Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission

Over the past 7 years we've been following the Pennsylvania Historical Marker Trail all through our great state and documenting them here on the blog. Millions of people walk or drive by these markers every year and never give them a second thought. They're a great source of historic information and we're trying to bring some much needed attention to them.

We were following the Historic Marker Trail through Dauphin County and Harrisburg when we found the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Historical Marker that's located on State Farm Road in Harrisburg. You'll find it sitting right along the road and in front of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission property. If you're unfamiliar with the area, you'll find State Farm Road right off of Elmerton Avenue.

Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Historical Marker

Governor Andrew G. Curtin signed an act on March 30, 1866, establishing a commission to improve water quality and restore migratory fish passage. It serves as a leader for national initiatives, including state fish hatcheries and environmental and habitat protection regulations and law enforcement. The agency protects, conserves, and enhances Pennsylvania’s aquatic resources, and provides fishing and boating opportunities.

By: 2016 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

We're big fans of waymarking, documenting historical markers and we enjoy checking out what we call "local artist street art". If you drive onto their property and located near their front door you'll find this really beautiful mosaic fish sculpture. I wish they would put an informational plaque out there giving us some information on it. Sadly, I didn't find any information there or online about it.

Right by the fish sculpture you'll find the Ralph W. Abele Historical Marker, so you can document 2 markers on the property.

Ralph W. Abele Historical Marker
(1921-1990)

Conservation leader and Pennsylvania Fish Commission executive director, 1972-87. Abele’s “Resource First” philosophy strengthened the agency’s mission to protect, conserve, and enhance water quality, improve fish passage, and increase youth conservation education. Notable achievements included modernizing the Fish and Boat Code, emphasizing conservation enforcement, and leading efforts to restore American shad to the Susquehanna River.

By: 2012 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

If you enjoy waymarking and/or documenting historical markers you can check out that entire section right here on our Pennsylvania and Beyond Travel Blog.We're documenting our finds over on Pinterest too!