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Bradford, PA

About BradfordBradford was settled on the Tunungwant Creek in 1823 in the region known as the Tuna Valley but wasn't charted as a city until 1879. In 1871 oil was discovered and the price of land soared from 6.25 cents to $1,000 an acre. In less than 25 years the city boomed; residents sank wells everywhere. As the oil industry expanded in the area, the town became the world's first billion-dollar oil field. Bradford also has become a leader in manufacturing: Timber products, wooden toys, electronic parts, case knives and Zippo lighters are produced.

Of particular interest in the Downtown Bradford National Historic District are the Hooker-Fulton Building, a prime example of Art Deco architecture, and the still-operating Cline Oil Well on Main Street. Students at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford campus can choose from more than 40 majors; phone (814) 362-7500. Bromeley Family Theater, 300 Campus Dr., presents a series of touring productions; phone (814) 362-5113 for ticket information.

One mile north of Bolivar Drive on the Seaward Avenue extension is Crook Farm , a collection of restored 19th-century buildings that includes a farmhouse, barn, carpenter shop, one-room schoolhouse, train depot and nature trails. Guided tours are available by appointment; phone (814) 362-3906 for information.

The Marilla Trail System is an interconnecting system of five trails: Marilla Bridges, Marilla Springs, Indian Pipe, White Pine and Hidden Valley. These trails offer raised boardwalks, covered bridges, wildlife viewing, fishing, canoeing and scenic hiking along Marilla Reservoir. Bradford is a launching site for hiking excursions within the Allegheny National Forest and New York's Allegany State Park, where there are more than 600 miles of trails available year-round.

Visitor Centers Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau 80 E. Corydon St. Bradford, PA 16701. Phone:(814)368-9370 or (800)473-9370

Things to Do Penn-Brad Oil Museum

Zippo/Case Museum

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Bradford, PA

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Best Western Plus Bradford Inn

100 Davis St S. Bradford, PA 16701

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Holiday Inn Express Bradford

30 Tarport Dr Ext. Bradford, PA 16701

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The Lodge at Glendorn

1000 Glendorn Dr. Bradford, PA 16701

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