Cambria County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. The county seat is Ebensburg, and its largest city is Johnstown. Cambria County covers an area of 864 square miles and has a population of approximately 143,728 people, as of the 2019 census estimates.
Geographically, Cambria County is located in the Appalachian Mountains region of Pennsylvania and is bordered by Somerset County to the north, Bedford County to the east, Blair County to the southeast, Indiana County to the south, and Clearfield County to the west. The terrain varies from rolling hills in some areas to mountainous terrain in others. The highest point in Cambria County is Blue Knob at 3127 feet above sea level.
The climate in Cambria County can be classified as humid continental with warm summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from around 25°F during winter months to 80°F in summer months while average precipitation ranges from 33 inches annually near Johnstown up to 40 inches near Altoona due to higher elevation areas receiving more snowfall during winter months.
Cambria County’s population consists mostly of white Americans with some minorities representing other ethnicities including African-Americans and Hispanics/Latinos making up about 6 percent each according to 2019 estimates. Most residents work in manufacturing or service-oriented jobs while others are employed by local government or educational institutions such as Penn State Altoona campus which opened its doors in 1989 offering undergraduate degrees for students interested in pursuing higher education close by home with tuition rates below those found at other state universities across Pennsylvania..
Cambria County offers a diverse landscape for visitors consisting of mountains, rivers and streams surrounded by lush forests filled with wildlife, quaint towns and cities with plenty of activities for everyone; plus a rich history that dates back centuries making it an ideal destination for those looking for outdoor adventure or simply wanting escape from everyday life into nature’s beauty nearby home.
Economy of Cambria County, Pennsylvania
Cambria County, Pennsylvania is largely an economically diverse area with a variety of industries providing employment. The county is home to numerous manufacturing companies that produce products ranging from automotive parts and machinery to food and paper products. Many of these firms have been in the region for decades, providing stable jobs and helping to fuel the local economy. Additionally, Cambria County is home to a growing number of technology-related businesses, with many located in the city of Johnstown. These businesses offer a range of services from software development to data management and more.
The tourism industry also provides an important economic boost for Cambria County. The county’s mountainous terrain and lush forests offer plenty of outdoor activities for visitors, including camping, hiking, fishing, whitewater rafting and more. The area also boasts several historical sites such as the Johnstown Flood National Memorial which commemorate the devastating flood that occurred in 1889 as well as Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater house which attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Education is another key component of Cambria County’s economy. Penn State Altoona Campus opened in 1989 and now provides undergraduate degrees in various fields including engineering and business administration while Saint Francis University offers a wide range of programs ranging from traditional liberal arts studies to nursing and other health sciences degrees. Both institutions also provide numerous research opportunities for students interested in furthering their studies or pursuing careers within their respective fields after graduation.
The agricultural sector has long been a staple of Cambria County’s economy with dairy farming being particularly prevalent throughout the area due to its ideal climate conditions for raising cows as well as other livestock such as sheep or goats. In addition to dairy farming, there are also several vineyards located throughout the county that produce award-winning wines while growers cultivate fruits such as apples, peaches and cherries which are sold at local farmers markets or directly from farms themselves during peak harvest season.
Cambria County offers an array of economic opportunities ranging from traditional manufacturing jobs to cutting-edge technology positions within growing industries such as healthcare or information technology while tourism continues to be an important source of revenue due to its many historical sites and natural attractions that draw thousands each year making it an ideal destination for those looking for work or simply wanting an escape from everyday life into nature’s beauty nearby home.
Libraries in Cambria County, Pennsylvania
According to babyinger, Cambria County, Pennsylvania is home to a variety of libraries that provide educational and recreational resources for its citizens. The Cambria County Library System (CCLS) consists of seven branches located throughout the county, including the Johnstown Public Library in downtown Johnstown, which serves as the main library for the system. Each branch offers books and other materials for loan, computer access, programming and events such as storytime for young children. In addition to traditional library offerings, CCLS also provides online resources such as eBooks and databases which can be accessed from any internet-enabled device.
The CCLS also offers a variety of services and programs specifically designed to meet the needs of local residents. These include adult literacy classes, book clubs, job search assistance programs, tax preparation assistance and more. Additionally, each branch has its own unique collection of materials related to its local community such as historical documents or photographs that are available for research purposes.
In addition to CCLS’s seven branches located throughout Cambria County there are several other libraries in the area that offer specialized services or collections. The Bishop McCort High School Library in Johnstown is open to both students and members of the public who wish to use its resources while nearby Saint Francis University houses an extensive collection related to theology and religious studies. For those interested in learning more about local history or genealogy there is also the Blair-Conyngham Historical Society Library located in Ebensburg which contains a wealth of information related to Cambria County’s past.
Cambria County has an array of libraries offering a wide range of services from traditional book lending to specialized research collections that help meet the needs of its citizens while providing them with educational opportunities and recreational activities at their fingertips.
Landmarks in Cambria County, Pennsylvania
According to DIRECTORYAAH, Cambria County, Pennsylvania is home to a wide variety of beautiful and historically significant landmarks. The most iconic of these is the Johnstown Inclined Plane, a 119-year-old funicular railway that connects the city’s downtown area with Westmont Borough on the other side of the valley. The plane is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a popular tourist attraction for visitors to Johnstown.
Another popular landmark in Cambria County is the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville. This memorial honors the 40 passengers and crew members who lost their lives during United Airlines Flight 93’s heroic attempt to thwart a terrorist attack on September 11th, 2001. The memorial consists of a visitor’s center, numerous monuments, and two 30-foot towers which were built in memory of those who perished.
The Quecreek Mine Rescue Site near Somerset is another important landmark in Cambria County. This site commemorates the amazing rescue mission that took place in 2002 when nine miners were trapped underground for nearly three days before being rescued by an international team of experts from around the world. Visitors can explore the mine site through guided tours or take part in educational programs about mine safety and rescue techniques.
For those interested in architecture, there are several historic churches located throughout Cambria County that are worth visiting including St Mary’s Church in Central City, Trinity Lutheran Church in Windber, Holy Name Roman Catholic Church in Ebensburg, and Christ Episcopal Church in Johnstown which was built by famous architect Frank Furness as part of his commission from steel magnate Andrew Carnegie to upgrade several churches throughout western Pennsylvania.
Finally, for outdoor enthusiasts there are many parks located throughout Cambria County including Blue Knob State Park near Claysburg which features numerous hiking trails and camping sites as well as an 18-hole disc golf course; Prince Gallitzin State Park near Patton which offers fishing opportunities along Glendale Lake; and Laurel Hill State Park near Boswell which features spectacular views from its 3200-foot summit as well as overnight camping sites for those wishing to stay overnight at this beautiful state park.
In conclusion, Cambria County has a rich history and culture evidenced through its many landmarks ranging from historical churches to national memorial sites honoring heroes lost too soon or locales celebrating amazing rescue stories. Whether you’re looking for outdoor recreation or fascinating architecture there is something here for everyone.