Elk County was formed on April 18, 1843, from parts of McKean, Clearfield, and Jefferson Counties, and was named for the large elk herds that roamed the area. Ridgway, the county seat, was named for Jacob Ridgway, a local landowner. As settlement increased, the indigenous elk population was hunted to extinction. A herd was later introduced from members of western elk herds, and has grown to number around 230. They can be seen roaming near the airport in Benzinger Township or in the Benezette area. Early settlers were attracted by the large amount of forest land, and the timber industry thrived. Lumber was floated down the Clarion, Allegheny, and Ohio Rivers to Pittsburgh, Louisville, and New Orleans. The coming of the railroad in 1864 added to the growth of the early economy. By 1890, coal, oil and the tanning industry were important economic drivers. Today, paper, carbon and powdered metal are key to the county’s economy. Elk is one of four counties that have large areas lying within the Allegheny National Forest. The first state game lands established in Pennsylvania were established in Elk County in 1920.