The history of the Lumber Heritage Region isn’t just about timber and trade – it’s a story of deep courage, patriotism, and legendary frontier skill. As part of our 25 for 25 Legacy Campaign, we honor the brave locals who carried our region’s unique identity onto the battlefields of the Civil War.

Formed in 1861, the 42nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry was recruited primarily from the lumber and rafting counties of Cameron, Elk, McKean, and Tioga. Known as the “Bucktails,” these skilled woodsmen and sharpshooters wore a patch of white deer tail on their wool caps as a symbol of their frontier heritage and marksmanship.

Their legacy of bravery and profound connection to our northern forests remains one of the proudest chapters in Pennsylvania’s history. This GivingTuesday, you can help us protect these vital stories, expand historic trail networks, and fund educational youth camps across our 15 counties. Please consider making a $5, $25, $250, or $2,500 donation to secure our conservation and heritage mission for the next 25 years.

Honor our region’s heritage and make your gift today:

https://lumberheritage.org/about-us/25for25

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