The Big Coffee Pot, built in 1927 along U.S. 30—the Lincoln Highway—in an era when businesses along the highway used architectural gimmicks to entice drivers to pull over and visit their establishment, is perhaps the most striking icon Bedford, Pennsylvania has to offer, but it’s not the only thing worth seeing.
Bedford’s location on the Lincoln Highway, which was the key east-west route connecting Philadelphia to the west, brought it visitors and business, but the development of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in the 1940s has made it a quieter stop, and one worth a visit.
In 1758, according to the historic marker, British General John Forbes, a Scot, and his troops were sent to carve a 300-mile trail through the woods to Pittsburgh and capture the French Fort Duquesne, now Pittsburgh, at the Three Rivers junction during the French and Indian War. The trail became known as the Forbes Road. If you are a baseball fan, the old Forbes Field in Pittsburgh was named for Forbes Avenue which is where the stadium (now demolished) was located.
Fort Duquesne, burned by the French before being captured, was named for Ange Duquesne de Menneville, Marquis du Quesne, the French governor of New France. Duquesne University in Pittsburgh was named for him.
A Pennsylvania Turnpike note: If you have driven the Turnpike to Pittsburgh, it can be a harrowing journey. It is a toll road connecting Philadelphia to the Pittsburgh area, originally built for a railroad line. It was later rebuilt for highway traffic and that is why it is so narrow. Bedford is at the Exit 146 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
In Bedford and a very short distance from the Turnpike is Old Bedford Village which is accessed across the Claycomb covered bridge. There are over 36 buildings replicating the 18th-century village. You can take a horse and buggy ride with a guide to gain the whole experience.
In the center of town, you will find the Bedford Courthouse. Back in 1774 it was the Bedford prison area while court hearings were held in local pubs. Criminals were subjected to the whipping posts and the pillory. On the courthouse corner is a nice WWII monument.On the same corner, during Christmas season, is Santa’s Mailbox.
Bedford holds a fall foliage festival, and is also known for the Fort Bedford Museum and the National Museum of the American Coverlet.
For even more on Bedford, see Stephanie Kalina-Metzger’s TravelGumbo blog on the town.
