Go Back In Time At Meadowcroft Rockshelter In Avella, PA

A stroll down the street, any street in Pennsylvania, inevitably brings us close to history, whether we realize it or not. Pennsylvania, after all, is rich with a history that dates back to 1681. However, there’s a historic destination in Pennsylvania that goes back even further, and it’s one place every Pennsylvanian should visit at least once.

Tucked away in the small Western Pennsylvania town of Avella, Meadowcroft Rockshelter & Historic Village is considered "the oldest site of human habitation in North America."

Operated by the Heinz History Center, a popular Pittsburgh attraction, this historic destination in Pennsylvania welcomes visitors seasonally to get a glimpse of the rock overhang that served as a shelter for those first inhabitants of the area.

Albert Miller is credited with first discovering Meadowcroft in 1955. The rock overhang sat on his land, where he began to discover artifacts. Nearly two decades later, the excavation process began.

That process resulted in the discovery of more than two million artifacts, including tools the original inhabitants used.

Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village opened to visitors in 1969, and immediately began drawing history buffs, curiosity seekers, and school groups.

Today, visitors can get a glimpse of what life was like over the past 500 years by joining a guided one-hour tour that includes a stop at the Rockshelter.

As you tour the oldest place in Pennsylvania, you may feel as though you're time-traveling - stopping at a 400-year-old prehistoric Indian Village before exploring a 1700s Frontier Trading Post.

Along the way, you'll also learn more about rural life in 19th-century Western Pennsylvania. The historic village offers the chance to watch a blacksmith at their craft.

Bring along a picnic, too, so you can take a breather and relax before continuing your adventure.

Find more information, including days and hours, on the Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village website. Or, stop by its Facebook page.

Have you been to this historic destination in Pennsylvania? Share your experience in the comments! Did you know that Gettysburg is one of the most historic towns in Pennsylvania? It’s also been named one of the best small towns in America.

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Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, 2759, 401 Meadowcroft Rd, Avella, PA 15312, USA

This Is The Oldest Place You Can Possibly Go In Pennsylvania And Its History Will Fascinate You

Beth Price-Williams

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