Chinklacamoose facts for kids

Chinklacamoose was an old Native American village. It was located where the town of Clearfield, Pennsylvania is today. This village was an important place for many centuries. It existed from the early 1st century until the mid-1600s.

What Was Chinklacamoose?

Chinklacamoose was a busy Native American village. It was a stop along a major travel route. This route was called the Great Shamokin Path. The path stretched a long way. It started at the village of Shamokin. Today, that area is Sunbury. The path then went west along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. It ended at the village of Kittanning. Chinklacamoose was right in the middle of this important path.

Why Was the Village Important?

Being halfway along the Great Shamokin Path made Chinklacamoose special. It was likely a place where people rested. Travelers could trade goods there. It was a meeting point for different groups. The village was home to Native Americans for a very long time. It saw many changes over hundreds of years.

How Did the Name Change?

The name Chinklacamoose was used for a long time. But in 1804, things changed. The area became the first "township" for Clearfield County. A township is like a local government area. It helps organize land and people.

The Township Splits Up

Just three years later, the Chinklacamoose Township started to divide. It split into smaller townships. These new areas included Beccaria, Bradford, Lawrence, and Pike. By 1813, the original Chinklacamoose Township no longer existed. The old name was then lost to history.

Remembering Chinklacamoose

Even though the name is gone, the history is remembered. There is an historic marker in the area. This marker tells about the old Native American village. You can find it near State Route 879. It is about 2.5 miles south of Clearfield. The marker helps people learn about the past. It reminds everyone of the village that once stood there.