Path of Progress

by Bruce Cridlebaugh

The Path of Progress is a 500-mile driving route that extends through nine southwestern Pennsylvania counties and links heritage sites. It directs visitors to key historical sites and points of interest, including four National Park Sites. Heritage sites pertain to the westward expansion of the early United States across the Allegheny Mountains, early settlement, battlefields, farming, the switch from an agrarian to an industrial society, and the Industrial Age.

Events and sites represented include: the French and Indian War, Pontiac's Rebellion, the National Road, the Pennsylvania Canal, the Pennsylvania Railroad and Horseshoe Curve, the Lincoln Highway, coal mining, steel production, related industries such as aluminum and glass, the Johnstown Flood, Fallingwater, and more.

The signage for the main loop features two signs: the round outside shape indicates travel in a counterclockwise direction (looking down at a map). The square outside shape indicates travel in a clockwise direction.

There are additional spurs and loops along the main route. Each county has one or more loops or extensions. These are not marked by signs, but appear on maps which are available at many of the major sites along the main route.

For more information, you can visit: