History: Local: Cherry Tree: Cambria Co, PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Clark Creery.

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"CHERRY TREE" - By A. C. Towner

     Cherry Tree lies in the foothills of the Alleghenies where 
Cush Cushion Creek joins the West Branch of the Susquehanna 
River.  This location in Cherry Tree marks the northern boundary 
of a large tract of land purchased in 1768 by the heirs of 
William Penn from the Indians.  Known originally as "Canoe 
Place", this was the farthest point upstream that travel by 
canoe was possible.  This site was well used by Indians and 
traders who either tied their canoes here or portaged them 
overland to the next navigable stream.  The land in this 
vicinity was abundant with wildlife and contained excellent 
stands of white pine, hemlock, oak and other hardwoods.

     With the arrival of the first settlers in the early 1800's 
lumbering was established as the main industry.  Rafting began 
from here in 1827, adding greatly to the community's growth and 
importance.  During the half century period that followed, log 
rafts measuring 250-300 feet were moved from here down the 
Susquehanna to market.  During this period numerous folk ballads 
were created by the loggers and raftsmen.  A favorite one 
described the adventures and accomplishments of Cherry Tree's 
Joe Creery who broke a seven-mile long log jam and who also 
cleared away some of the most damaging rock hazards on the 
river.

     Cherry Tree was also noteworthy as one of the "stations" on 
the "underground railroad" route north for slaves escaping to 
freedom.  They received assistance from Dr. George M. Gamble, a 
"conductor", who provided them with food, clothing, money and 
shelter.

     This community, incorporated on 30 April 1855, had a series 
of name changes over the years.  Following "Canoe Place" and in 
succession, it was known as "New Lancaster", "Bardsville", 
"Newman's Mills", and "Grant".  In 1907 it was changed to 
"Cherry Tree", named for the large, wild black cherry tree
that stood in the center of this community and marked the 
boundary of the Indian land purchase.  During a spring flood in 
the 1830's this enormous tree was washed out of its roots and 
was moved down stream.  In the years that followed the course of 
the river has changed and the present monument is located near 
the center of the original river bed.