Smethport,
Pennsylvania, the County Seat of famous McKean County, is one of the most
picturesque and healthful places of residence in the State of Pennsylvania.
And every new comer, observing the fine residences and general thrift of
the people is at once impressed with the superiority of this place to most
villages of its size. Smethport is at high altitude, namely 1,488
feet above sea level, and Prospect Hill. a beautiful eminence not far distant,
is the second highest point in the State, rising above sea level 2,495
feet. Exhilarating mountain breezes waft vigor and health from the
hemlock woods, and Smethport can boast a climate of remarkable healthfulness.
-text by Mr.
John W. SanbornAn Illustrated Souvenir of Smethport, Pennsylvania
1895
One hundred years ago,
Smethport,
Pennsylvania was in its prime. The lumber mills & wood chemical plants
were booming & the oil industry of Bradford brought money to the area.
And with money came lavish living. The people of Smethport had it all in
those days; four railroads (2 were built in 1899), four hotels, a fairground,
telephone service & even an opera house. The promise of money
in the area brought new people in, and new business followed with them.
It is because of these businessmen that many of the buildings
of Smethport are still in existence today. Many of the buildings
one would see on a typical voyage down Main Street Smethport in 2001 are
the same that were there in the 1890's, often with little or no change
to the structure of the building. We invite you to visit and revisit
Smethport, Pennsylvania again and again.
Welcome to 19th Century McKean
County!
P L A N E T S M E T
H P O R T
www.smethporthistory.org
You are entering a world of horse
power, fast bicycles & train travel.
You will move about McKean County
on dirt roads, footpaths, & railroads.
Each is connected to one another.
Begin your tour at any location & "travel & explore"
from there.
We have been having problems
with our listserve. We apologize for the lack of communication.
We are still alive, well, & focused on the project.
The listserve communications shall return.
For the 1st time Visitor:
A few Suggested LOCATIONS TO BEGIN YOUR TOUR
All roads, paths, & railroads are connected to one
another so you may begin your tour at any location & "travel" from
there.
A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU to
Everyone who has emailed Comments, Letters of Support, & Especially,
PHOTOS & ORAL HISTORIES!
Send E-Mail, scanned photos, contributions, hot tips, and comments for
"SMETHPORT & Surrounding McKean County HISTORY
to classproject@smethporthistory.org ross porter
PLANET SMETHPORT
-Virtual Walking Tour of 1895 Smethport, Pennsylvania
is a combined project being constructed
by
Mr. Ross Porter's PLANET SMETHPORT
Local History 188 students, other Smethport Area High School students
& the Greater Smethport
& McKean County Community
literally throughout the Planet
1998-2003
W
E L C O M E t o
Smethport,
Pennsylvania, the County Seat of famous McKean County, is one of the most
picturesque and healthful places of residence in the State of Pennsylvania.
And every new comer, observing the fine residences and general thrift of
the people is at once impressed with the superiority of this place to most
villages of its size. Smethport is at high altitude, namely 1,488
feet above sea level, and Prospect Hill. a beautiful eminence not far distant,
is the second highest point in the State, rising above sea level 2,495
feet. Exhilarating mountain breezes waft vigor and health from the
hemlock woods, and Smethport can boast a climate of remarkable healthfulness.
