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Westmoreland County Joins Historical Society to Improve Old
Hanna's Town as Tourism, Historical Asset
Posted 09-10-2003
The Westmoreland County Board of Commissioners today joined members of the
Westmoreland County Historical Society to sign an agreement for the long-term planning and
development of Old Hanna's Town -- Westmoreland County's original seat of government.
"Hanna's Town is the birthplace of
Westmoreland County, and this new agreement helps mark its rebirth," Chairman Tom
Balya said. "The county's partnership with the Historical Society is part of our
efforts to build upon the multi-million dollar tourism industry in Westmoreland County,
while also helping to promote a better appreciation of the historical significance of our
county."
The new working agreement sets forth the
roles and responsibilities for the county and the Historical Society in maintaining and
enhancing Old Hanna's Town.
"Old Hanna's Town is an important
county asset that for too long has been underdeveloped and under-appreciated,"
Commissioner Tom Ceraso said. "Our partnership with the Historical Society will help
to maximize financial resources and expertise, with the ultimate goal of making Old
Hanna's Town a must-see attraction for county residents and visitors."
Among the provisions of the agreement, the
county agrees to maintain facilities that were part of the original purchase; maintain the
grounds; provide insurance on the facilities and the artifacts; and take no action to
compromise the historic integrity and heritage activities of the site. The Historical
Society agrees to develop a plan for the future use of the site; oversee all archeological
digs, reconstruction, and restoration; classify, restore, and record all artifacts; and
pursue public and private grants to fund activities at Hanna's Town.
The agreement was approved at the August
21, 2003, Commissioners' Public Meeting.
"Our new working agreement is about
more much than county government or the Historical Society. It's about treasuring
Westmoreland County's rich history and its integral role in the formation of our state and
nation," said Westmoreland County Historical Society Executive Director Jim Steeley.
"I look forward to working with the county to preserve the historical integrity of
Old Hanna's Town and improve upon it, so that future generations may benefit from its
story."
The ceremony was followed by a tour of Old
Hanna's Town.
Hanna's Town was created by an act of the
Penn Proprietary government on February 26, 1773, and was where English courts first
administered law west of the Allegheny Mountains. On April 6, 1773, court was first
convened at Hanna's Town, with Robert Hanna serving as presiding judge. At this time,
Westmoreland County comprised all of southwestern Pennsylvania. The court created the
townships, laid out public roads, established dates for the popular election of
magistrates and other key public officials, granted licenses, set fees and applied the law
-- bringing order to the often chaotic environment of the western Pennsylvania frontier.
The town was attacked and burned on July
13, 1782, by a raiding party of Indians and their English allies out of Canada. Hanna's
Town never recovered and ceased being the seat of government in 1786, when the county seat
was moved to nearby Greensburg. By the early 19th century, the site had reverted to
farmland. In 1969, this farmland was purchased by Westmoreland County and designated as a
county park and historical site.
Historic Hanna's Town is an ongoing
archaeological dig that has unearthed nearly one million artifacts to date. The village
consists of the reconstructed Robert Hanna Tavern/Courthouse and Jail; three vintage
late-18th century log houses; a reconstructed Revolutionary-era fort and blockhouse; and a
wagon shed that houses an authentic late-18th century Conestoga wagon. The site is on the
National Register of Historic Places.
Founded in 1908, the Westmoreland County
Historical Society is an educational organization that manages historical resources to
educate residents about the more than 225-year history of Westmoreland County in ways that
offer people connections to the past, an understanding of the present, and guidance for
the future. The Historical Society has more than 1,000 members, and is one of the
fastest-growing organizations of its kind in western Pennsylvania. Membership is open to
the public.
For more information on Old Hanna's Town,
visit the Westmoreland County Historical Society at www.starofthewest.org. |
