I was excited to be hosted by Happy Valley for my recent visit since I had been working on a visit for a long time, and Ed Stoddard with Happy Valley made it happen. I found Civil War History, Football, Ice Cream, American and European history, and Christopher Columbus in Bellefonte, Pennslyvania.
Bellefonte, PA
This small town, known for its rich history and charming Victorian architecture, is a quaint town that has produced seven governors, five in Pennsylvania and one in both California and Kansas. The town’s contribution to U.S. leadership is a testament to its historical significance.
Here is a brief video of Talleyrand Park, which is just a short walk from the main square. It is a pleasant green space where you can enjoy nature away from the hustle of the town center. It also houses the town’s welcome center.
Governor Andrew Curtin
Bellefonte’s most notable figure was the 15th governor from 1861 to 1867. He was a key supporter of President Lincoln during the Civil War and was instrumental in organizing Pennsylvania’s military efforts. Curtin’s family had deep ties to Bellefonte. The family had roots in Ireland, but Curtin’s father led the family to prosperity with iron ore in Pennsylvania.
Andrew Curtin was a staunch ally of Lincoln’s. He participated in the Battle of Gettysburg, helped found the National Cemetery there, served as Governor of Pennsylvania, Ambassador to Russia, and in the U.S. House of Representatives.
My host, Ed, local historian Matt Maris with Local Historia, and I took an abbreviated walking tour of downtown Bellefonte. I was taken with the small-town feel of the main square, which includes the courthouse and several historical markers. Andrew Curtin was born in a residence just off the main downtown square.
I also sought out Curtin’s gravesite in Union Cemetery in Bellefonte.
Bellefonte’s legacy of leadership is a point of pride for the town, featuring its historical importance and the influential figures in Pennsylvania’s history.
Eagle Iron Works and Curtin Village
Nestled in the picturesque landscape near Bellefonte, Eagle Iron Works is a massive historical site that tells the story of America’s early industrial era. It was founded in 1810 by Roland Curtin, Sr., the patriarch of the Cutin family. He established this iron furnace complex, which was vital to the region’s economy and industrial heritage.
Eagle Iron Works was instrumental in producing high-quality iron for various uses, including tools, stoves, and other goods. It was one of the seventeen furnaces located in the ore-rich area. The site includes several well-preserved structures, including the Curtin mansion, workers’ housing, and the furnace stack.
The Curtin Village features restored buildings and exhibits showcasing tools, artifacts, and the iron-making process. Guided tours provide narratives about the advancements and the impact of the iron works on the local community.
Eagle Iron Works and Curtin Village allow visitors to explore the roots of American industry while enjoying the natural beauty of rural Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Military Museum
Unfortunately, the Museum was closed on the day of my visit, but I did see a moving tribute to servicemen and women on the museum grounds. It honors the 82 Marines, Soldiers, and Sailors from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 28th Inf. Div., who were killed in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom from June 2005-2006. Modeled after the original monument built by soldiers in Iraq, dog tags inside from each fallen warrior are suspended above a wind chime, creating a subtle sound whenever the wind passes.
Boal Mansion Museum and Columbus Chapel
The Columbus Chapel and Boal Mansion Museum offer a unique glimpse into American history and European heritage. Eight generations of the Boal family lived on the estate with sprawling grounds and beautifully preserved buildings. This historic estate is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
The Boal Mansion, built in 1789, served as the ancestral home of the Boal family for over two centuries. The mansion’s architecture blends Georgian and Federal styles, offering visitors a window into the past. Each room includes original furnishings, artifacts, and artwork that tell the Boal family’s legacy story. The family and estate’s history are intricately tied to significant figures and events, including connections to American presidents and European nobility. The family trees are too massive to relate.
The Museum also features exhibits highlighting the Boal family’s contributions to American and world history. Each exhibit provides insight into the lives and achievements of this influential family’s long lineage, from military artifacts to personal memorabilia. The estate’s lush gardens and scenic surroundings offer a tranquil setting for exploration and reflection.
Columbus Chapel
The most intriguing location on the estate is the Columbus Chapel. Originally part of the Columbus family’s estate in Spain, it was transported to Boalsburg in 1909 by Theodore Boal’s wife, a descendant of Christopher Columbus. The chapel houses an extraordinary collection of relics, including a piece of the True Cross, 15th-century frescoes, and various religious artifacts. This remarkable site is hidden in plain sight on the grounds.
Visiting the Columbus Chapel and Boal Mansion Museum is truly a journey through time, offering a rare blend of American and European history. The estate’s dedication to preserving its rich history makes it a fascinating destination for travelers.
Penn State University, State College, PA
I am an Alabama Crimson Tide fan, so I knew I needed to see a possible opponent’s stadium with a serious football legacy. Beaver Stadium is enormous, with a capacity of 106 thousand. It does exceed the capacity of Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa by about four thousand.
The Campus and the Creamery
I drove through the campus, which, like the University of Alabama, has been incorporated into the city of State College. The Creamery, which sounded like my kind of place—ice cream! I had to try it. Yes, I highly recommend it! I learned that the University offers a seven-day training class in January on the manufacturing of ice cream. What a course of study that must be!
The Queen B&B
I had the pleasure of staying two nights at The Queen. The owner, Nancy Noll, is the quintessential hostess. She hits it out to the park with the comfortable Governor’s Suite to the hand-crafted breakfast each morning. Here is a brief video of the Governor’s Suite.
As I walked down the stairs for breakfast on my first morning, “Stars Fell on Alabama” played in the background. I asked Nancy how she arranged that. We laughed when she told me she was up all night getting that timed correctly. It was just one of the many coincidences that made my visit memorable. I highly recommend a stay here. The Queen will not disappoint!
I told my host, Nancy, at the Queen, where I would be dining that evening. She exclaimed you must see Titan Hollow! So, on her recommendation, I had a lovely dinner there. The Rueben was tasty, but what I remember most were the wine slushies. They were necessary after a long, hot day of touring. Titan’s entertainment space was reclaimed from a factory. The outdoor seating is welcoming, and they host live music regularly. Don’t miss their wine slushie!
Happy Valley is a feast for travelers; from football to festivals and history, you can always find something to do here. It is also a lovely place to explore the back roads. The villages and vistas will not disappoint.
