Several myths and legends of 19th century southwestern Pennsylvania are researched and retold from the historian's perspective. The Old Forbes Military Road that runs through Somerset County in Pennsylvania (Route 30) is the source of rich American history and folklore. Since their occurrence in 1889, the controversial Nicely brothers murder trial and the devastating Johnstown flood have become two of this area's most remembered historical events. Both have been recorded through oral history and embellished. This was an era of storytelling when the American wilderness was vast and rich with danger and possibility. These stories, along with many others, are brought to life in this account of Pennsylvania folklore and rural life punctuated by backwoods superstitions and romantic heroes and antiheroes. Doncaster explores other Somerset County legends including Mountain Jack, David "Robber" Lewis, and the Black Horse Inn, all in memorable and scholarly detail.