Confluence/Somerset

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Confluence/Somerset

George Washington named the area we know as Confluence, "Turkey Foot" because the Casselman and Youghiogheny Rivers and Laurel Hill Creek come together here to form the shape of the local fowl's claw.

In the 1700's, Indians built villages along the rivers here. The hunting and fishing were excellent, as Confluence was a fertile sandy basin surrounded by beautiful mountains and calm wide waters.

Today, Confluence still boasts great fishing and hunting seasons, but in addition, the Yough Bike/Hike Trail has brought with it, tourism. A gazebo sits in the town square for weary travelers to rest and many restaurants, outfitters and B&B's await you.

Somerset County is located atop the Allegheny Mountains bordering Cambria County to the north, Bedford County to the east, the state of Maryland to the south and Fayette and Westmoreland counties to the west.

During the French and Indian War military expeditions carved roads through the wooded hills of what would become western Pennsylvania, opening the area for settlement.

In 1755, George Washington accompanied General Braddock and his English troops, while crossing the southwestern corner of Somerset County in an unsuccessful attempt to conquer Fort Duquesne. The trail, now known as U.S. Route 40 (National Road), was the first step in settling and developing Somerset County.

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