History of Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, USA

1854 - Ebensburg
Ebensburg, a post-borough, capital of Cambria county, Pennsylvania, is situated on an eminence a few miles W. from the main Alleghany chain, 74 miles E. by N. from Pittsburg. It contains a court house, an academy, 4 churches, and about 600 inhabitants.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1895 - Ebensburg
E'bensburg, a post-borough, capital of Cambria co., Pa., is on an eminence about 15 miles (direct) W. of Altoona. By railroad it is 112 miles E. of Pittsburg, and 26 miles from Altoona. The Ebensburg Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad, 11 miles long, extends from this place to Cresson, and there connects with the main line. It has a court-house, a bank, a stone jail, an academy, 6 churches, 3 newspaper offices, a woollen-factory, 2 tanneries, and an extensive trade in lumber. Pop. in 1890, 1202.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1895 - Blizzard - THE STORM STILL HOVERS OVER THE UNITED STATES. IT IS SEVEREST IN THE EAST. TRAFFIC ALMOST ENTIRELY AT A STANDSTILL -- RAILROAD TRAINS BLOCKADED -- BUSINESS PARALYZED -- PEOPLE FROZEN TO DEATH AT SEVERAL PLACES...
...All Traffic Stopped.
Ebensburg, Pa., Feb. 9. - The Ebensburg branch of the Pennsylvania railroad is closed up for the first time in several years. The 7:30 train stuck fast in the snow at DAVIS' cut and could not get either way. The weather is 16 degrees below zero, and nothing can be done to extricate the train and Ebensburg will be isolated from the rest of the world until the weather moderates. The mail clerk from Strongtown arrived with the mail yesterday, but could not make the return trip...
The Delphos Daily Herald
Delphos, Ohio
February 9, 1895

1910 - FIRE THREATENS A TOWN - Powder Explodes In Conflagration At Ebensburg, Pa.
Ebensburg, Pa., April 13. — A conflagration, which lighted the heavens for miles around, and threatened for a time to wipe out this place was checked early this morning by the hard work of firemen aided by hundreds of citizens.

The loss caused by the fire will reach $125,000.

One man, injured by falling wells, will probably die. Four others were more or less bruised and cut by falling timbers and flying glass.

Powder stored in a hardware store exploded while the fire was at its fiercest stage, blowing walls outward and almost causing a panic. Seven business buildings and several residences were destroyed.

Ebensburg is high in the mountains and the light from the fire was easily discerned miles away.
The Sun
Baltimore, Maryland
April 14, 1910

1916
Ebensburg, a banking post-borough, summer-resort, and capital of Cambria co., Pa., is on on eminence 23 miles W. of Altoona, on the Pennsylvania R. It has coal-mines, woollen-mills, tanneries, and an extensive trade in lumber. Pop. in 1900, 1574. Elevation, about 2200 feet.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Ebensburg:
Ebensburg Main Street Historic District: Start your visit by taking a stroll through the Main Street Historic District. You'll find well-preserved buildings dating back to the 19th century, housing unique shops, boutiques, and restaurants. It's a great place for shopping and exploring the town's history.

Cambria County Courthouse: The Cambria County Courthouse is an architectural gem that dates back to 1881. It's worth admiring the building's stunning design and historical significance. You can also take a tour to learn more about its history and the legal proceedings that have taken place here.

Ghost Town Trail: If you're a fan of outdoor activities, the Ghost Town Trail is a must-visit. This 46-mile rail-trail passes through Ebensburg and offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and even cross-country skiing in the winter. The trail is surrounded by beautiful scenery, making it perfect for nature enthusiasts.

Prince Gallitzin State Park: Just a short drive from Ebensburg,... Read MORE...