Bedford Borough Celebrates 230 Years
Last month, Bedford Borough celebrated 230 years since its incorporation. Located in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, the borough is 102 miles west of Harrisburg and 107 miles east of Pittsburgh and is the county seat for Bedford County. U.S. Route 30, also known as the “Lincoln Highway,” passes through Bedford. Prior to the opening of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in 1940, Route 30 was the key east-west route connecting Philadelphia to the west.
Bedford holds a unique place in history. In 1758, the British Army arrived and set up Fort Bedford, named after the powerful Duke of Bedford in England. The fort was built as one of the many British Army steppingstones through the state leading to the forks of the Ohio River, with the other side of the forks dominated by American Indians. The British used the fort to drive out the French to ensure the new continent would be English-speaking.
Today, the Bedford Municipal Building houses the borough offices, the Municipal Authority of the Bedford Borough, incorporated in 1951, and the Bedford Police Department.
Congratulations Bedford Borough on celebrating 230 years in 2025, and good wishes for more to come!
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“Last year was my 30th anniversary of my move to Bedford. Having just a short drive to all the advantages of a bigger city, you have the best of both worlds.
From the beginning, I noticed the extreme friendliness of those in Bedford. Rural communities are places that people are proud to be from and live in. Among the many benefits of a small town like Bedford is that they pull together for emergency situations and community support.
Many small towns began to fail with the advance of modern times, but Bedford has found its niche and became well known for the many productive small businesses that thrive within our community.
There is a proud sense of community that you find in small towns. I have found there is a contagious spirit abundant in my small town and people are drawn to the area, even for just a day to get out of the city, enjoy the fresh air, niche retail stores and local products.”
~Barbara Diehl, Bedford Borough Manager
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