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Kittanning Gap facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Kittanning Gap is a natural opening or "gap" in the Allegheny Mountains in central Pennsylvania, United States. It's like a small valley or ravine that cuts through the hills. Long ago, this gap was an important part of a famous trail called the Kittanning Path.

The Kittanning Path was an old route used by Native Americans and later by early settlers. It helped them travel between central and western Pennsylvania. For settlers moving west with wagons and animals, Kittanning Gap offered an easier way to climb the steep Allegheny Ridge. It was a better choice for wagons than other, steeper paths.

Kittanning Gap is located near Altoona, PA. It's also close to the famous Horseshoe Curve, a unique railroad track built in the 1850s. The gap itself was formed by a small stream that flows only part of the year. This means it's not as deeply cut as some other gaps in the Allegheny Mountains.

History of Kittanning Gap

In the 1700s, the Kittanning Path went right through Kittanning Gap. This path was a vital route for both Native Americans and the first European settlers. It helped them move across the mountains.

People believe that the path through Kittanning Gap was chosen because it offered a gentler climb. This made it easier for people walking or pulling wagons, like Conestoga wagons, to get over the mountains.

Later, in the 1840s, the lower valley of the Kittanning Path was chosen for a new railroad line. Building a railroad through these mountains was a huge challenge. This led to the creation of the amazing Horseshoe Curve in 1854. The Horseshoe Curve was once known as one of the busiest railways in the world. Today, it is a National Historic Landmark.

Images for kids

  • USGS overview indicating Kittanning Gap's, Pennsylvania location near Altoona, PA and showing the PRR Horseshoe Curve

    Location of Kittanning Gap near Altoona, PA. This map also shows the nearby PRR Horseshoe Curve. The Kittanning Gap offered an easier way for wagons to climb the mountains.

  • USGS National Map viewer after GNIS finding Kittaning Gap, Pennsylbania near Altoona, PA and showing the PRR Horseshoe Curve

    A closer look at Kittanning Gap, located along a small stream that flows into Glen White Run.

  • USGS National Map viewer showing Kittanning Run, Pennsylvania location near Altoona--MIxed Mode topo+Sat

    This map shows Kittanning Run. The dark line below the marker is the famous Pennsylvania Railroad's Horseshoe Curve.

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