Congressman
John E. Peterson

Jefferson County

Mr. Peterson tours Punxsutawney Area Hospital.

Jefferson County was created in 1804 from part of Lycoming County and named for President Thomas Jefferson. Early settlers were drawn to Jefferson County for its abundance of natural resources such as lumber, coal and natural gas. As a gateway to Cook Forest, Clear Creek State Park, Kittanning State Forest, and the Allegheny National Forest, Jefferson County is home to some of the most enchanting woodlands and loveliest laurel fields in the state. And the wild and scenic Clarion River offers numerous recreational activities in a beautiful natural setting.

Brookville, the county seat, is said to have been named for the numerous brooks and streams in the vicinity. Listed on the National Register of Historic Towns, Brookville features a beautifully restored Victorian Main Street and a 90-acre historic district which features self-guided walking tours and turn-of-the-century nostalgia.

The charming town of Punxsutawney is home to world renowned weather prognosticator Punxsutawney Phil. Every February on Groundhog Day, thousands of people make the trek to Gobbler's Knob to hear Punxsutawney Phil's prediction on the length of winter. While in Punxsutawney, be sure to visit the beautifully preserved historic town square and take a drive down "Millionaire's Row," built in the days when Punxsutawney was a thriving coal, oil and lumber town.

Beginning in the spring, Jefferson County offers outdoor activities including hiking, camping, boating, fishing and horseback riding. In the winter, sleigh rides, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing are popular. Jefferson County also features dozens of craft and specialty shops, nationally-ranked country inns, bed & breakfasts and a boundless variety of cultural and annual special events. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventure, historic towns or just a quiet weekend away from it all, you can find it all in Jefferson County.

Visit Jefferson County:
Northwest PA's Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau

Local News:
Jeffersonian Democrat/Tri-County Sunday
Punxsutawney Spirit

Local Weather:
Weather in Brookville

Economic Development:
Jefferson County Department of Development
Brookville Area Chamber of Commerce
Punxsutawney 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:
Brookville Hospital
Punxsutawney Area Hospital

Education:
Jefferson County-DuBois AVTS (Jeff Tech)
Brockway Area School District
Brookville Area School District
Punxsutawney Area School District
More information on Jefferson County schools

Community Services:
Jefferson County Area Agency on Aging

^ top of page