Aug. 02, 2023
COCHRANTON – Rep. Parke Wentling (R-Mercer), who also serves as a commissioner to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC), recently took part in dedicating the latest PHMC historical marker along the French Creek in Cochranton, Crawford County. A marker now stands at the McFate Archaeological Site, detailing its importance to Pennsylvania history.
“The McFate Archaeological Site represents the uncovering of an important page in the story of our Commonwealth,” Wentling said. “This marker does not signal the end of research at McFate. Instead, I hope it will kickstart even further study of this unique culture. Thanks to the hard work of Cochranton Mayor Mark Roche and the Cochranton Area Redevelopment Effort, visitors to McFate will know just how significant the site is to Pennsylvania’s past.”
McFate is the site of an excavation in the 1930s that uncovered a Native American culture unique to northwestern Pennsylvania and Southwestern New York. The distinctive pottery designs found during the dig have been termed "McFate Incised."
The PHMC marker at McFate is one of nearly 2,600 historical markers across the state. These markers recognize important people, places and events in the history of the Commonwealth.
Photo courtesy of Marilyn Black.
Representative Parke Wentling
7th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jake Gillespie
717-772-9834
JGillespie@pahousegop.com
RepWentling.com
(From left to right) Borough of Cochranton Mayor Mark Roche, Senator John Heinz History Center Senior Curator Leslie Przybylek, Cochranton Area Redevelopment Effort President Marsha Rynd and Rep. Parke Wentling pose with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission marker detailing the McFate Archaeological Site.