Lost Resting Places: Grave of William C. Bennett

During a very muggy and hot day in July, a few friends and me decided to investigate a nearly forgotten resting place of a Civil War soldier. The grave of William C. Bennett is nestled in the middle of the Stone Valley Recreation area just south of State College PA. Bennett was part of the 148^th Pennsylvania Volunteer Company F and later transferred to Company G of the 53^rd Regiment of Pennsylvania in the mid 1860’s. Bennett died on July 18^th of 1913 and was laid to rest in the boundaries of what is now the recreation area. I had stumbled upon his grave like I do with so many things when I am just out exploring and this time I had my camera with me.

Stone Valley Recreation area is a great place to explore and spend the day. Hiking is what brought me to this area and the scenery is great. The area has a rich history of Native American culture, farming, and later the Iron Industry. In the early 1930’s the land was acquired by the

government for resettlement and later deeded to the Pennsylvania State University in 1954. The Recreation area is now home to research, boating, hiking, fishing, and picnic areas. The main attraction in this 7000 acre area is the man made lake Perez, but on our visit the dam was having work done and the lake was dry.

We arrived driving into the east entrance via Charter Oak Road.  Making a turn left onto Red Rose road about 0.3 Miles and then a sharp right we stayed on the paved road that lead into the parking lot on the right. From the parking area we walked the Started of the Orange Blazed Lake Trail and a short walk later crossed Shaer’s Creek over a small footbridge. At the next trail intersection we proceeded to follow the Blue Blazed Sawmill trail until we reached a paved road. At this point we didn’t cross the road and continued straight until we got to Homestead trail. Homestead trail got it’s name from the foundations of an old farm and house that can still be seen form the trail if you know where to look. Along Homestead trail bearing left we crossed the paved road onto an Old Forest gravel road. We walked around the entrance gate and continued a hike up a large hill and near the crest was the marker I had found years before on the right hand side.

There is a small path that goes up to the marker and an American Flag sits beside this lonely grave. I could not find out much about this solider but hope his resting place continues to be a peaceful stop along the trail.

Dried up Lake Perez

1000 Steps Hiking Trail

   

  Imagine having to commute each day for work by climbing 1000 steps. In the early 20^th century workers at the Jack's Mountain quarry had to make their way up the mountain side daily whether sun, rain, or even snow. At first the only way up the mountain was to follow the switch back railroad lines that curved up the mountain side. In the 1930s workers constructed an easier path up the mountain, straight up. Thus the 1000 Steps hiking trail was born and is still available to climb today.

      Just west of Mt. Union Pennsylvania lies a part of the Allegheny mountains know as Jack's Mountain. The area was quarried for sand and rock to help build heat proof furnaces for the booming steel industry. At the base of the mountain, known as Jack's narrows, Route 22 runs along the Juniatta river. This essential pass was also home at one time or another to other great transportation means such as the PA Turnpike, PA canal, and the PA Railroad.

      1000 Steps can be enjoyed by anyone who wishes to test their fitness. A small parking area sits along Route 22 near the Mapleton Gas Station west of Mt. Union PA. The trail head is a short walk from the parking area near the guide rail. Water can be seen flowing off the mountain along the trail. The steps are made from the rocks that litter the mountain. Some of the rocks even have fossils to discover along the way. At the top of 1000 steps, 1030 to be exact, if you take the trail to the left you will come across an old building. Continuing left and a short distance up the mountain the best lookout is marked with an old rail. A breath taking view awaits anytime of the year. However, my personal favorite time is in the autumn watching the trains follow the Juniata river into Mapleton. If you decide to take on this well worth challenge, my best advise is to take your time and pack some water.