Montour County

Small in size, large in impact

Created in 1850, Montour County is geographically Pennsylvania's smallest county. It took its name from Madame Montour, a woman of Native American and French descent prominent in area Native American affairs. During the nineteenth century, Montour County was rich in iron ore and limestone, two critical minerals for producing iron. Montour Ironworks utilized the resources to create the iron used in the nation’s first T-rail in 1845, with a rail design now commonplace on railroads worldwide. Montour iron was part of the T-rails used to connect the Transcontinental Railroad on May 10, 1869 as well. Delve into Montour County’s rich history here.

The county is also the birthplace of Geisinger, a medical hub for central Pennsylvania, with the opening of Geisinger Medical Center in 1915. Founder Abigail Geisinger was in her late 80s when construction was completed. Learn more about the health system’s origins.

Find fantastic family fun, cultural activities, refreshing outdoor recreation in Montour Preserve and more in Montour County with the Columbia Montour Visitors Bureau.