Wyalusing Path facts for kids
The Wyalusing Path was an old trail used by Native Americans. It connected two important places in Pennsylvania: Wyalusing and a village called Canaserage (now Muncy).
Wyalusing is in Bradford County, on the east side of the North Branch of the Susquehanna River. Muncy is in Lycoming County, on the east side of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. This path was a shortcut between these two main parts of the Susquehanna River. Without it, travelers would have to go much further. They would follow the North Branch south to where it met the West Branch. Then they would go north up the West Branch to Muncy.
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The Path's Journey
The Wyalusing Path started by going south from Wyalusing for a short distance. Then, it crossed the Susquehanna River near a Moravian village called Friedenshütten.
Following Creeks and Mountains
The trail followed Sugar Run Creek upstream. It then climbed Bartlett Mountain. From there, it went into what is now Sullivan County. This was near the modern village of Colley.
The Wyalusing Path also climbed Dutch Mountain. It passed between the beginnings of Loyalsock Creek and Mehoopany Creek. The exact route here is not fully known. However, it met Muncy Creek near its start in Sullivan County. The path then followed Muncy Creek all the way to its end at Canaserage (Muncy).
Travelers on the Path
Much of what we know about the Wyalusing Path comes from people who traveled on it. They wrote down their experiences.
Samuel Harris's Trip
In May 1772, a traveler named Samuel Harris used the path. He wrote that he had to cross Muncy Creek twenty times. This shows how challenging the trail could be.
Bishop Ettwein's Journey
In June 1772, a Moravian Bishop named John Ettwein led a large group. There were about 200 Lenape and Mohican Christians with him. They traveled from their village of Friedenshütten (which means Cabins of Peace). They went west along the Wyalusing Path to Muncy. Along the way, they crossed Muncy Creek thirty-six times!
From Muncy, they continued their journey. They used the Great Shamokin Path and other trails. Their goal was a new village called Friedensstadt (meaning City of Peace). This new home was on the Beaver River in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Why the Path Was Important
The Wyalusing Path went through some of the roughest land in northeast Pennsylvania. Even so, it was a very important route for Native American people. It helped them travel and trade between different areas.
