Panic, Pennsylvania facts for kids

Panic is a small, unincorporated community located in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It's known for its rather unusual name, which has an interesting story behind it!

What is Panic?

An unincorporated community like Panic is a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own local government, like a city or a town might. Instead, it's usually part of a larger county or township. Panic is nestled within McCalmont Township.

A Look at Panic's Past

Panic has a history that dates back to the late 1800s. It was once a small but active settlement.

How Did Panic Get Its Name?

The community of Panic most likely got its name from a big financial event called the Panic of 1873. This was a time when the economy in the United States faced a serious downturn. It caused many people to worry about money and jobs.

There's also a fun local story, a folk etymology, about how the name came to be. This tale says that a brave pioneer once fought off a bear using only an axe! While that's a cool story, the financial crisis is the more likely reason for the name. Because of its unique name, Panic has often been listed among unusual place names in the United States.

Early Days in Panic

Even though it was small, Panic was an important spot for the people living in McCalmont Township. The very first church in the township was built right here in Panic in 1871. This shows how the community was growing and becoming a center for local life.

A year later, in 1882, the township's first store also opened its doors in Panic. This meant people didn't have to travel far to buy supplies. A post office was also set up in Panic in 1881, making it easier to send and receive mail. However, the post office closed down in 1904. By 1917, Panic was described as a "tiny village," showing its small but lasting presence in the area.