ABCs of Centre County

Jacksonville/Walker (Marion) – Located at one time at the intersection of the main road through Howard Gap, the village of Jacksonville was a major route between Bellefonte and Lock Haven. The village was named for ex-president Andrew Jackson. The Jacksonville Road, built in 1791, ran directly through this early commercial, industrial, and agricultural center. Iron ore was mined in the immediate vicinity. and a large gristmill, several stores, and taverns were located there. The Fairview Female Seminary was once located in the village. The seminary was established in 1845 and operated until 1857 with some 20 boarders a year. In 1859 it expanded to become an academic school for some 70 students, and from 1865-69 it served as a school for orphans of Civil War soldiers.

Julian/Julian Furnace (Huston) – This charcoal iron furnace was built in 1832 at Julian by James Irvin and partner John Adams, one-time foreman of the Valentine and Thomas plant. Julian Furnace was named to honor a daughter, Julia Ann, but when the railway station was completed, the name was changed to Julian. The furnace employed from fifty to one hundred men in the various branches including teamsters hauling ore from Buffalo Run Valley, and those engaged in coaling. Under the ownership of Moses Thompson & Co., it was abandoned in 1858.