Ashland, Pennsylvania

Ashland, Pennsylvania is a tiny borough found in Schuylkill County, located in the eastern anthracite Coal Region of the state.  An area once entirely dependent on coal mining for its economy, today tourism, manufacturing and service-industries prosper.  Nestled in the mountains, the County provides wonderful outdoor sports and recreation, as well as being host to many festivals and fairs.

Making use of its fascinating mining history, Ashland offers the outstanding Pioneer Tunnel  that descends 1800 feet into Mahoney Mountain, exploring the coalmine that closed in 1931.  Guides are experienced miners who explain the dangers and hardships faced by those who brought the 'black gold' up from the earth.  Old mining cars refurbished with electric motors take visitors through the tunnel.  Afterward, a trip on the Lokie Henry Clay, an original steam locomotive, brings patrons up to the top of the mountain.  The Museum of Anthracite Mining is found here too, a fascinating collection of exhibits and artifacts revealing all the aspects of this once vital industry.

The quaint and charming Stain Glass Turret Bed and Breakfast lies close to both of these wonderful attractions, as well as being only a mile from the Rolling Meadows Golf Course.  While in Ashland, one must visit the uniquely beautiful Mother Monument.  A bronze sculpture of Whistler's 'Portrait in Black'', the monument was erected by the Ashland Boys Association, and she overlooks the downtown area.  

The 2000 Census recorded Ashland's population as 3,283.  The population of Schuylkill County is over 150,000 and extends over 800 square miles.  The county seat is Pottsville, which holds antique and Renaissance Fairs, along with Crab Fests and the Annual Winter Carnival.  Ashland boasts an extraordinarily low crime rate, as well as low housing costs.  The closest major city is Reading, and Philadelphia lies about 100 miles away.

Schuykill County contains two beautiful state parks offering hunting, fishing and camping, as well as mountain biking.  The Appalachian Trail crosses the County at Blue Mountain, an exciting ski area.  The Hawk Mountain Sanctuary contains 2,600 acres of wilderness.  Eight miles of hiking trails thrill birdwatchers with glimpses of hawks, falcons, ospreys and majestic eagles.

July's Kutztown Folk Festival draws crowds from all around, celebrating the finest in Pennsylvania Dutch Tradition.  Tantalizing food, quilt contests, story telling and fiddle music blend together to make a wonderful week's worth of fun.  Ashland, Pennsylvania and Schuykill County are intriguing places with much to explore.

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