Potter County History

Was the original name of County really Sinnemahoning?

Yes. The bill of January 13, 1804, proposed the creation of six new counties -- Jefferson, McKean, Clearfield, Sinnemahoning, Tioga and Cambria. It was the intention of the framers of the Act to give the Indian name Sinnemahoning, meaning "stony lick," to one (Potter) of the four new counties to be carved from Lycoming County. However, certain members of the General Assembly wanted to honor General James Potter, a hero of the American Revolution. Consequently, the name Sinnemahoning was dropped and Potter substituted. The Act was passed March 26, 1804.

Certainly, Potter is easier to spell. But, Sinnemahoning has such a nice ring when spoken. Dan

Reference: Chronicles of Central Pennsylvania, by Frederic A. Godcharles, Lewis Historical Publishing Company, Inc., 1944, Vol. VII, page 307.

Page maintained by Dan Hyde, hyde at bucknell.edu Last update March 17, 1997

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