Crawford County Veteran Services

1. County Mission:

- "To maintain the virtues of this County by providing a stable and accessible government, preserving its agricultural and manufacturing heritage, upholding its rich history, and perpetuating its peoples' fervent spirit."

2. County Background:

- "Crawford County lies in northwestern Pennsylvania, originally inhabited by the Iroquois Indians and later acquired by Dutch investors under the Holland Land Company."

- "Formed in 1800 from a portion of Allegheny County, it was named after Colonel William Crawford, an early military hero and close friend of George Washington."

3. Geographical Overview:

- "Shaped like a rectangle, approximately 50 miles in length and 26 miles in width, Crawford County covers a total area of 1,012 square miles."

- "Bordered by Erie, Warren, Mercer, Venango, Ashtabula, and Trumbull Counties, it lies in the Appalachian Plateau with varying elevations."

4. Natural Features:

- "Home to several small, nearly extinct lakes and three major natural lakes: Conneaut, Canadohta, and Sugar."

- "Pymatuning, the largest artificial lake in Pennsylvania, is located here, along with principal streams French Creek and Oil Creek."

5. Population Growth and Division:

- "The county has grown from a population of 2,346 in 1800 to 90,366 in 2000, divided into 35 townships, 14 boroughs, and two major cities."

6. Notable Citizens and Achievements:

- "Famous citizens include Colonel Edwin Drake, driller of the first oil well; John Brown, slavery abolitionist; Ida Tarbell, Lincoln historian; and Clark Gable, movie actor."

- "Crawford County originated The Pennsylvania Farmer publication in 1805, the first northern newspaper west of the Allegheny Mountains, and has been the birthplace of several innovations and historical figures."

7. Meadville's Contributions:

- "Meadville, the largest city, organized one of the first U.S. Chambers of Commerce in 1807 and the Ancient Order of United Workmen in 1865."

- "It was in Meadville that the primary election, now in general use, was invented in 1842, and the first fraternal orphanage was established by Odd Fellows in 1874."