About
Established in 1773, Hanna's Town was the site of the first seat of government for Westmoreland County and hosted the first English courts west of the Allegheny Mountains, signaling settlers foothold on the Pennsylvania frontier and the push to move west. The town was an oasis for travelers, settlers, and those seeking justice and order in the often chaotic environment of the western Pennsylvania frontier.
The town and its inhabitants played a major role in the armed conflict between Pennsylvania and Virginia for control of the area now recognized as southwestern Pennsylvania.
n 1969, Westmoreland County, collaborating with the Westmoreland Historical Society, purchased the 180-acre property for the purpose of creating a historic site that would preserve and share the story of Hanna’s Town. Since then, the Westmoreland Historical Society has initiated archaeological studies, rebuilt important structures such as Hanna's Tavern and the Fort, and developed educational programs to connect the public with an important piece of Westmoreland County history.
Historic Hanna's Town consists of the reconstructed Hanna's Tavern, three re-located log houses, a reconstructed Revolutionary War era fort, and a wagon shed that houses an authentic late 18th century Conestoga wagon.
In 2019, the Westmoreland Historical Society is moving its headquarters to Historic Hanna's Town and opening the Westmoreland History Education Center. With an exhibit gallery, classroom, museum shop, and library, the Education Center invites visitors, educators, and research to discover local history and its connections to broader historical narratives.
