This cache is part of the 25 cache Pennsylvania State Parks America250 GeoTrail. Have fun exploring and discovering Pennsylvania's history!
From Trail to Turnpike
The land that comprises Black Moshannon State Park was used as hunting grounds by indigenous people before the late 1700's. A well-used trail branched off the Bald Eagle Path in the Julian area to access the old growth forests and wetlands on top of the Allegheny Front. As colonists began to move into the Philipsburg area in 1796, a state road was built along parts of the trail. It had roots, rocks, and stumps, which made for difficult travel. As additional colonists settled in Philipsburg, a road that could be traveled with carts and wagons was needed to travel from the Bellefonte and Milesburg areas.The road that was approved ended up being a part of the Philadelphia-Erie Turnpike with a toll stop near Black Bear Creek. A portion of this road is still called Rattlesnake Pike. The original mile markers can be spotted along the side of Route 504 today.
The land that comprises Black Moshannon State Park was used as hunting grounds by indigenous people before the late 1700's. A well-used trail branched off the Bald Eagle Path in the Julian area to access the old growth forests and wetlands on top of the 
Allegheny Front. As colonists began to move into the Philipsburg area in 1796, a state road was built along parts of the trail. It had roots, rocks, and stumps, which made for difficult travel. As more colonists settled in Philipsburg, a road that could be traveled with carts and wagons was needed to travel from the Bellefonte and Milesburg areas. The road that was approved ended up being a part of the Philadelphia-Erie Turnpike with a toll stop near Black Bear Creek. A portion of this road is still called Rattlesnake Pike. The original mile markers can be spotted along the side of Route 504 today.
With an easier way to traverse the Allegheny Front, more people began to travel on the turnpike. A place to stay was needed, as the road was still steep and took quite some time to travel on. Rattlesnake Hotel was built near the spring along Rattlesnake Pike, and Antes Tavern was built near the bridge that crosses Black Moshannon Lake. Antes contained a tavern, rooms to stay, and a post office. There was also a ten-pin bowling alley for entertainment.
During the mid to late 1800's, E.M. Strudevent, William Underwood, and John Ardell, Jr. built lumber mills in the area. The Beaver Mills and Star Mill were quite successful for some time. During this time, Beaver Road was built to haul logs to the railroad in Julian. Casanova Road (known then as the Spite Road) was also built during the time of Antes and the mills. Today, the roads are paved and are much easier to travel than the dirt roads with planks across the wet areas.
The following image depicts a map of historic indian paths throughout the state of Pennsylvania. Many of which were utilized by colonists and converted to improved roads. 
For more information about this state park and its amenities please visit the website: Black Moshannon State Park | Department of Conservation and Natural Resources| Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
