The Johnstown Flood Museum is about one of the most shocking episodes of American history. On May 31, 1889, a neglected dam and a phenomenal storm led to a catastrophe in which 2,209 people died. The Johnstown Area Heritage Association receives many inquiries about the 1889 flood.
Cambria
Cambria County, carved out of 700 square miles from portions of Somerset, Bedford, and Huntingdon Counties, was officially established by an Act of the State Legislature on March 26, 1804. Incidentally, the name "Cambria" is derived from the ancient Celtic word for Wales, known as the "land of Compatriots."
The County, however, was still relatively sparsely populated at the time, so it was kept under the jurisdiction of Somerset County until the population was large enough and stable enough to justify autonomous political and judicial administration. It was not until March 26, 1807, that the Pennsylvania Assembly granted the young County its complete status. By November of that year, a full quota of county officials and judges was installed.
There is a wonderful blend of the past and present in Cambria County. As the country evolved from its settlement by trappers and farmers, the County's rich natural resources and geographic locations allowed it to take a pre-eminent role in enabling Pennsylvania to become a national industrial leader.
To the north of the County, deep coal mines were opened to fuel the nation's Industrial Revolution, while in the south, Johnstown grew and prospered as a steel-making center. It was here that Kelly perfected his steel-making process, and it was here that tragedy struck with the Flood of 1889.
The County's majestic mountains and cool, clean air made Cambria a tourist center in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Numerous country inns were summer homes to tourists escaping oppressive urban climates.
Today, visitors can take in the mountain splendor during any of four glorious seasons while exploring the rich industrial and social heritage which has been wonderfully preserved in a unique mix with modern entertainment, cultural and recreational opportunities and
accommodations.
It's all here in Cambria County. From a ride on the world's steepest inclined plane in Johnstown to sailing on Glendale Lake. From fishing and hunting to golf and skiing. From the thrill of professional ice hockey to the performing arts. From a walk in Central Park to a bike ride on the Ghost Town Trail.
The opportunities and hospitality are endless. Cambria County is the second largest potato producer in the state of Pennsylvania. Potato lovers can attend the annual PotatoFest held in Ebensburg in early October.
