Bedford County’s landscape is intertwined with both the modern and historical, coming together to create the little area I call home. Across the county, history is alive— from our historic hotel at the Omni Bedford Springs to the celebrated covered bridges that span the region—there are places to explore at every corner.
Starting in the northeast quadrant of Bedford County, the Lost Children of the Alleghenies Monument is a must-see for any history buff. On April 24, 1856, Samuel Cox’s two children, George and Joseph, went missing, kicking off a search that brought people from across the East Coast to help find them. Nestled near Blue Knob State Park, a short hike into the woods leads to the monument, erected for the 50th anniversary, where the children were found deceased. Blue Knob hosts hiking, biking, and skiing, depending on the season, and one of the most fantastic views of Appalachia from the Pavia Overlook.
One of the county’s fundamental geological formations is coal, and the best way to explore its significance is to visit the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Museum in Robertsdale, Pennsylvania. “It is nice that the museum covers not just the Broad Top area, but most of the northeastern part of Bedford County,” says Amber Snyder, a lifelong resident of the Everett area. The Broad Top Coal Field spans Huntingdon, Bedford, and Fulton counties and has a history dating back to the 1940s. Coal housing can still be seen on the drive to the museum. Inside, hundreds of artifacts and displays help visitors understand the hardships of a coal miner's life. On the way back, the coke furnaces in Riddlesburg—maintained by Broad Top Township—offer a glimpse into the massive scale of coal mining in the area.
Coal was once transported throughout the county by rail, and a great way to learn about the railroad industry’s impact is to visit the Bloody Run Historical Society and the Everett Train Station Museum. Housed in the former Huntingdon and Broad Top Railway station and freight depot, the museum includes hundreds of artifacts dating back to the mid-1700s. It details not only the history of the railroad but also the importance of the Everett community to Bedford County’s story. Outside, a steam locomotive and restored caboose offer a unique perspective on early 20th-century travel. (Sneak across the street for a delicious meal at the Union Hotel, where the walls are adorned with historic documents, photos, and maps.)
Going even further back in time, the Fort Bedford Museum houses some of the county's oldest artifacts. Its rich collection provides insights into precolonial and colonial Bedford County and helps direct visitors to other historic sites. “The museum is a great place to show people the rich history of our town. It amazes me all that has happened here,” says Rick Kroft, a Bedford resident. The museum also hosts guest speakers and events year-round.
A short ride from Bedford, the Fishertown Quaker Museum preserves the history of the Quakers in Bedford County. Quakers were key settlers in early America, founding Pennsylvania as a sanctuary for religious freedom in the colonies. Nearby, Ridgetop Orchards offers visitors a chance to experience the agricultural history of fruit growing in Bedford County. The orchard is a go-to spot for peaches, cherries, and apples.
Schellsburg holds much of the county’s hidden history, from the Colvin Covered Bridge near Woodhaven Bed & Breakfast to the former site of the Ship Hotel, now a historic overlook offering views of multiple states, counties, and the sweeping Appalachian landscape. Just outside town is the Old Log Church, built in 1806. The church still celebrates a Christmas Eve service each year as both a fundraiser and community tradition. “The fact that the Old Log Church is untouched (but maintained) is miraculous. In a world of ‘bigger is better’ and ‘more, more, more,’ it is lovely to see things preserved,” says Samantha Diehl, a Reynoldsdale resident. “The Christmas Eve service put on by the historical society of Schellsburg has become a family tradition.”
