a worthy way to mark the nation’s sesquicentennial. He turned to Brenda Applegate, executive director of the BCHRLF, and Roger Applegate, who served as editor for the book. They gathered volunteers to coordinate research, writing, map making and design.
“Our authors and designers were working separately, often about overlapping topics and time periods,” says Roger. “It was important, as we pulled it all together, to be historically accurate, consistent, and, above all, interesting to all possible readers.”
Those interested in purchasing multiple books should consider becoming a member of BCHRLF (starting at $20) for a 10% savings on any purchases or classes. Members receive the quarterly “Milestones” newsletter while supporting BCHRLF.