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This Page Last Updated: May 27, 2006

Year

Event

Pre- 1700s

An important ancient Indian trail, the Sinnamahoning Path (also known as Allegheny Portage), followed the West Branch of the Susquehanna from  “the Great Island” at Lock Haven to the Sinnamahoning Creek, to Portage Creek, then to Canoe Place near Port Allegany and on to the Seneca Indian country in the upper Alleghenies. The Sizerville area is on part of  this trail. (Map from ncpenn.com)

Pre- 1700s

The Great Salt Lick was an important Native American hunting ground. Its salt was mined to preserve food.

1784 - October 23

 The United States acquires the area from the native Americans as part of “the Last (or New) Purchase”. (J.H.Beers) (Map from ncpenn.com)

1785 or 1786

First Survey of Cameron County area. This area was then part of the Northumberland district.

1788

Travelers through the Portage Valley en route to Canoe Place (Port Allegany) mention presence of the noted Salt Lick in the vicinity.

1792 to 1795 (approx)

Bingham of Philadelphia, bought one million, one hundred and twenty-five thousand acres, a portion of which he later sold to John Keating.

1797

Land agent, John Keating of Philadelphia purchases 300,000 acres in what is now Keating and Potter counties.

1798 spring

Francis King, a surveyor, passes through the portage on his way north to Ceres. King was employed by John Keating of Philadelphia to explore lands in the northern part of the state then owned by William Bingham of Philadelphia. This was after a failed attempt the previous year. (Source Painted Hills McKean Country History)