MORE: Pennsylvania is proud of its state parks, as it should be. In 2009, our state park system was recognized as the best in the nation by the National Recreation and Park Association.
The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation shared a list of facts about the state parks, with some interesting history. For example, did you know the world’s largest pothole is in Pennsylvania? Not really surprising, but this might be: It’s in Archbold Pothole State Park in Lackawanna County. Formed 15,000 years ago during the last ice age, the pothole measures 42 feet wide by 38 feet deep.
A single-lane road is 10 to 12 feet wide. That’s one mighty big pothole.
Caledonia State Park (Franklin County) has a colorful Civil War history. Pastures in what is now the park served as Confederate field hospitals during the Battle of Gettysburg. Confederate soldiers under the command of General J.A. Early destroyed the iron furnace on-site in part because of Thaddeus Stevens’ abolitionist views on slavery.
Speaking of the Civil War, Bucktail State Park (Clinton and Cameron counties) is named after the Bucktail Regiment whose members built a raft and drifted down the Susquehanna River to Harrisburg in 1861 to enlist in the Union Army during the Civil War. This linear park is known for exceptional elk viewing.
Much of the state park system preserves the rich history of Pennsylvania. Because of the age of the state park and forest system, there are more than 5,000 culturally or historically significant sites, with 500 structures listed on the historical register. This includes 27 cemeteries, 15 mines, 4 tunnels, and more than 4,000 charcoal hearths.
To be continued.
