Meadville Live Cam

Situated on top of the Downtown Mall on Water Street in Crawford County



History

Meadville is a city located in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is the county seat of Crawford County and has a population of approximately 12,000 people. Meadville is situated about 40 miles south of Erie and about 90 miles north of Pittsburgh.

The city was founded in 1788 and named after David Mead, a land agent who helped establish the town. Meadville played an important role in the early history of the United States, serving as a key transportation hub for westward expansion and a center of industry in the region.

Today, Meadville is known for its charming downtown area, which features a variety of locally-owned businesses and restaurants. The city is home to Allegheny College, a private liberal arts college that was founded in 1815 and has a reputation for academic excellence. Meadville is also surrounded by beautiful natural areas, including Pymatuning State Park, which offers fishing, boating, and hiking opportunities.

In addition to its cultural and recreational offerings, Meadville is home to several notable events and festivals throughout the year, including the Crawford County Fair, the largest agricultural fair in Pennsylvania, and the Thurston Classic Hot Air Balloon Event, which draws thousands of visitors to the area each summer.

  • Economy: Meadville has a diverse economy, with industries ranging from manufacturing and healthcare to education and tourism. Major employers in the area include Acutec Precision Aerospace, Meadville Medical Center, and Channellock, a well-known manufacturer of pliers and other hand tools.
  • Education: As mentioned earlier, Meadville is home to Allegheny College, a highly-regarded liberal arts college with a strong focus on environmental sustainability. The city also has a number of public and private schools, including the Meadville Area Senior High School, which serves students in grades 9-12.
  • History: Meadville has a rich history that dates back to the late 18th century. The city played a key role in the Underground Railroad, with several homes and buildings serving as safe houses for escaped slaves. Meadville was also home to the Baldwin Locomotive Works, one of the largest locomotive manufacturers in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • Recreation: Meadville is surrounded by several parks and natural areas, including Pymatuning State Park and Woodcock Creek Lake. These areas offer a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, fishing, and boating. The city also has several community parks, such as Diamond Park, which hosts concerts and events throughout the year.
  • Events and festivals: In addition to the Crawford County Fair and the Thurston Classic Hot Air Balloon Event, Meadville hosts several other events and festivals each year. These include the French Creek Festival, the Meadville Halloween Parade, and the Meadville Council on the Arts Arts and Crafts Show.

Top Tourist Attractions

  • Baldwin-Reynolds House Museum: This historic house museum was built in 1843 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It features period furnishings and exhibits on Meadville's history and culture.
  • Drake Well Museum: Located about 30 minutes south of Meadville in the town of Titusville, the Drake Well Museum is dedicated to the history of the oil industry. It features exhibits on oil drilling, refining, and transportation, as well as a replica of the original Drake Well.
  • Pymatuning State Park: This popular state park is located about 10 miles north of Meadville and offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and camping. It also has several beaches and picnic areas.
  • Ernst Trail: This scenic trail runs for 6.3 miles through the countryside around Meadville. It is popular with hikers, bikers, and joggers, and offers views of farms, fields, and woods.
  • Meadville Market House: This historic market building was built in 1870 and has been restored to its original Victorian-era appearance. It features a variety of local vendors selling produce, baked goods, crafts, and other items.
  • The Academy Theatre: This historic theater in downtown Meadville dates back to 1885 and hosts a variety of live performances throughout the year, including plays, musicals, and concerts.
  • Allegheny College: Visitors can take a tour of this private liberal arts college, which was founded in 1815 and has a beautiful campus with several historic buildings and a modern art center.
  • Woodcock Creek Nature Center: This nature center is located about 15 minutes south of Meadville and offers exhibits on local wildlife and habitats, as well as hiking trails and educational programs.

Climate

Meadville has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, with average high temperatures in the mid- to upper-70s°F (around 25°C) and occasional thunderstorms. Winters are cold and snowy, with average high temperatures in the mid-30s°F (around 1°C) and occasional sub-zero temperatures.

Spring and fall are mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the 50s°F (around 10°C) to the 60s°F (around 15°C). The average annual precipitation in Meadville is around 42 inches (1067 mm), with the majority of this falling as rain during the summer months. Snowfall is common during the winter season, with an average annual total of around 80 inches (2032 mm).

Geography

It is situated at the confluence of French Creek and the Allegheny River, about 90 miles (145 km) north of Pittsburgh and 35 miles (56 km) south of Erie. The city has a total area of 4.6 square miles (11.9 km²), with the majority of this being land.

The terrain around Meadville is characterized by rolling hills and forested areas, with numerous lakes, streams, and wetlands. The highest point in the area is Gravel Run, which reaches an elevation of 1,320 feet (402 meters) above sea level. The area around Meadville is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing, hunting, hiking, and boating.