Western Pennsylvania History
Harmony Museum
Step into the early 1800s with a visit to this charming and historically significant town. Harmony was founded in 1804 by the Harmony Society, a German religious communal group. Today, the district features original log buildings, brick structures, and the Harmony Museum, which houses Native American artifacts, local history exhibits, and items from the Harmonist and Mennonite settlers. The must-see Western Pennsylvania town also hosts seasonal festivals, antique shops, and historical walking tours that give you a true sense of what life was like over 200 years ago.
Old Stone House
This reconstructed 19th-century inn and tavern once served travelers on the Pittsburgh-Erie Turnpike. Operated by Slippery Rock University, the Old Stone House offers guided tours, interactive displays, and special events that showcase life in the early 1800s. The historic building includes original artifacts and furnishings that help tell the story of Western Pennsylvania’s travel, trade, and tavern culture.
Butler County Historical Society
Located right in the city of Butler, this Western Pennsylvania historical site features the only remaining home of U.S. Senator Walter Lowrie. The house has been beautifully restored with 19th-century furnishings and period decor. The Butler County Historical Society operates several nearby historic properties, including a schoolhouse and a mill, offering a deep dive into the area’s rich heritage, from early settlements and farming to military service and industrial development.
Fort Necessity National Battlefield
Roughly 90 minutes from Jellystone Park™ Kozy Rest, the Fort Necessity National Battlefield is where George Washington fought one of his earliest military battles in 1754 during the French and Indian War. The park includes a reconstructed fort, interactive museum, and walking trails through the surrounding forest. The visitor center offers films and exhibits that bring to life the strategic importance of the region during the 18th century and its role in shaping early American history, and is a great learning experience for Western Pennsylvania visitors.
Carrie Blast Furnaces
Designated as a National Historic Landmark, these towering iron furnaces are some of the only pre-World War II blast furnaces still standing in the country. Once part of the massive Homestead Steel Works, the Carrie Blast Furnaces offer industrial tours that explain the steel-making process, the lives of steelworkers, and the rise and fall of Pittsburgh’s steel empire. The site also features arts installations and community events, blending Western Pennsylvania history with culture.
The Frick Pittsburgh
The Frick Pittsburgh is centered around Clayton, the Gilded Age mansion of steel magnate Henry Clay Frick. The beautifully preserved home offers guided tours that showcase Victorian-era furnishings, art, and personal artifacts. The Frick also includes a carriage museum, art galleries, and formal gardens, making it a rich destination for Western Pennsylvania campers exploring the lifestyle of Pittsburgh’s elite during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Historic Hanna’s Town
This reconstructed colonial village once served as the first county seat of Westmoreland County and played a key role during the Revolutionary War. Destroyed in 1782 by British and Native American forces, the site now includes log cabins, a stockade fort, and a museum. Historic Hanna’s Town is a must-see Western Pennsylvania historical site that offers reenactments, guided tours, and educational programs about frontier life, governance, and the impact of war on early Pennsylvania settlers.
Western Pennsylvania’s historic sites offer a captivating glimpse into the past—from frontier settlements and early American industry to Revolutionary War landmarks and historic towns. Whether you're walking through restored villages or exploring the legacy of the steel era, this region invites you on a fascinating journey through time. After a day of uncovering local history, unwind at Jellystone Park™ Kozy Rest, one of the best family campgrounds in the area. Plan your visit today and experience the rich stories that shaped Western Pennsylvania!
