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Juniata County, Pennsylvania is a fascinating place with a rich history. Here are seven interesting facts about this historic county:
1. Juniata County was formed in 1831 from portions of Mifflin County and named for the Juniata River, which runs through the county. The river’s name is derived from the Native American word “Onojutta-Haga,” which means “standing stone.”
2. In the 1800s, Juniata County was a hub for the Pennsylvania Canal, which connected Philadelphia to Pittsburgh. Canals were a popular mode of transportation at the time, and the county’s location on the Juniata River made it an ideal spot for a canal hub.
3. Mifflinburg, a small town in Juniata County, was the site of the first recorded UFO sighting in the United States. In 1909, a man named John L. Keel reported seeing a strange object in the sky over Mifflinburg. The incident is still a topic of discussion among UFO enthusiasts today.
4. Juniata County was at the center of the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by slaves to escape to freedom in the North before the Civil War. Many abolitionists lived in the county and helped slaves on their journey to freedom.
5. William Wirt, the ninth United States Attorney General, was born in Juniata County in 1772. Wirt served under presidents James Monroe and John Quincy Adams and is perhaps best known for prosecuting Aaron Burr for treason in 1807.
6. The Juniata River is known for its excellent fishing, particularly for smallmouth bass. The river also has a long history of commercial fishing, and many families in the area still make their living from the river today.
7. Juniata County is home to Tuscarora State Forest, one of Pennsylvania’s 20 state forests. The forest covers over 90,000 acres and offers opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting.
In conclusion, Juniata County has a rich history and many interesting facts to discover. From its role in the Underground Railroad to its connection to the Pennsylvania Canal, the county has played an important part in shaping Pennsylvania’s history.
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