County Information

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Government information site on demographics, economics, and educational information: http://govinfo.library.orst.edu/

US Census Bureau
United States Department of Commerce
Timely, relevant, and quality data about the people and economy of the United States: http://www.census.gov/

USDA Home Page: http://www.usda.gov

Cooperative Extension

O & CE Homepage

Mercer County (population 121,000) was created on March 12, 1800, from part of Allegheny County and named for General Hugh Mercer. It was attached to Crawford County until February 1804 when it was formally organized. Mercer is the county seat.

Located in Western Pennsylvania, at the crossroads of Interstates 79 and 80, the area features include 4 lakes, 12 golf courses, the world's only free golf course, forests abundant with game, the world's largest shoe store, candy shoppe and Christmas displays, America's oldest metal forge, top hotels and inns, Manufacturers' Outlet Shops, outstanding festivals and more! From Indian trails to Amish communities, traces of the past still exist in Mercer County.

Agriculture is the number one industry of Mercer County including dairy, livestock and grain operations with many agri-businesses providing service. Tourism and industry are other major parts of the economy.

Penn State Cooperative Extension, Mercer County, is a vital educational resource in the local and regional communities. Staffed by highly trained, dedicated professionals, Extension affords Mercer County residents and businesses numerous opportunities to access Penn State's research-based information and expertise so that they may make well-grounded decisions about improving the quality of their lives. Extension Agents provide programs related to :

• Agriculture and Natural Resources
  (Agriculture, Food Safety, Horticulture, Urban and Community Forestry),
• Children, Youth and Families
  (Strengthening Families, Youth Development / 4-H, Nutrition and Health) and
• Community and Economic Development
  Extension offices, located in each of Pennsylvania's 67 counties, are one part of Penn State Outreach and Cooperative Extension, which also includes Continuing Education, Distance Education / World Campus, and Public Broadcasting.