Salley Shirey Bücher

Nestled in the hills of western Pennsylvania, the Ligonier Valley exudes an air of mystery, with its small towns and rolling countryside concealing a rich history. Once an early industrial hub, the valley thrived on lumbering, mining, and iron production until resources dwindled. Author Sally Shirey utilizes hundreds of rare photographs to narrate the story of this beautiful, historic area. Readers can glimpse the valley as it once was, where pioneers, after descending Laurel Mountain, chose to settle and build their lives. In 1758, Gen. John Forbes's army erected Fort Ligonier, and John Ramsey laid out the town around a central square known as the Diamond. The arrival of the Ligonier Valley Rail Road spurred population growth, leading to the development of the hospitality industry, with establishments like the Hotel Breniser and Ligonier Springs Hotel catering to both tourists and locals. Idlewild Park, established in the 1870s, continues to be one of America's most beautiful amusement parks. Today, the reconstructed Fort Ligonier is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, preserving the valley's legacy for future generations.