Inside today’s Altoona Mirror, readers will find a special publication dedicated to America’s 250th birthday — its semiquincentennial.

It’s impossible to do more than briefly skim through our shared history in one edition — after all, thousands of books, papers and articles have been written about the United States of America, and indeed, there are several major research institutions, federal archives and special facilities all dedicated to the history of the U.S.

The aim of this commemorative edition, then, is not to tell all, but to inspire, remind and prompt us to discover our America — the good and the not-so-good history we share by living together in this “Great Experiment,” as intoned by President George Washington. (Who, if you didn’t know, stayed in Bedford during the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794).

The test of self-governance has survived, albeit shakily at times, for 250 years, an auspicious number to be sure.

When we look over the City of Altoona from atop Gospel Hill, over Claysburg from Sproul Mountain, over Bedford County from Brumbaugh Mountain and from high points along I-99, Route 56 and more, it’s hard to imagine how the landscape appeared 250 years ago.

There were, of course, woods — this being Penn’s Woods after all — but there were also foot paths worn down by the Native Americans and a few settlers, streams and rivers, cabins and some horses and cattle interspersed with wild animals that called this region home, including apex predators such as the Eastern cougar, gray wolf and Canada Lynx and large mammals like deer, bear, elk, moose and bison.

It was also dark — candles were the norm; Thomas Edison didn’t perfect his light bulb until the 1870s.

Fort Roberdeau provided lead to the Continental Army during the American Revolution; forts in Huntingdon County provided iron, coal and farm goods.

Fort Bedford in Bedford County was a British base during the French and Indian War. Cambria County, with the Allegheny Portage Railroad, helped push the nation westward.

The completion of the Horseshoe Curve and the Allegheny Tunnel meant rail passengers could travel between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh in as little as 13 hours. Before that, it would take three to five days on a variety of transport, including canals. Before the canals, it would take three weeks to travel that same distance by Conestoga wagon.

While today’s Pennsylvania is missing the moose, wolf and cougar, among others, this area remains rich in history, with shadows of the past still standing — seek them out and marvel at their steadfastness.

Bedford County’s Jean Bonnet Tavern, built in the early 1760s, remains at the junction of Forbes Road and Burd Road, now Route 30 and Route 31.

Cambria County has the Hugh Roberts Homestead, dating from 1799, while Blair County’s Baker Mansion dates from 1849.

Construction on the East Broadtop Railroad in Huntingdon County started in 1872 and reached Mount Union a few years later. The rail line is now used for excursions and the museum tells the tales of days gone by.

Hard work built this region and it’s important to pay homage to that, especially in this, our 250th year.

We urge our readers to take some time to visit local historical societies or check out some books from the local libraries.

Not everyone enjoys reading about the past, but pick a subject that interests you. Perhaps you’re interested in historic artifacts — the Baker Mansion Museum and Fort Bedford Museum are full of bits and pieces of the past, as are the museums in nearby towns and counties.

Looking for a broader take on the United States? Pick a location or subject and do a little research, either at the library or online. Take a virtual tour, or two or five.

On this, the cusp of America’s 250th anniversary, we urge you to explore, learn and appreciate this land that we call home.