Fulton County Heritage
See how Fulton County and The Fulton County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism began.
1719
Settlement of Fulton County Began
Settlement of Fulton County began as early as 1719 and was influenced by the settlement patterns of our first pioneers.
1740
Adam McConnell and Sons
In the 1740’s, Adam McConnell and his three sons settled in the Great Cove of Fulton County, having followed the pack horse trail from Lancaster.
1761
First Public Road
The first public road through Fulton County was established by his son, William McConnell, in 1761, and amounted to a bridle path from Cove Gap to join Forbes Road near Breezewood. Today, Routes 16 and 30 (the Lincoln Highway) follow this early road.
1786
Establishment of McConnellsburg
Daniel McConnell deeded land for the town of McConnellsburg in 1786, which later became the seat of government for rural Fulton County.
1850
Settlement of Fulton County Began
By 1850, many residents of this region wished to create a new county from the eastern edge of Bedford County. The original draft of the Pennsylvania House of Representative bill provided that the new county be named Liberty; however, the passage of the bill in the Senate depended upon the action of Senator Parker of Lycoming County. He agreed to support the bill provided he be allowed to name the county. This proposition was accepted, and thus on April 19, 1850, the new county became Fulton instead of Liberty. The name was chosen in recognition of Robert Fulton of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, inventor of the steamboat.
1913
Creation of Lincoln Highway
McConnellsburg is nestled in the heart of the picturesque Great Cove, and this delightful small town found itself as a stopping place on the main route to the great west from Philadelphia. The town developed around the road, and its growth throughout the 18th and 19th centuries flourished as the road grew in importance. The creation of the Lincoln Highway in 1913 brought further significance to the road, and new prestige to McConnellsburg as the nation’s first transcontinental paved highway. This highway became the town’s “Main Street”, and the historic Fulton House became a destination that throughout the years has been the resting point for four U.S. Presidents.
1951
Fulton County Chamber of Commerce
The Fulton County Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1951 by a spirited group of enterprising folks who shared a common vision in promoting Fulton County as a wonderful spot to live and work.
1976
Establishment of Fulton County Tourist Promotion Agency
In 1976, the Fulton County Tourist Promotion Agency was established to advocate Fulton County as a wonderful area to visit.
1993
Fulton County Listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
In addition to the Fulton House, Fulton County hosts many other beautiful and historic buildings. McConnellsburg’s historic district was recognized by the United States Department of the Interior in 1993 when it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The district consists of 144 structures that contribute to its historic character. Of notable meaning are the numerous taverns, inns, automotive garages and other travel-related structures still in existence today, which includes Daniel McConnell’s original log home. The original rural nature of Fulton County’s 438 square miles is still preserved today as confirmed by the United States Census Bureau which lists the county population in 1885 as 7,564, while in 2000 our folks numbered 14,261. Fulton County offers an escape from today’s faster-paced, more hectic way of life. Our gently rolling mountains and green fertile valleys provide a quiet, peaceful environment for numerous recreational opportunities. We enjoy over 50,000 acres of Pennsylvania State Forest land with lakes and streams that are replete with game and fish. Hunting, fishing, cycling, hiking, boating, camping, swimming, golfing, and hang-gliding are some of the popular outdoor and family activities available.
Fulton County is also centrally located in southern Pennsylvania with easy accessibility to Interstate Routes 68, 70 and 81 plus the Pennsylvania Turnpike. It is within two hours driving of Harrisburg, PA, Baltimore, MD, and Washington, DC, and within three hours of Pittsburgh, PA and Philadelphia, PA.
2002
Fulton County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism
In 2002, The Fulton County Chamber of Commerce and The Fulton County Tourist Promotion Agency merged to form The Fulton County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism
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