Lopez is a destination whose distinctive character can best be explored through its local history and crafts. When choosing accommodation, a helpful first question is the purpose of your stay: Are you interested in religious heritage, the area’s former lumber industry, or the surrounding mountain landscape? These themes offer different points of focus and give you concrete starting points for planning your trip.
Church History and Local Places of Remembrance
St. Vladimir Church was founded in 1907 and is located at 127 Main Street in Lopez. The Orthodox Christian faith came to Lopez with the church, where services were held in Church Slavonic. Its history encompasses both its founding and its religious practices and language. For travelers interested in religious and local history, the church offers a concrete point of connection.
Another historic site is the Colley Township House in Lopez. In March 2009, the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission officially designated the house as a historic resource. This recognition adds a local heritage theme to the area’s religious history.
Bridges, Sawmills and Railroad
Lopez’s development can also be viewed through its infrastructure. Around 1876, a wooden bridge coated with coal tar was built over Lopez Creek. For several years afterward, the area was known as “Tar Bridge.” The former name connects the distinctive construction method with a notable chapter in the town’s history.
The lumber industry is also part of the town’s history. J. S. Hoffa of Dushore built a sawmill in Lopez in May 1887. In 1888, Trexler and Turrell built a large sawmill on the edge of town. One mill was in town and the larger one on its outskirts: together, they highlight two locations and different scales of lumber production.
In 1886, the Lehigh Valley extended its railroad line from Bernice to Lopez. In chronological order, the bridge around 1876 was followed by the railroad extension in 1886 and the sawmill construction in 1887 and 1888. This sequence shows different aspects of the area’s earlier development: bridge building, railroads and lumber production.
Crafts and the Surrounding Landscape
At Meckley Brooms, the focus is on a crafted product rather than historic infrastructure: the company has a family tradition spanning more than 100 years of making handmade corn-straw brooms. Corn straw and handwork offer a different perspective from the history of sawmills. Those interested in traditional manufacturing will find a concrete connection to materials and craftsmanship here.
Lopez is located in the Endless Mountains, an area where several mountain ranges meet. World’s End State Park is nearby. The town’s history and the regional landscape therefore offer distinct travel interests.
A World War II Remembrance Display
A visitor display in Lopez includes a welcome sign, a bench, five bombs arranged to spell “LOPEZ,” an unmanned military drone and a U.S. flag. It serves as a reminder of the community’s military service during World War II. The items on display may change, so check what is currently included before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Dushore, Eagles Mere.
See the main travel guide: Sullivan County.
