Congressman
John E. Peterson

Elk County

Mr. Peterson at ribbon cutting for Stackpole Industrial Complex in St. Marys.

Elk County was formed from parts of Jefferson, Clearfield, and McKean Counties in 1843 and named for the noble animal that once abounded in this region. Reintroduced in the early 1900s, Elk County is now home to the largest free-roaming elk herd east of the Mississippi numbering more than 700. Elk County's first inhabitants are thought to have been Seneca or Cornplanter Indians, and ruins of Indian forts have been found near Russell City.

The Old Kittanning Indian Trail was used by early Iroquois hunting and raiding parties. The abundant forestland, which today makes up part of the Allegheny National Forest, attracted many of the county's early settlers in the late 1700s. While timber was the first major industry, Elk County has developed a thriving powder metal industry in recent years.

Founded in 1842 by German Bavarian Catholics escaping religious persecution, St. Marys is a unique community rich in history, tradition and heritage. While in St. Marys you can celebrate a hometown festival, visit one of the smallest historic chapels in the nation or stop by the Straub Brewery for a drink from their "eternal tap." In the county seat of Ridgway, built in the late 1800s, buildings and homes display the grandeur of the Victorian Era. Ridgway has unique specialty shops, quaint restaurants, and charming bed & breakfasts. Be sure to visit Johnsonburg, home of one of the most productive paper mills in the world, and the charming village of Wilcox with its award-winning winery.

With more than 800 square miles of forest, farmland, mountains and rivers, there is no need to travel any further than Elk County to enjoy the great outdoors. The Elk State Forest and other forestland covers ninety percent of the county, providing abundant opportunities for hiking, camping, picnicking, hunting and much more. The wild and scenic Clarion River runs through Elk County, and the 1,160-acre East Branch Lake provides great opportunities for powerboating. The Sinnemahoning Creek and Bennett Branch offer great canoeing, fishing and swimming. This exciting part of the Allegheny National Forest region offers year-round adventure for the whole family.

Visit Elk County:
Northwest PA's Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau
Allegeny National Forest
Allegheny Online Magazine
Victorian Region of Northern PA

Local News:
St. Marys Daily Press
The Ridgway Record
WKBI Radio

Local Weather:
Weather in St. Marys

Economic Development:
Ridgway Chamber of Commerce
St. Marys Area Chamber of Commerce
North Central PA Regional Planning and Development Commission
Ben Franklin Technology Partners
Northwest PA Industrial Resource Center
North Central PA Workforce Investment Board
Small Business Development Center

Health Care:
Elk Regional Health Center

Education:
Elk/Cameron Counties Community Education Council
Johnsonburg Area School District
Ridgway Area School District
Saint Marys Area School District
More information on Cameron County schools

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