Overview

Fulton County is a small, rural county in the southern part of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. The county seat is McConnellsburg. As reported by the 2010 census, the population was 14,845. Its location in the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians gives it a mix of farmland, forest, and low mountain ridges; consult a county map for topographic and road details.

Geography and demographics

Bordering Maryland to the south, Fulton County occupies a largely rural landscape with low population density compared with Pennsylvania’s urban centers. Settlement is distributed among small boroughs and townships; land use is dominated by agriculture, managed forest, and open space that supports seasonal recreation such as hiking, hunting, and scenic drives.

History

The county was formed in 1850 from territory taken from neighboring counties and was named for Robert Fulton, the American inventor associated with steam navigation. Its growth and local economy historically followed patterns typical of south-central Pennsylvania: family farms, small mills and shops, and transportation corridors that passed through valley gaps in the Appalachians.

Economy and culture

Fulton County’s economy emphasizes agriculture, timber and other natural-resource uses, plus local services and small-scale manufacturing. Community life centers on town events, churches, historical societies and outdoor activities that draw residents and visitors to the county’s rural scenery.

Government and communities

The county government is headquartered in McConnellsburg and provides courts, records, public safety coordination and other county services. The region is organized according to Pennsylvania’s traditional county, borough and township structure.

  • Founded: 1850
  • County seat: McConnellsburg
  • Population (2010): 14,845 (census)
  • Region: Appalachian Ridge and Valley

Notable facts

Fulton County is valued for its rural character, historical sites and access to outdoor recreation. For official information and planning resources, consult state and county web pages such as state resources and local county information.