Joshua Gilpin (1765-1840) and his brother Thomas had a business in Philadelphia as general merchants, and on the Brandywine Creek as manufacturers of paper, and woolen and cotton textiles. He travelled quite a bit in Europe at the end of the 18th century seeking to learn about industrial practices. In 1809 Joshua Gilpin combined a famly vacation with a business survey of the Redstone area (the vicinity of Brownsville), Pittsburgh, and Indiana County. He described the country through which he drove from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh and return. He discussed land values and business prospects with innkeepers, businessmen, and legal experts all along the way; noted the presence of natural resources; and spent some time in Pittsburgh in conferences with men who were able to supply him with the ind of information he desired.His route west took him through Lancaster. His return trip east took him through Harrisburg, Lebanon, and Reading.Contents :1. From Philadelphia to the Redstone/ 2. In the Redstone Country/ 3. Pittsburg Business prospects/ 4. Pittsburgh to Bedford via Indiana County/ 5. Bedford to Philadelphia
