Saint Marys, nestled in the Elk County,  Allegheny Mountain region of PA, began in 1842 by Bavarian, Catholic settlers.  Elk County has a population  of 35,112 and a land area of 828.7 square miles. 

 

St. Marys is the home of the smallest church in the USA, Decker's Chapel, built in 1856; and St. Joseph's Convent, the oldest Benedictine Women's Community in the US, founded in 1852.

 

Abundantly forested, timber was the first major industry.  Today, powdered metal is also a thriving industry. 

 

As part of the Allegheny National Forest, tourists from throughout the world come to view the growing elk herd. Fishing and hunting also abound in this region during all four, distinct seasons.