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Montour County is a county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It was created on May 3, 1850, from part of Columbia County. Montour County was named after Madame Montour, a French-Canadian Indian, who acted as an interpreter and trader with the Native Americans in the region. Here are seven interesting facts about Montour County in Pennsylvania history:
1. The first iron furnace in what is now Montour County was constructed in 1803 near the mouth of Chillisquaque Creek. The ironworks continued in operation until about 1840 and employed as many as 150 men at its peak.
2. Montour County contains the largest contiguous area of forest in the central Susquehanna River Valley. The forested area includes the State Game Lands, State Forests, and State Parks, comprising over 70,000 acres of land.
3. The first coal mine in the U.S. was located in the Mahanoy Mountains, which extend into Montour County. The mine was opened in 1820, and by the 1850s, the Mahanoy Coalfield was the largest anthracite coal-producing region in the world.
4. The Danville and Pottsville Railroad, which ran from Danville to Sunbury, was the first railroad built in Montour County. It was completed in 1842 and was primarily used to transport coal and iron.
5. Montour County was once home to a large number of Native American tribes, including the Iroquois, Susquehannock, and Lenape. The tribes settled along the banks of the Susquehanna River and relied on fishing and hunting for their livelihood.
6. The town of Washingtonville, located in Montour County, was once a center for the production of broomcorn, a type of plant used to make brooms. In the early 20th century, the town was known as the "Broomcorn Capital of the World" and was home to several broom factories.
7. The Simon Snyder Mansion, located in Montour County, was the home of Pennsylvania Governor Simon Snyder. Snyder served as governor from 1808 to 1817 and was known for his support of public education and his efforts to improve infrastructure in Pennsylvania.
In conclusion, Montour County has a rich and diverse history that includes the development of the coal and iron industries, the first railroad in the area, and a significant Native American presence. The county is also home to some unique and fascinating sites, including the largest contiguous area of forest in the central Susquehanna River Valley and the Simon Snyder Mansion.
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