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Fort Hill, Pennsylvania facts for kids

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Fort Hill, Pennsylvania
Unincorporated community
Fort Hill, Pennsylvania is located in Pennsylvania
Fort Hill, Pennsylvania
Fort Hill, Pennsylvania
Location in Pennsylvania
Country United States
State Pennsylvania
County Somerset
Elevation
1,585 ft (483 m)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
15540
Area code(s) 814
GNIS feature ID 1175007

Fort Hill is a small, unincorporated community in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, United States. This means it's not a town or city with its own local government. You can find Fort Hill along the Casselman River. It is about 4.6 miles (7.4 km) east-northeast of a place called Confluence. Fort Hill even has its own post office, which has been open since December 23, 1885. Its ZIP code is 15540.

Fort Hill's Early History

Ancient Native American Village

Long ago, Fort Hill was home to a Native American settlement. People from the Monongahela culture lived here. Archeologists believe this village existed around the years 1275 to 1300.

In 1939 and 1940, a group called the WPA did an excavation here. This was a government program that created jobs during the Great Depression. Edgar Augustine led the dig, finding important clues about the ancient village.

Railroad History

Fort Hill was once an important stop along the old Baltimore and Ohio Railroad main line. This railroad was a major way to travel and transport goods across the country.

In 1872, a book of photographs showed views from along the B&O's lines. One of these pictures featured the natural beauty of Fort Hill. These old photos help us see what the area looked like many years ago.

Outdoor Fun at Fort Hill

Fort Hill is a great spot for outdoor activities, especially if you love trails. It has an access area for the Great Allegheny Passage. This is a very popular rail trail, which means it's a path built on old railroad lines.

The Fort Hill access area is special because it's the only place with parking between Markleton (to the northeast) and Harnedsville (to the southwest). This makes it a convenient starting point for hikers and bikers exploring the trail.

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