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McKean County is located in the northwestern part of Pennsylvania and is named after Thomas McKean, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The county has a rich and interesting history dating back to the 1800s. Here are 7 interesting facts about McKean County:
1. McKean County was created on February 16, 1804. It was formed from parts of Lycoming and Allegheny counties and was named after Thomas McKean, who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and the Governor of Pennsylvania.
2. The first oil well in the United States was drilled in McKean County in 1859. The well was drilled by Edwin L. Drake in Titusville and produced oil at a rate of 25 barrels per day. This marked the beginning of the US oil industry.
3. The Kinzua Bridge was a famous landmark in McKean County. It was a railroad bridge that was built in 1882 and was one of the tallest bridges in the world at the time. The bridge was destroyed by a tornado in 2003, and now only its towers remain as a tourist attraction.
4. Bradford, a city in McKean County, was once known as the "Oil Capital of the World." The city was home to many successful oil companies during the oil boom in the late 1800s.
5. The Zippo lighter was invented by George G. Blaisdell in McKean County in 1932. Blaisdell saw a friend struggling to light a cigarette in the wind and decided to create a lighter that could withstand wind and rain. The Zippo lighter is still produced in Bradford today.
6. The Allegheny National Forest is located in McKean County and covers over 500,000 acres. The forest offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, hunting, and camping.
7. Smethport, a borough in McKean County, was the first of its kind in the United States. It was incorporated in 1853 and became known as the "Mother of Counties" because it was the first town in the US to be laid out as a square with a courthouse in the center.
In conclusion, McKean County has a fascinating history with many accomplishments and events. From the birthplace of the US oil industry to the invention of the Zippo lighter, McKean County has left its mark on history.
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