Historical Markers in 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
About Westmoreland County
Westmoreland County Timeline
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.
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.
Westmoreland County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in 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