Historic Sites

The Pomeroy Academia Covered Bridge proudly stands as the longest covered bridge remaining in Pennsylvania. The bridge spans an impressive 278 feet, 4 inches across the Tuscarora Creek near Academia.

Constructed in 1902 by James N. Groninger, the bridge showcases the enduring craftsmanship of the double span Burr Arch design. It holds a prestigious place on the National Register of Historic Places, underscoring its significance in our state’s architectural history. In June 2009, we celebrated a major milestone with the completion of an extensive eight-year restoration project, which cost $1.4 million. This stands is a testament to our longstanding dedication to preserving of our cultural heritage sites.

While you’re here, don’t forget to sign the visitor’s book, to put your name alongside visitors from across the nation and world!

Another site in Academia, Book Indian Mound is a cautionary tale in historic preservation. An early publication on the subject was U.J. Jones’ “History of the Early Settlement of the Juniata Valley,” published in 1889. For many years, the mound’s purpose and ultimate significance remained a mystery. In 1929, we finally got some answers with an excavation by archaeologists from the Pennsylvania Historical Commission.

Tragically, prior to this discovery, early landowners, unaware of the mound’s cultural importance, had used much of its contents as fertilizer, scattering these irreplaceable artifacts across their fields. Additionally, curious locals conducted their own searches, removing numerous Indigenous relics. By the time of the Commission’s official excavation, the site had suffered significant alterations due to plowing and vandalism, obscuring many of its characteristic features.

From the belated excavation, the site was determined to be a burial mound of the earliest communities of the Clemson Island Culture in Central Pennsylvania (during the Late Woodland Period circa 700 ce – 1300 ce). It’s impossible to say what we could have learned about this prehistoric culture had this site not been treated with such little regard.

This story underscores the vital need for the preservation of such sites, not only to honor and understand the past but to respect the cultural heritage of the indigenous communities connected to these lands.

The Juniata County Historical Society does not own this site, so please be respectful when visiting.

In May 1873, architect L.M. Simon from Harrisburg was commissioned to draw plans for a new courthouse in Juniata County. By June 1, 1873, a contract was established with John B.M. Todd to supply 425,000 good bricks and 20,000 pressed bricks. In July 1873, advertisements for proposals were prepared, and on August 11, 1873, bids for the “erection and enlargement of the Courthouse” were accepted by the commissioners.

Messrs. Hetrich & Fleisher of Newport, Perry County, were awarded the contract to build the new courthouse according to the plans and specifications for the sum of $42,100.00, with a completion date set for January 1, 1875. The courthouse was completed as per the contract, with the addition of a bell tower, clock, furniture, pavement, fences, and other improvements, bringing the total cost to $63,000.00.

This current courthouse is the second one used to house the county’s government. The first Juniata County Courthouse was constructed in 1833 based on plans prepared by Thomas McCurdy. The County Commissioners accepted these plans, and a contract was made with Ames Gustine and Everett Oles to erect the courthouse at a cost of $3,940.00. The first courthouse served until 1873 when the building was razed to make way for the new structure.

While the Juniata County Historical Society does not own or administer the courthouse, we maintain a revolving display of county artifacts in the bookcases located in the hallways of the courthouse. These exhibits offer visitors a glimpse into Juniata County’s rich history and heritage.

Established May 17, 1794, the Tuscarora Valley Primitive Baptist Church stands as a beacon of Juniata County’s rich spiritual and communal history. This historic church traces its origins to the fervent reform movements of the early Protestant Reformation and embodies the enduring traditions of America’s early Baptist communities.

The church faced various challenges over the years, including periods of inactivity and the eventual re-establishment of their meeting house using materials from their original log structure. Embodying the traditional values of Primitive Baptists, they resisted modern innovations in church practice, maintaining a focus on fundamental ecclesiastical principles like unsalaried ministers and a cappella singing.

The last recorded meeting occurred in 1947, concluding a significant chapter in Juniata County’s spiritual heritage, yet leaving behind a legacy of steadfast faith and community resilience.

Offered to the Juniata County Historical Society through a bequest from [XXXXX], we’re proud stewards of this historic site. We honor and preserve the legacy of the Tuscarora Valley Primitive Baptist Church, ensuring that its story of faith and community endures for future generations to learn from and admire.