Scotia: An Area Rich in History
Written in collaboration with Bob Hazelton
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Learn something new!
The Scotia Area and State Games Lands 176, located just minutes from downtown State College, is a landscape notable for its rare habitat and rich biodiversity. In addition, the remnants of economic activity in this area provides a fascinating insight into local history.
Starting in the late 1700’s,
the mining and smelting of iron ore played a major role in the development of Centre County. At that time, mining efforts were hampered by large amounts of clay in the soil. In the 1840’s the invention of the ore washer, and the introduction of the steam engine to power it, created a new beginning to iron ore mining. However, the region’s largest mine operator, Centre Furnace, did not implement an ore washer at any of its ore pits. Instead, they had started to focus on developing the lands previously cleared for charcoal into agriculture. The focus on agriculture led to the establishment of the Farmer’s High School in 1855, eventually becoming The Pennsylvania State University. Centre Furnace’s interest in iron ore diminished over time and was taken out of blast in 1858.
Prior to 1880,
Andrew Carnegie was operating at Pennsylvania Furnace and shipping his ore through the Lewisburg and Tyrone (L&T) Railroad to his furnaces in Pittsburgh. Hearing of other deposits a few miles to the northeast, he sent men to dig test holes on the River Hill Tract, owned by the then out of operation Centre Furnace. The River Hill tract was one of the earliest ore mines in present day State Game Lands 176, located in the north of the Scotia Barrens. The report was promising and by the summer of that year Carnegie bought the land from Moses Thompson, the iron master at Centre Furnace. Carnegie named this area Scotia, after his native Scotland.
Workers, and a community to support them, were needed to run Carnegie’s new ore mining operation. In less than 2 years, he had the L&T tracks extended to Scotia. The railroad brought the machinery to build a huge ore washer and other materials to Scotia. He also added other technologies to iron mining. He used steam shovels in the ore pits and narrow-gauge railroads to haul the ore to the ore washer. His operation expanded quickly and grew to around 200 workers. Carnegie’s operation revolutionized area iron ore mining to a level that could not have been conceived providing production at a dramatic level. But unlike other area operations he never had an iron furnace at Scotia.
Find out more about the history of this area on our
blog.
t is hard to believe when visiting the Scotia area and State Game Lands 176 today that it was loaded with such activity and such a big part of our local history.
Special thanks to Bob Hazelton and the Centre County Historical Society for their contributions in recording the history of the area and dedication to preserving its story.
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The Scotia Barrens is also one of Pennsylvania’s unique natural wonders. The rare habitat is one of the largest examples of pitch pine-scrub oak barrens remaining in the state and serves as a home to a wide variety of wildlife, a primary source of groundwater, as well as an ideal place for hands-on, outdoor learning for all. The Barrens are also destination for outdoor recreation with miles of trails for hiking, biking, birdwatching, hunting and horseback riding.
ClearWater Conservancy (CWC) has been working to conserve and restore this unique area for nearly two decades. In 2002, the Scotia Barrens was recognized as a Biological Diversity Area in the
Centre County Natural Heritage Inventory
. Then in 2010, CWC acquired 38.7 acres of the barrens, known as the Barrens to Bald Eagle Wildlife Corridor, and established a wildlife preservation area and publicly accessible trail network in Port Matilda. In 2017, an additional 18 acres of land was acquired by ClearWater and transferred to the PA Game Commission to be added to state game lands (SGL) 176.
Most recently, in 2018, ClearWater Conservancy introduced the Young Forest Initiative (YFI) with support from RK Mellon and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The initiative consists of a partnership of organizations, municipalities, landowners, and natural resource professionals committed to restoring the disappearing habitat and the many declining wildlife species that depend on it, including ruffed grouse, American woodcocks, and a variety of warbler species. Those interested in learning more about the project or contributing to its efforts in some way can email Suzy Yetter, Conservation Projects Coordinator, at
suzy@clearwaterconservancy.org
.
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Choose your own adventure!
Today many of the foundations from Andrew Carnegie’s Scotia can be found in the northern reaches of State Game Lands 176, including the ground anchors for the massive ore washer. Most of the artifact concrete structures, however, are from the attempted World War II operation and include the quarter-mile ramps to the receiving hopper. Of course you don't need to be a history buff to enjoy the wonders of the Barrens. Visitors will immediately notice a landscape unlike any other in the region, and enjoy looking for wildlife and plants that rely on the rare, pitch pine-scrub oak barrens for habitat.
To visit the
Scotia Barrens
, you can elect to enter State Game Lands 176 from any number of directions and trailheads, including from Graysdale Park in Port Matilda. From the park you can take a path near the intersection of Woods Blvd. and Meeks Lane which leads to the trailhead of a 1.4-mile loop that is suitable for all ages. The trail begins near the intersection of Meeks Lane and Scotia Rd.
ClearWater’s
Barrens to Bald Eagle Wildlife Corridor
(B2B Corridor)
also offers wonderful views along a relaxing trail with easy hiking for most ages and fitness levels. The corridor connects two important habitats for wildlife, creating an unfragmented corridor for animals migrating between the Scotia Barrens and Bald Eagle Ridge. You can access the B2B Corridor via a parking area in a residential neighborhood in Port Matilda (please drive slowly and carefully as you approach the parking area).
What to bring on your adventures:
Trails throughout the Scotia Barrens are located in state game lands, so it is important to be mindful of hunting seasons when planning a trip and to wear bright fluorescent clothing in November through December especially. Also, if you are unfamiliar with the trails in the area, review a map prior to your hike and bring a map with you as well. A flashlight, water, proper hiking or walking shoes and tick protection are also important for preparation. The area is accessed for hiking, biking, horseback riding and hunting, so visitors can expect to see a good bit of activity while exploring.
- Flashlight
- Map
- Bright-colored clothing during hunting season
- A refillable water bottle
- Sturdy and water-resistant footwear
- Long pants and socks are recommended in areas where ticks are prevalent
- Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Child carrier/backpack or is recommended for very young children
- A light snack or picnic lunch
- Cell phone for taking pictures or in case you need assistance
Remember:
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At-home adventure: Hiking with a Map
Click the image below for directions for how to
Hike with a Map!
This is for a child's or new beginner's skill level. Access even more creative, nature-inspired activities on the
Centred Outdoors website
!
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