Road Rally North
Country Fox participated in “Road Rally North” this weekend. Created and hosted by the Cambria County Historical Society, Road Rally North takes adventurous history seekers on an expedition. Participants travel along the Northern Tier of Cambria County to specific historic sites. Once at these sites, seekers look for clues to the questions.
This isn’t an actual race. At some locations there is limited parking. A few stops are right along the road. Please obey all traffic laws and be careful. Directions are provided. I will write about the locations, but I will not give out the questions or the answers. If you would like to know more visit the Cambria County Historical Society Events page.
The Expedition Begins
Site 1: A.W. Buck House
We started at the historic A.W. Buck House. This is now the Cambria County Historic Society location. Anyone who has read my blogs should definitely get the first question correct! Good luck on the third question. This had me stumped.
Site 2: Courthouse
On to Site 2. The Cambria County Courthouse. There are two questions for this stop. A sign to the left of the courthouse and the bell hold clues.
Site 3: Admiral Peary Park
This park is a small well kept area dedicated to this intrepid explorer. Robert Peary was an American explorer and U.S. Navy officer. His peak of fame came with his discovery of the North Pole in 1909 with his Navy Steward, Matthew Henson.
Peary was born in Cresson, but was raised in Portland, Maine. He managed to accomplish many things in his long career. At this site there are three questions to be answered. There is also some interesting history about Matthew Henson to be learned too.
Site 4: Tomb of Prince Gallitzin
I have never before been to this site. I was amazed at the beauty of the tomb. Even more amazing was the tomb set off against the church. This stop has only two questions.
The first question will ask you to be brave and head into the tomb. Okay, you don’t actually have to go into the tomb itself if you don’t want too. Country Fox put on her explorer hat and headed inside. Small and cramped, yet very interesting.
Site 5: Mount Assisi Gardens
Not far away are the Gardens. These grounds are considered sacred. Please be respectful and quiet during your visit. Country Fox spent extra time at this location. The walkways and vine structures are amazing. We visited the shrines. We enjoyed the quiet, peaceful calm of the area.
At this site you will have two questions to answer. After answering them, I highly recommend spending a few minutes enjoying the rest of the grounds.
Site 6: Kittanning Trail-Eckenrode Mills
This site is a little sketchy for parking. Participants also need to mind the road right behind them. There are four questions at this stop. This site features the first of four Kittanning Trail markers.
These markers were built about five years ago by students attending the Admiral Peary Vo-Tech. The trail markers are set along The Kittanning Trail. This was a major Native American trail that crossed the Allegheny Mountains. At this location, travelers can see an authentic section of the original trail. This trail was also used by John Hart. We will talk a little more about him later.
Site 7: American Legion Park-Carrolltown
I have driven past this location many times and never stopped. On this day I had to stop in order to answer four questions. This stop teaches travelers about Carrolltown’s Dr. Lawrence Flick. Standing by the tank and the helicopter was a very somber moment.
Site 8: Kittanning Trail-Plattsville
This stop is out in the middle of no where. It is difficult to park. There are only two questions for this site. History seekers will find the second of four Kittanning Trail markers. Each one is different and unique.
Site 9: Kittanning Trail-Hart’s Sleeping Place
Parking at this site wasn’t too bad, just be careful of the crops. This trail marker is the third of four markers. During the Road Rally North expedition participants will not visit the fourth marker. However, for those who wish to visit the fourth marker there are directions.
At this marker there are three questions to answer. Good luck with two of the three. They are tricky.
Site 10: St. Joe’s Mission Church and Hart’s Sleeping Place
This location is just down the road from the trail marker. St. Joseph’s Mission Church began holding mass on October 10th, 1830. Rev. Demetrius Gallitzin blessed the church on this date. There are three questions for this site.
The church celebrates its 190th anniversary this year. Both the building and the cemetery have been well maintained. While we were visiting, volunteers there repairing headstones and maintaining the grounds.
Road Rally North Overall
Road Rally North was quite enjoyable. We visited several very historic sites that I have never seen before. I found the adventure both educational and fun. It has also added locations to my list of blog ideas.
Due to some rainy days the Cambria County Historical Society have extended their end date to August 12th. They will also host a Road Rally South at the end of the month. If you get hungry while out that way check out Island BBQ.