Crawford
Crawford County, with a population of approximately 90,000, is situated in northwestern Pennsylvania and was established in 1800. Named for Colonel William Crawford — a soldier, surveyor, farmer, and lifelong friend of George Washington — Crawford County reflects the rich rural traditions of its diverse settlers and first inhabitants. Visitors and residents alike enjoy the county's treasures throughout the year.
Covering an area of 1,013 square miles, Crawford County is mainly agricultural, with a strong industrial base centered on tool and plastics manufacturers in the Meadville area. A solid base of goods and service-oriented businesses is complemented by a flourishing tourism industry, based on Crawford County's natural beauty and the region's environmental health. Communities share a rich and varied cultural life linked by country roads, railroads, and scenic trails.
Due to its unique geological history, Crawford County's landscape is unique in its variety. The terrain changes from plains and broad low valleys in the west to near-mountainous features in the east. In between is a vast area of rolling hills, clean streams, glacial lakes, and marshes. A tributary of the Allegheny River, French Creek, one of the world's most biologically diverse streams, runs through the county. Also calling Crawford County home is the 8,777-acre Erie National Wildlife Refuge — one of only two in the entire commonwealth.
Shoppers appreciate the variety of unique antiques, original artwork and sculpture, custom crafts, unusual gifts, homemade food items, and more, which are available in the plentiful specialty shops throughout the county. A vast outdoor flea market offering a wide range of items, including animals, fowl, produce, antiques, and miscellaneous goods, draws bargain hunters from several states.
The county offers a wealth of information for history, genealogy, preservation, and architecture buffs. Crawford County is home to three active historical societies, an informative genealogical research service, numerous historic markers, gorgeous historic homes, and elaborate buildings, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The county also offers three fine golf courses, shooting and archery ranges, hiking and biking trails, horseback riding trails, sports courts, beautiful parks, fishing lakes, and a conservation area. Those who love the great outdoors appreciate modern and primitive campsites throughout the county.
