Marchand:

The first resident was Archibald Smeaton (who later changed his name to Smitten) in 1822. Archibald was the leading spirit of the settlement because he was in contact with the outside world; being a teamster who ran the road between Pittsburgh and Phillipsburg. In 1840, the "Big Road" was opened between Indiana, PA and Punxsutawney leading to a period of trade and prosperity. The town was named Marchand in honor of Congressman Marchand who secured the first post office. Between 1850 and 1875 Marchand became a local industrial and manufacturing center. Wagons, sleds, buggies, sleighs, farming implements, harness, leather, boots, shoes, furniture, and clothing were all manufactured in Marchand. With the coming of the industrial age in the late 1800's, small industrial centers, such as Marchand, could no longer compete with the big factories in the cities. Local industries declined. Marchand just a little farming community now.