Washington County, Pennsylvania

Acheson, Edward G., House Administration Building, Washington and Jefferson College Bailey Covered Bridge Beallsville Historic District Bethel African American Episcopal Church of Monongahela City Bradford, David, House Brownlee, Samuel, House Brownlee, Scott, Covered Bridge Caldwell Tavern Canonsburg Armory Cement City Historic District Centerville Historic District Charleroi Historic District Charleroi-Monessen Bridge Crawford Covered Bridge Dager-Wonsettler Farmstead Danley Covered Bridge Davis, Horn, Overholtzer Bridge Day Covered Bridge Derrow, Margaret, House Devil's Den, McClurg Covered Bridge Doak-Little House Dorsey, Joseph, House Dusmal House East Washington Historic District Ebenezer Covered Bridge Erskine Covered Bridge First National Bank of Charleroi Fleming, Molly, House Friend, Philip, House Harrison House Hawthorne School Henry Covered Bridge Hill's Tavern Huffman Distillery and Chopping Mill Hughes Covered Bridge Jackson's Mill Covered Bridge Jennings-Gallagher House Kinder's Mill Krepps Covered Bridge Leatherman Covered Bridge LeMoyne Crematory Lemoyne, Dr. Julius, House LeMoyne, F. Julius, House Little, Moses, Tavern Longwell, David, House Lyle Covered Bridge Malden Inn Manchester, Isaac, House Marianna Historic District Martin Farmstead Martin's Mill Covered Bridge Mauer, Dr. Joseph House Mays, Blaney Covered Bridge Meadowcroft Rockshelter Miller, Longdon L., Covered Bridge Mingo Creek Presbyterian Church and Churchyard Monongahela Cemetery Montgomery House Munce, Thomas, House Nelson, John H., House Nesbit-Walker Farm Old Main, California State College Parkinson, Robert, Farm Pennsylvania Railroad Freight Station Pennsylvania Railroad Passenger Station Pine Bank Covered Bridge Plant's Covered Bridge Plantation Plenty (Boundary Increase) Ralston Freeman Covered Bridge Regester Log House Ringland Tavern Roberts House Ross, Frank L., Farm "S" Bridge Sawhill Covered Bridge Scenery Hill Historic District Slusher, David, Farm Sprowl's Covered Bridge Stephenson-Campbell House Taylorstown Historic District Thome, James, Farm Trinity Hall Ulery Mill US Post Office-Charleroi Washington Armory Washington Commercial Historic District Washington County Courthouse Washington County Jail Washington Trust Company Building Webster Donora Bridge Welsh-Emery House West Alexander Historic District West Middletown Historic District White, John, House Wilson's Mill Covered Bridge Wilson, Levi, Tavern Wright, Cerl, Covered Bridge Wright, Enoch, House Wyit Sprowls Covered Bridge

Washington County, Pennsylvania has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1781. Located in the southwestern part of the state, it was named after George Washington, the first President of the United States. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and the Delaware, before European settlers arrived.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Washington County played a significant role in the development of the region. The Battle of Jumonville Glen, a precursor to the French and Indian War, took place in present-day Fayette County, just south of Washington County. This conflict marked a pivotal moment in the struggle between the French and British for control over the Ohio River Valley.

With the onset of the American Industrial Revolution, Washington County became an important hub for coal mining, natural gas, and oil production in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The county's natural resources fueled economic growth and attracted immigrants seeking employment opportunities. Many European immigrants, particularly from Scotland and Eastern Europe, settled in Washington County during this time and contributed to the region's cultural diversity.

Washington County also played a significant role in the Whiskey Rebellion of 1791. The rebellion was a response to an excise tax imposed by the newly formed federal government on whiskey production. The area had a high concentration of distillers, and many farmers relied on whiskey as a form of currency. The rebellion was eventually suppressed by federal forces, but it highlighted the challenges faced by the young United States in enforcing federal laws in rural areas.

Today, Washington County continues to be an important center for energy production and agriculture. The region is also home to educational institutions like Washington & Jefferson College and scenic natural attractions such as the Ohiopyle State Park. With its rich history and diverse industries, Washington County remains a vibrant and dynamic part of Pennsylvania's heritage.
Brief timeline of the history of Washington County, Pennsylvania:

  • 1781 - Washington County is established on March 28, 1781, as one of the original three counties of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
  • 1791 - The Whiskey Rebellion, a violent protest against the federal excise tax on whiskey, occurs in Washington County.
  • 1802 - Construction begins on the National Road, which passes through Washington County, becoming an important transportation route.
  • 1861-1865 - During the American Civil War, Washington County actively participates, and many soldiers from the area fight in various battles.
  • 1901 - The coal mining industry becomes a significant economic driver in Washington County, leading to rapid growth and development.
  • 1928 - The Washington County Courthouse, an iconic neoclassical structure, is completed and becomes a recognized landmark.
  • 1954 - The construction of the Washington County Airport begins, providing improved air transport options for the region.
  • 1968 - Washington County Historical Society is founded to preserve and promote the history of the area.
  • 1997 - The Meadows Racetrack and Casino opens in Washington County, contributing to the local economy and entertainment scene.
  • 2011 - The Marcellus Shale natural gas industry boom brings significant economic changes to Washington County.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Washington County, Pennsylvania.