Jefferson County was created on March 26, 1804, from part of Lycoming County and named for President Thomas Jefferson. It was attached to Westmoreland County until 1806 and then to Indiana County until 1830, when it was formally organized. Brookville, the county seat, was said to have been named for the numerous brooks and streams in the vicinity.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Towns, Brookville, features a beautifully restored Victorian Main Street. A 90-acre historic district features self-guided walking tours and turn-of-the-century nostalgia. This is especially evident during the enchanting Victorian Christmas Celebration. As a gateway to Cook Forest and Clear Creek State Park, Brookville is surrounded by some ofthe loveliest laurel fields in the state.
Another charming turn-of-the-century town, Punxsutawney's nostalgic Main Street building facades are under renovation. Beautiful tree-lined Mahoning Street features 'Millionaire's Row', preserved from the days when Punxsutawney was a thriving coal, oil, and lumber town. World renowned weather prognosticator Punxsutawney Phil makes his home here in the children's library of the Mahoning East Civic Center, downtown.
The PA Great Outdoors Region, which is comprised of Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Elk, Forest and Jefferson counties, encompasses over 400,000 acres of forest land. Of these, 6,500 acres make up Cook Forest State Park, one of Pennsylvania's most visited state parks. Clear Creek State Park is also within the boundaries of Jefferson County. The region offer dozens of craft and specialty shops, nationally-ranked country inns, log cabins, bed & breakfasts, national chain lodging facilities and a boundless variety of cultural and special annual events.
Beginning in the Spring, there are canoeing, sailing, power boating, hiking, live theatre, horseback riding, waterslides, camping, craft fairs and flea markets. In the Winter, sleigh rides, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing are popular. Spend a cozy weekend in one of the many snow shrouded cabins or inns, curled up infront of a crackling fireplace, after a day of cross country skiing or snowmobiling.
