01/27/2026
Today, January 27, is the birthday of Thomas Leiper Kane, born 1/27/1822. When war broke out he was the first Pennsylvanian to sign up! He served as Union Army Colonel during the Civil War and commanded The Pennsylvania Bucktails Reserve Regiment during several battles. He was promoted to Major General for his gallantry in Gettysburg. After the war, his family settled in McKean County. He owned 100,000 acres of land where coal mining activities were occurring. He was President of The New York, Lake Erie and Western Coal Railroad Company. He proposed and funded the Kinzua Viaduct be built across Kinzua Creek Valley improving transportation to NY.
The Big Level and Kinzua Country Store located 2 miles from the Kinzua Bridge contains many artifacts on the viaduct, General Kane and the Civil War. It is quite the learning experience.