Westport, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Westport is an unincorporated community located in Clinton County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is situated above the Susquehanna River and is near Pennsylvania Route 120.
History of Westport
Westport used to be known by a different name: Kettle Creek. This information comes from historical records, including a book called "Historical View of Clinton County, Pennsylvania" by D. S. Maynard. You can also find this detail on the Clinton County Register & Recorders Office website.
Early Settlements
The very first people settled in this area, near the mouth of Kettle Creek, in 1785. Back then, the land was part of Pine Creek Township, which was in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania.
The Post Office and Name Change
Around 1847 or 1848, a post office was opened here and was named Kettle Creek. However, it closed down for about a year. In 1850, a new post office was needed. But there was already another post office named Kettle Creek further up the creek. So, to avoid confusion, the community was given a new name: Westport. This is how Westport got its current name.
Building Bridges
The first bridge built across the creek in Westport was completed in 1852 by Clinton County. A few feet away, the first railroad bridge was built in 1859. Both bridges were severely damaged by a big flood on March 17, 1865. The flood swept them away almost at the same time. Luckily, both bridges were later rebuilt.
