The Meadville 1825 Bicentennial Celebration began with a program highlighting key historical events from 1825 in the area
Meadville: The celebration of 200 years of history in Meadville has officially begun. It kicked off Saturday at the Unitarian Universalist Church with a program called “All About 1825.”
This event is part of a series of free public programs happening throughout the year to honor significant historical moments from 1825 in Meadville. Remember, Meadville celebrated its own bicentennial back in 1988, marking 200 years since its founding in 1788.
That year, notable events included Revolutionary War Major-General Marquis de Lafayette visiting Allegheny College and the founding of several churches in Meadville. Plus, future abolitionist John Brown set up a tannery near Guys Mills, and a new courthouse was built in Crawford County.
By 1825, Meadville was on the rise, growing from just David Mead and his nine companions in 1788 to a bustling population of around 850. Edmonds noted that by 1806, Meadville had a formal city layout, reflecting its growth.
In fact, by 1820, Meadville had a distillery that produced nearly 24,000 barrels of whiskey in just one year. Crawford County was also booming, with its population jumping from 9,397 in 1820 to 16,030 by 1830.
During the 1820s, Meadville was a key player in the westward expansion of the country, attracting immigrants and commerce. Edmonds explained how the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825 made it easier for people and goods to reach the western frontier.
He mentioned that Revolutionary War soldiers were given land in western Pennsylvania as a bonus but often sold it cheaply because they didn’t want to settle there. This opened the door for others seeking affordable land.
The Erie Canal’s opening really fueled this movement, making it easier for folks to head west. Edmonds emphasized that it was all about people wanting cheap land and the commerce that followed.
The celebration also featured the opening of a Victorian Parlor and meeting room at the church, along with an art exhibit showcasing pottery made by local high school students using traditional Pennsylvania Dutch techniques.
Throughout 2025, the Meadville 1825 Bicentennial Celebration will host about two free events each month, thanks to a $2,000 grant from the Crawford Heritage Community Foundation.
Edmonds expressed the goal of the celebration: to highlight community history and preserve what remains. “It’s education — it’s how you start,” he said.
