Explore Centre County’s History & Culture
Welcome to the Centre County Encyclopedia of History & Culture, an online resource sponsored by the Centre County Historical Society.
Currently, we are featuring articles about two of Centre County's historic industries: coal and limestone. Mining bituminous coal from the Mountaintop and Moshannon Valley areas was a mainstay of the county's history for nearly a century. Although the coal industry is no longer a vital part of the economy, its impact can still be seen in the ethnic composition and the built environment of the areas where it was mined. Limestone, which has been mined for more than 200 years, has played an even greater role in the economy. Throughout the 1800s, it was essential element in the county's iron furnaces, and it is still mined today for various uses by the construction industry.
We welcome your feedback about all the articles in the encyclopedia as well as your suggestions for future encyclopedia articles.
Apr 7, 2026
Coal Industry
For nearly a century the coal industry was an important element of Centre County’s economy. Coal mining also bequeathed a diverse cultural legacy, as the industry attracted immigrants from many parts of Europe.
Aug 27, 2023
Limestone
Limestone has played an essential role in Centre County’s economic history. Widely used for both industrial and agricultural purposes, limestone has been mined in the county for more than 200 years.
