Facts about Armstrong County

Picture rolling hills, farmlands, and forests of maple, oak, and cherry as well as the Allegheny River valley and you are envisioning Armstrong County. Celebrating 200 years in 2000, Armstrong County was formed in 1800 from parts of three other counties (Lycoming, Allegheny, and Westmoreland). Kittanning (from the Indian name) was the original county seat.

The County’s long and interesting history dates back to the French and Indian War where Kittanning "was the most notable Delaware Indian village west of the Alleghenies." This village "was the chief settlement... of the Lenni-Lenape or Delaware Indians in their early westward movement from the Susquehanna River." During this war, the village of Kit-Han-Ne was the center for Indian raids on white settlements in western Pennsylvania. On the morning of September 8, 1756, Col. John Armstrong led troops in an attack on the village. Most of the village was destroyed and the Indian’s leader was killed. Although Armstrong’s troops suffered some losses, the battle was considered a victory since the Indians left the village and stopped most of their raiding. The Kittanning Trail, Olean Trail and Old Trader’s Path were used by Native Americans and early settlers to reach Fort Armstrong, Fort Green and early blockhouses on the site of present day Freeport. Once and oil boomtown, Parker is now the smallest city in the United States. Iron was made in Bradys Bend twenty years before there was a single hot-blast furnace in Pittsburgh, and Ford City was the home of the plate-glass industry in the United States.

Besides the business industry, Armstrong County is recognized for its recreational opportunities. Three major lakes, in addition to the Allegheny River and numerous small rivers and streams, provide a variety of water craft and fishing experiences. The Allegheny River is home to every species of fish found in Pennsylvania and is considered to be one of the best walleye rivers in the east. Large and small game abound in six state-managed game lands located in the county. The Crooked Creek Horse Park is considered to be one of the best facilities of its kind in the Mid-Atlantic states.

From the Amish in the northeastern corner of the county to the pewter-like "statesmetal" forged in the southwestern corner and every place in between, Armstrong County is rich with history and heritage.

Agriculture Statistics for Armstrong County and Pennsylvania

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Penn State Cooperative Extension helps individuals, families, businesses, and communities throughout Pennsylvania with information and a broad range of educational programs designed to:

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