Monterey, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Monterey, Pennsylvania
|
|
|---|---|
|
populated place
|
|
 Monterey, Pennsylvania
Location in Pennsylvania
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Franklin |
| Township | Washington |
| Established by | 1875 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 250 sq mi (600 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,335 ft (407 m) |
| ZIP code |
17214
|
| Area code(s) | 717 |
| Census code | 50600 |
| GNIS ID | 1181451 |
| NRHP # | 76001639 [1] |
Monterey, Pennsylvania, is a small community in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. It's not a city or town with its own government, but rather an "unincorporated community." This means it's part of a larger township, Washington Township. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) officially recognized Monterey on August 2, 1979.
History of Monterey
Early Development
Monterey's story began around 1839. Surveyors were working on a railway project called the "Tapeworm Railroad." This railroad was never finished, but it helped people notice the area. The community then grew along a main road called the Emmitsburg & Waynesboro Turnpike. This turnpike was a toll road, meaning people paid to use it. Monterey was located near a toll gate and a place called Brown's Spring. Later, in the 20th century, a new highway, Pennsylvania Route 16, was built. This new road went around Monterey, so cars didn't have to drive through the community directly.
A Popular Resort Area
Like Pen Mar Park to the south, Monterey became a popular spot for vacationers. Many resort hotels and facilities were built here. Some of these included:
- the Clermont House
- the Monterey Hotel (built in 1887)
- the Monterey House
- the Monterey Inn
- the Monterey Academy
- the Monterey Country Club
Even though the community was called Monterey, its post office, opened in the late 1800s, was named Charmian. This was because another place in Pennsylvania already had a post office named Monterey. A train station for the Baltimore and Harrisburg Railway was also built here between 1888 and 1889. It was also called Charmian Station.
Civil War Events
Monterey's location, near a main road and a mountain pass called Nichol's Gap Road, made it important during the American Civil War. In 1863, during the Gettysburg Campaign, both Union (Federal) and Confederate soldiers moved through this area. For example, Union cavalry led by General Buford passed through Monterey on their way to Fountaindale on June 29-30.
A significant battle, known as the Fight at Monterey Gap, happened here during the Confederate army's retreat from Gettysburg. On July 5, after the main battle, many prisoners of war were held near Monterey. Records show that two soldiers from the Fourth Carolina Cavalry were buried near the gatehouse of the Monterey Springs.
