It’s freezing cold out and my fingertips are going numb, but I continue pushing through fallen trees and dried-up thorn bushes in search of the old path. This journey would be much more comfortable in more cooperative weather, but as soon as the trees and vegetation start blooming this site will be lost to nature.
There it is. To others what might look like a dilapidated wall of bricks is really a beehive coke oven. These ovens were once found all over Pennsylvania, burning 24 hours a day to help fuel the area’s steel mills. Now many of these ovens are forgotten, victims of time and decay, others destroyed in order to make the land useful for other purposes.
Now, these ovens are simply memories of a time when coal was king and Pittsburgh named the Steel City. These days, Pennsylvania is known for its innovation and medical centers, but what many people don’t realize is the rich history Pennsylvania has.
Originally one of the original 13 colonies, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a rich history that dates back to the 17th century. Its storied history with ties to both the Revolutionary War and Civil War make it a plethora of both well-known locations as well as some that tend to fly under the radar.
Whether you’re currently planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, there are so many locations in Pennsylvania that are not only great for history but also offer great accommodations and top-notch eateries. From one history buff to another, these 8 weekend getaways in Pennsylvania will keep you plenty busy.