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National Register of Historic Places listings in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania facts for kids

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Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Westmoreland County
Location of Westmoreland County

Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, is home to many special places that are part of the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of buildings, areas, and sites that are important to the history of the United States. They are recognized for their historical, architectural, or archaeological value.

There are 54 different places in Westmoreland County that are on this special list. One of them, the Bushy Run Battlefield, is even more important and is called a National Historic Landmark. This means it's one of the most significant historic places in the entire country! One other place used to be on the list but has since been removed.

What is the National Register of Historic Places?

The National Register of Historic Places is like a special club for buildings, sites, and objects that tell important stories about America's past. When a place is added to this list, it means it's worth protecting and remembering. It helps people learn about history and makes sure these places are preserved for future generations.

Important Historic Places in Westmoreland County

Westmoreland County has many fascinating places on the National Register. Let's explore some of them!

Historic Buildings and Homes

Many old houses and buildings in the county have amazing stories.

  • The Academy Hill Historic District in Greensburg is an area with many historic homes. It includes the beautiful Huff Mansion.
  • The Aluminum Research Laboratories in New Kensington is a significant site where important scientific discoveries were made.
  • Brush Hill in Irwin is a historic home located at 651 Brush Hill Road.
  • The Byerly House, east of New Kensington, is another historic home that has been preserved.
  • The Citizens National Bank of Latrobe is an impressive building in downtown Latrobe.
  • The Compass Inn in Ligonier Township was once a stopping point for travelers on the old Lincoln Highway. It's a great example of an early American inn.
  • The Dick Building in West Newton is a historic building on East Main Street.
  • The Adam Fisher Homestead in Mount Pleasant Township is an old farmstead that shows how people lived long ago.
  • The Fullerton Inn, west of Irwin, is another historic inn that served travelers in the past.
  • The Kingston House in Unity Township is a historic home located northeast of Youngstown.
  • The Latrobe Armory and the Ligonier Armory were places where military groups trained. The Ligonier Armory has since been taken down.
  • The Loyalhanna Lodge No. 275 in Latrobe is a historic lodge building.
  • The Andrew and Jennie McFarlane House, west of Irwin, is a historic home that tells a story of a family from the past.
  • The Mount Pleasant Armory was another military training building, but it was removed in 1996.
  • The Mount St. Peter Roman Catholic Church in New Kensington is a beautiful and historic church.
  • The Samuel Patterson House in Derry Township is an old house north of New Alexandria.
  • The Plumer House in West Newton is a historic home near the Monongahela River.
  • The Samuel Warden House in Mount Pleasant is a historic home on South Church Street.
  • The Westmoreland County Courthouse in Greensburg is an important building where local government takes place.

Important Districts and Areas

Some historic places are not just one building, but a whole area or district.

  • The Greensburg Downtown Historic District includes many important buildings in the heart of Greensburg.
  • The Hannastown Farm in Salem Township is a historic farm area.
  • The Ligonier Historic District covers the main part of Ligonier, showing its rich history.
  • The Linn Run State Park Family Cabin District in Cook Township includes historic cabins within the state park.
  • The Mount Pleasant Historic District includes several streets in Mount Pleasant with historic buildings.
  • The New Kensington Downtown Historic District and the New Kensington Production Works Historic District highlight the city's industrial past and downtown area.
  • The Salem Crossroads Historic District in Delmont is a historic area with old streets and buildings.
  • The Scottdale Historic District includes a significant part of Scottdale.
  • The Slickville Historic District in Salem Township is a historic area in the town of Slickville.
  • The Vandergrift Historic District is a planned community with unique architecture.
  • The West Overton Historic District in East Huntingdon Township is a historic village, known for its connection to the Frick family.

Battlefields and Historic Sites

These places are important because of events that happened there.

  • The Bushy Run Battlefield in Penn Township is a very important site. It's where a famous battle took place during Pontiac's War in 1763. It's a National Historic Landmark.
  • The Fort Ligonier Site in Ligonier is where a key fort stood during the French and Indian War. It played a big role in colonial history.
  • The Household No. 1 Site in Rostraver Township is an archaeological site. This means it's a place where scientists study old human settlements and artifacts.
  • The Site of Old Hannastown in Hempfield Township was once the first county seat west of the Allegheny Mountains. It was an important early settlement.
  • The Squirrel Hill Site in St. Clair Township is another archaeological site near the Conemaugh River.

Bridges and Other Structures

Some structures, like bridges, are also considered historic.

  • The Allegheny River Lock and Dam No. 4 in Lower Burrell is an important part of the river's transportation history.
  • The Bells Mills Covered Bridge in Sewickley and South Huntingdon Townships is a beautiful old covered bridge.
  • The Charleroi-Monessen Bridge connects Monessen in Westmoreland County to North Charleroi in Washington County over the Monongahela River.
  • The Concord School in Loyalhanna Township is an old schoolhouse built in 1848.
  • The Laurel Hill Furnace in St. Clair Township is an old iron furnace, showing early industry in the area.
  • The Pennsylvania Railroad Station-Latrobe is a historic train station in Latrobe.
  • The Ross Furnace in Fairfield Township is another historic iron furnace.
  • The St. Vincent Archabbey Gristmill in Unity Township is an old mill that used to grind grain.
  • The Webster Donora Bridge connects Rostraver Township to Donora over the Monongahela River.
  • The Western Division-Pennsylvania Canal includes parts of an old canal system along the Conemaugh River, which was important for transportation long ago.

Places No Longer Listed

Sometimes, a place might be removed from the National Register. This usually happens if the building is changed too much or is torn down.

  • The General Greene Hotel in Greensburg was once on the list. It was built in 1903 but was later taken down in 1986.

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National Register of Historic Places listings in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.