Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania

Arthur Saint Clair Arthur Saint Clair Braddock's Military Road 1755 Braddock's Military Road 1755 Braddock's Military Road 1755 Monacatootha's Camp Braddock's Military Road 1755 Salt Lick Camp Building the Highway Bullet's Defeat Bushy Run Bushy Run Bushy Run Battlefield Chalmers "Slick" Goodlin Christian B. Anfinsen Colonel Edward Cook Darr Mine Disaster Delmont Desert Storm Memorial Donegal American Legion Veterans Memorial East Huntingdon Soldiers Monument Eddie Adams Fairview Park Fannie Sellins First General Conference of the United Brethren in Christ Forbes Road Forbes Road Fort Allen Fort Allen Fort Barr Fort Elder Fort Hand Fort Ligonier Fort Ligonier Fort Ligonier Fort Walthour Fred McFeely Rogers General Edward Braddock and His Army Hannastown Hauling Coal From Salem #2 Haymaker Well Henry Clay Frick Henry Clay Frick Highway Enterprise Idlewild In 1938 - The Rollo Coaster Opens Idlewild Park Idlewild Park Depot / Smallest Train Station In Memory of Richard Beatty Mellon John Irwin House John W. Geary Johnston House Ligonier Depot Ligonier Town Square Fountain Ligonier Train Crash Ligonier War Memorial Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor Long Run Church Loyalhanning Mammoth Mine Explosion Morewood Massacre Mount Pleasant Veterans Memorial Mount Pleasant War Memorial Murrysville Gas Well New Salem Borough 100th Anniversary Norvelt Philadelphia Tobaggan Company Carousel Number 83 Pontiac's War Railroad Signs Right Reverend Boniface Wimmer, O.S. B. Road Versus Rail Rural Free Delivery Saint Clair Hollow Saint Vincent Sion Church-Herolds Settlement Site of Sportsman's Hall Log Cabin St Gertrude Roman Catholic Church St. Xavier's Standard Shaft Mine and Coke Works Stephanie Kwolek The Banana Split Thomas F. Gallagher Toll House Toll House Twelve Mile Camp Vandergrift Vandergrift Welcome to Bushy Run Battlefield Welcome to Holy Trinity Parish West Newton Westmoreland County William Findley Willie Thrower Wilson's Blockhouse
Westmoreland County, located in southwestern Pennsylvania, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Lenape and the Shawnee, who relied on the region's abundant natural resources for their livelihoods.

The European settlement of Westmoreland County began in the mid-18th century, with the construction of Fort Duquesne by the French along the Ohio River. This act prompted the British to establish Fort Prince George in response, which served as a key military outpost during the French and Indian War. Following the end of the war, the British gained control of the territory and renamed it Westmoreland County in 1773.

The 19th century brought significant industrial and economic growth to Westmoreland County. Its location near rich deposits of coal and limestone made it an ideal location for the development of the steel industry. Companies such as Westmoreland Coal Company and Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company flourished, fueling the region's economic prosperity. The county also played a crucial role in the American Civil War, with many of its residents joining the Union Army to fight for the emancipation of slaves.

In the 20th century, Westmoreland County experienced both triumphs and challenges. The county witnessed increased urbanization and population growth, with cities like Greensburg and Latrobe becoming major hubs of commerce and industry. However, the decline of the steel industry in the late 20th century led to significant job loss and economic downturn. In recent years, efforts have been made to diversify the economy and attract new industries.

Today, Westmoreland County is a vibrant and thriving community that warmly embraces its history while looking towards the future. The county's rich heritage, natural beauty, and strong community spirit continue to attract residents and visitors alike.
Brief timeline of the history of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania:

  • 1773: Westmoreland County is created by the Province of Pennsylvania
  • 1778: Fort Ligonier is built during the American Revolutionary War
  • 1782: The Gnadenhutten massacre occurs in present-day Westmoreland County
  • 1793: The county seat is established in Greensburg
  • 1835: The Pennsylvania Main Line Canal is completed, boosting the county's economy
  • 1875: The Pittsburgh, Virginia and Charleston Railroad is completed, further stimulating economic growth
  • 1905: Westmoreland County becomes the leading producer of coal in Pennsylvania
  • 1927: The West Penn Hospital Association is founded in Greensburg
  • 1957: The Arnold Palmer Regional Airport opens in Latrobe
  • 1970: Westmoreland Community College is established
  • 1992: The filming of the movie "The Silence of the Lambs" takes place in Westmoreland County

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.