BUTLER COUNTY, PA Museums, Historical Societies & Historic Sites Table of Contents Dig into the past in Butler County, Pa. *Numbers in parenthesis correspond to maps Dig into the past in Butler County, Pa...... 3 Our small towns are packed with some big his- Butler tory! Did you know that the first U.S. President, Butler County Historical Society (1)...... 4 George Washington, set foot here? Or that Maridon Museum (2)...... 6 Butler is the birthplace of the “jeep?” Learn Downtown Butler Map...... 7 about these and much more through Harmony, Zelienople & Evans City our museums and historic sites. Harmony National Historic Landmark District (3)...... 8 And it won’t boring! Experience Zelienople Historical Society (4)...... 10 history first-hand through Lancaster Township History Center (5)...... 10 historic reenactments and Evans City Area Historical Society (6)...... 11 encampments. Discover what Providence Plantation (7)...... 11 class was like in a one room Washington’s Trail, Prospect & Slippery Rock schoolhouse. Celebrate Washington’s Trail (8)...... 12 German heritage through Old Stone House (9)...... 13 special dinners and festivals. Historical Groups Experience life on the 18th 63rd Infantry...... 14 century frontier. Butler Old Stone House Region AACA...... 15 Tri-State Hart-Par Oliver...... 15 If you’re looking for an over- view, visit the numbered Saxonburg sites. Additional sites of in- Saxonburg Historical & Restoration Commission (10)...... 16 terest are complimentary, if Mars & Cranberry Township you want to dig a bit deeper. Mars Area History & Landmark Society, Inc. (11)...... 18 The state historical markers Cranberry Township Historical Society (12)...... 19 will give you even more info along the way.
This key will give you an idea of what to expect at each location: H = Historical Marker P = Public Space M = Museum X = Private Property O = Outdoor Site
Butler County General Richard Butler Dedicated: Friday, June 11, 1982 Dedicated: Tuesday, May 1, 1917 Marker Type: City Marker Type: Plaque Categories: George Washington, Categories: American Revolution, Government & Politics, Government Ethnic & Immigration, Military & Politics 19th Century, Religion GPS Coordinates: LNG: -79.89545, GPS Coordinates: LNG: -79.89545, LAT: 40.85857 LAT: 40.85857 Location: County Courthouse, Butler Location: County Courthouse, Main St. (Pa. 8), Butler Marker Text: In memory of General Richard Butler. Born in Ireland. One of Marker Text: Formed March 12, 1800, five brothers, soldiers distinguished for from Allegheny County. Named for bravery and devoted service. Captain Gen. Richard Butler, Revolutionary of- 2nd Pennsylvania Battalion 1776, ficer. A young George Washington had Colonel 9th Pennsylvania Regiment crossed this area, 1753. County seat 1777, Major General United States was established at Butler in 1803, and Levies 1791. the county was home of the Harmony Society, 1804-15.
2 - Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau - www.VisitButlerCounty.com www.VisitButlerCounty.com - Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau - 3 Butler Additional Historic Sites of Interest Butler County Courthouse: On Butler Historic District: Butler the National Register of Historic County was established in 1800 and Butler County Historical Society (1) Places, the county’s third court- land for the county seat was donated 123 West Diamond Street, Butler, PA 16001, 724-283-8116 house, S. Main at W. Diamond Sts., by the Cunningham brothers. In 1803 the town’s first lots were laid www.butlerhistory.com was designed by James P. Bailey, built 1885-86. Entrance now is out and sold by auction, and the first log houses built. Two centuries As the official through adjacent Government later, several blocks of business, Center, 124 W. Diamond, built historical residential and religious properties 1991. Main St. marker commemo- society of Butler in Butler’s central corridor are listed rates county’s 1800 founding, Gen. on the National Register of Historic County, the Richard Butler for which county was Places. P BCHS collects, named, George Washington’s 1753
mission to region, Harmony Society. Historic Lafayette Apartments: preserves, SE corner S. Main and W. Diamond Marker at Main St. doors memorial- and interprets Sts., on National Register of Historic izes Gen. Butler (1743-91), soldier, Places, built in 1903 as Butler County Butler Indian commissioner, judge, legisla- National Bank, later housed county County’s tor, killed by Indians at “St. Clair’s offices. Diamond St. entrance plaque historic Defeat.” Exhibits, murals in 2nd floor commemorates Mechling’s Inn, Kiester Commons and rotunda. P, H which hosted Marquis de Lafayette documents, Butler Eagle: 114 W. Diamond in 1825. Closed to public. X artifacts, and St., county’s only daily newspaper, sites for the founded 1869 as weekly, went daily educational 1902, merged following year with Invention of the Jeep benefit of Butler County Observer of Butler attorney and Harmony Mennonites Dedicated: Sunday, October 17, 1993 the public. descendant Levi Wise, who took Marker Type: Roadside The Society control; Wise family remains owner. Categories: Business & Industry, Military, Military Post-Civil War, Lowrie/Shaw House behind preserves Present headquarters built 1924, production center at 514 W. Wayne Transportation the courthouse GPS : LNG: -79.9116, LAT: 40.85713 and presents St. opened 2003. Tours by appoint- Location: Hansen Ave. in Butler the largest local collection of historical county ment. 724-282-1859. X Marker Text: In September 1940 a records, photographs, and artifacts, hosts special events, and Diamond Park: Main St. opposite team headed by Karl Probst delivered maintains a large selection of publications for sale covering all aspects Courthouse. Silent Defender monu- to the U.S. Army a prototype for the of Butler County’s history. This is a great place to visit to discover ment memorialized Civil War veter- World War II jeep. This small, four- ans, rededicated to all war veterans. more about Butler County’s rich heritage. wheel drive vehicle was produced by Others recognize veterans of World the American Bantam Car Co., located • A) Lowrie/Shaw House: Located directly behind the War II, Korean and Vietnam conflicts; one block east. Here, Bantam manu- fountain symbolizes American Courthouse. Built in 1828 by Butler’s only United States factured 2,675 jeeps. Although larger way of life preserved by veterans’ companies ultimately received the Senator, Walter Lowrie, as the family’s summer home. This sacrifices. Marker commemorates chief wartime orders, it was Bantam— historic house museum is on the National Register of Historic military jeep’s birthplace. P, H in cooperation with the Army—that originally created the jeep. Places and houses the offices of the BCHS and its reference library. Office open Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 - 4:00. Check our website or call for parking and tour information. Butler-Made Autos: Russell-Sherman built in 1902. Huselton Automobile Co. made Huseltons and the Butler truck 1911-15 at N. Professional researcher/genealogist on staff. M Washington St. carriage house. Standard Motor Car Co. unit of Standard • B) Little Red School House: 200 East Jefferson Street. Built in Steel Car Co. made Standard Eight at Hansen Ave. plant 1914-1923. 1838 as Butler’s first public school, this living history museum American Austin built Austins there 1930-1935. American Bantam transports visitors back to the time of the early one-room made Bantams in same plant 1937-40, designed and built first military “jeep” but lost production in 1941 to Willys-Overland and Ford, made school house. This museum is part of Butler’s Historic District. trailers until 1956 closing. Markers on Hansen Ave. at Renaissance Dr. Open to school groups and tours by appointment. Also open and in Diamond Park opposite Courthouse during Butler’s Cruise-a-Palooza and Fall Festival. M commemorate jeep’s birthplace. H • C) Cooper Cabin Pioneer Homestead: 199 Cooper Road, In 2011, we put Butler on the map as being Cabot. Built in the early 1800s, this original county home- the birthplace of the Jeep with a record- stead was inhabited by Cooper family descendents until breaking Jeep parade and 1961. Nancy Cooper was born and lived in the cabin for one the first annual Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival. Two original hundred years, from 1861 to 1961. The cabin’s furnishings Bantams have been pre- depict the 19th century pioneer lifestyle. The grounds include served by the Butler County a spring-house, tool shed, and spinning house. Visit our web- Historical Society. site for seasonal schedule or call to schedule group tours.
4 - Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau - www.VisitButlerCounty.com www.VisitButlerCounty.com - Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau - 5 Downtown Butler
Penn St. 8 Walnut St. 2 Walnut St. Jackson St. Cli St Cedar St. Cedar West Brady St. East Brady St.
Locust St. Locust St. Franklin St. Franklin West North St. East North St. Maridon Museum (2) St. Main New Castle St. New Castle St. 322 North McKean Street, Butler, PA 16001, 724-282-0123 1B www.maridon.org 68 Je erson St. Je erson St. The Maridon Museum in Butler is the only museum in the western Pennsylvania region with a specific focus on Chinese and Japanese Birch St. art and culture. The extensive world-class collection features Cedar St. Cedar Washington St. Washington
Asian art spanning the 3rd millennium B.C. to the 20th century, St. McKean Cunningham St. including jade and ivory sculptures, as well as an impressive gallery Cunningham St.
of German Meissen Jackson St. porcelain. This is Vogeley Way Vogeley St. one Butler County attraction you Cli St. Diamond St. 1A won’t want to miss! Be sure to check the schedule for Parking Lots 8 upcoming special events. M Wayne St.
Steel Wheel railroad wheel plant, became Columbia Steel Co. in early 1920s, was bought in 1927 by American Rolling Mill Co. (ARMCO) Rev. Richard C. Christy and developed as specialty steels facility. Many expansions later, it Dedicated: 2004 makes flat-rolled carbon, stainless Marker Type: Roadside View intricately carved and electrical steels, and pipe and Categories: Civil War, Religion ivory and more tubular products. ARMCO purchased Location: At church, 455 Clearfield by AK Steel in 1999. Not open to Road, Fenelton artifacts, models, ground and air public. X vehicles, uniforms and patches. Marker Text: Chaplain, 78th Regiment, Additional Sites Daytime only. 724-284-8100. P Butler County Airport/Scholter Pa. Volunteers, 1861-64. He was Field: Airport Rd. west of Pa. 8, credited as Pennsylvania’s first Pullman Park: Baseball complex Pullman-Standard Co.: John 6 miles south of Butler, opened Catholic Civil War chaplain and the established 1934, Pillow St. behind Hansen, “Diamond Jim” Brady, 1929, named for Kenneth W. only one serving a chiefly non-Catholic Pullman Square off Hansen Ave., for- others founded Standard Steel Car Scholter who managed then-private regiment. Despite the anti-Catholic mer home of Cleveland Indians, New in 1902 with Hansen Ave. freight Pittsburgh-Butler Airport, oper- prejudice of the era, he gained a repu- York Yankees and Detroit Tigers farm car plant; later added baggage and ated aircraft repair service, taught tation for bravery and was known as teams, hosted Negro League teams passenger cars, had automobile pilots. Preparing for 1932 solo the “Fighting Chaplain of the Army of 1940s-50s. Joe DiMaggio, Whitey subsidiary 1914-1923. Once world’s flight across Atlantic, Amelia Earhart the Cumberland.” Father Christy had Ford, Lou Gehrig among greats who largest freight car plant also made took instrument training, had fuel been the first permanent pastor of this played there. Now used by school, WWI-WWII munitions. Merged in tanks installed in Lockheed Vega church. Hundreds of veterans attended college, community teams and home 1930 with Pullman, acquired by here. Clarence G. Taylor, whose his funeral in 1878. of Butler Blue Sox. P Wheelabrator-Frye 1980, closed Lock Haven aircraft firm was taken 1982. Headquarters building Pennsylvania State Police: over by partner William Piper, built survives, much of site now shopping prototype Taylorcraft plane here Lobby exhibits at Troop D head- center-business park. O quarters, 200 Barracks Rd., north off 1936. Monument east end of field New Castle Rd. (Pa. 68 & 356) west AK Steel Butler Works: 1,300- and Cobra helicopter at restaurant of Butler, include historical photos, acre complex south of Butler, west honor war veterans. Public access to side Pa. 8, began in 1908 as Forged field restricted. P
6 - Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau - www.VisitButlerCounty.com www.VisitButlerCounty.com - Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau - 7 Harmony, Zelienople & Evans City Additional Harmony Sites: Harmonist-Ziegler-Wise Barn: Wagner House: 222 Mercer 303 Mercer Rd. near Vineyard Hill, St., duplex housed families of two Harmony National Historic region’s oldest barn built in 1805 to Harmonist sisters, houses exhibits Landmark District (3) shelter Harmony Society’s sheep, and Museum Shop. Bake oven, herb modified ca. 1850 by David Ziegler, garden, grape arbor, mill stones in 724-452-7341 son of Harmony’s “second founder” yard. M later was part of extensive Wise 546 Main St., Harmony National Historic Landmark District: Pa. 68 east of U.S. 19, farm. M Ziegler Log House: west of I-79 exits 87-88, among Western Pennsylvania’s most built mid-19th century at nearby Harmony Society Cemetery: Middle Lancaster by Andrew Ziegler important historic places and its first National Landmark District. Pa. 68 west of I-79 exit 87 at Edmond whose parents were daughter and Site of Delaware Indian village, Murdering Town, visited by George St., part of Harmony National Historic son-in-law of Harmony’s “second Washington on 1753 mission sparking French & Indian War. Town Landmark District where commune founder” Abraham L. Ziegler. Relo- members were buried 1805-1814. cated in 1976 as Harmony Museum founded 1804 by Harmony Society of German Lutheran Separatists, Stone wall with one-ton revolving annex where youngsters learn 19th century America’s most successful communal group, area stone gate built 1869, markers inter- pioneer crafts. M resettled 1815 by Mennonites. District includes more than 50 pret the site. H buildings and Harmonist cemetery with huge Mennonite Meetinghouse & revolving stone gate. Cemetery: 114 Wise Rd. between U.S. 19 and Mercer Rd., ½ mile north of Harmony. Cemetery established Harmony Mennonites 1815, meetinghouse built 1825, closed 1902. The oldest Mennonite Dedicated: Friday, October 3, 1947 church west of Alleghenies is open Marker Type: Roadside on special occasions or by appoint- Categories: Religion ment. Markers at site and at U.S. 19 GPS Coordinates: LNG: -80.12942, describe 19th century Mennonite LAT: 40.80927 community. 724-452-7341. M, O, H Location: U.S. 19 N of Zelienople Mercer St. Log House: Early 19th Marker Text: Church organized 1816 century structure relocated across by Abraham Ziegler, purchaser of the town to 245 Mercer St. in 1998 to Harmonist property. The Rev. John 5 assure its preservation. Open on Boyer was the first pastor. Present special occasions. M stone church built 1825. Vineyard Hill/Rapp’s Seat: Over- Cemetery established 1815, meet- looks Connoquenessing Creek and inghouse closed 1902. The oldest Mercer St. bridge, site of communal Mennonite church west of Allegh- Harmony Society’s sandstone quarry, enies. Open on special occasions Little Creek vineyard, music pavilion. Leader or by appointment. 724-452-7341. Revolving Stone George Rapp meditated on seat M, O carved in rock near hilltop. The site Cemetery Gate is partially accessible from Evergreen
19 Mercer 3 Mill Rd. by difficult trail, marker HARMONY interprets site. O, H Additional Sites Bassenheim Furnace: Old Furnace South side ZELIENOPLE 68 Minetta Spring: Rd. at Route 288, 2 miles west of Pa. 68, 1 mile west of Evans City, built 4 Zelienople, markers at ruin describe in 1931 at natural spring by Harry 79 one of region’s first iron furnaces, Ethridge, general superintendent of built in 1813 by Zelienople founder interurban railway in memory of his Dettmar Basse; a foundry made mother, Monetta Walsh. Closed 1958 Harmony household and other iron goods. H because of contamination. X Grace Church of Harmony: On Old Little Creek & Dedicated: Friday, October 3, 1947 Shantz School: diamond; county’s oldest church Mercer Rds., 2 blocks north of Mercer Marker Type: Roadside in continuous use. Was 1809-1814 St. bridge. One-room ca. 1900 Categories: Religion Harmonist Cemetery Harmony Society church, then served schoolhouse was closed in 1931, GPS Coordinates: LNG: -80.12785, Dedicated: Friday, October 3, 1947 Mennonites. Was purchased in 1826 adapted in 1999 as private home. X LAT: 40.80267 Marker Type: Roadside by German Evangelical & Reformed Location: Main St. at Mercer St. in Zelienople: Marker on west Categories: Religion church, which evolved to present in- Harmony side U.S. 19 at north end of Main GPS Coordinates: LNG: -80.1237, LAT: dependent congregation. Sanctuary 40.80177 St. Bridge commemorates town’s Marker Text: First home of Harmony fronting Main St. built 1929. Tours by Location: Pa. 68 west of I-79 1802 founding by German Dettmar Society, founded 1804, by George Rapp appointment. 724-452-7270. X Friedrich Basse, who bought 10,000 and German followers. In 1814 moved Marker Text: Burial place of Harmonist Harmony Borough Building: acres in Butler and Beaver counties. to New Harmony, Indiana, and settled Society, 1805-15. Graves were not 217 Mercer St. at Liberty St., was Town named for daughter Zelie, who at Economy in present Ambridge, marked. The stone wall was built Harmony Public School 1882-1957, with husband Philippe Passavant Beaver County, in 1825. in 1869, after the Harmonists had now houses borough offices and was became lifelong resident although returned from Indiana and settled at also Post Office until 2009. Facade Basse returned to Europe in 1818. “Old Economy,” in Beaver County. restored late 20th century. P Basse sold land to Harmony Society which founded adjacent Harmony. H
8 - Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau - www.VisitButlerCounty.com www.VisitButlerCounty.com - Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau - 9 Zelienople Evans City Area Historical Society (6) Historical Society 204C S. Jackson Street, Evans City, PA 16033 (4) 724-538-9846 724-452-9457 www.evanscity www.zelienoplehistorical history.com society.com The Evans City Area Zelienople Historical Historical Society Society, founded in 1975 Museum contains to preserve and share the artifacts and memo- history of the Zelienople rabilia of the area’s oil area, operates two histori- Historic Passavant boom and railroads. cal house museums and House the Lester Mohr Library. The museum also houses Year-round guided tours begin at 9:30 A.M. Monday- records on local families, Friday; Saturday tours are offered seasonally. Office hours are 9:00- education, cultural events noon Monday-Friday at Passavant House. Learn about oil and natural disasters. • Buhl House: 221 S. Main Open seasonally. M St. The 1805 Buhl House heritage is a museum for the Buhl Zelienople Providence family and for the town Dedicated: Friday, October 3, 1947 Plantation (7) of Zelienople. Collections Marker Type: Roadside 300 Textor Hill Road, Categories: Buildings, Cities & Towns include artifacts related Evans City, PA 16033 to Zelienople schools, GPS Coordinates: LNG: -80.13795, LAT: 40.8 724-538-8818 commerce, and daily Location: West side U.S. 19 at north www.frontier-history.org life, as well as items end of Main St. commemorating the Buhl Marker Text: Founded by Baron Providence Plantation family’s beginnings in Dettmar Basse in 1802. Named for his features the Frontier Zelienople and significance daughter Zelie. On the hill overlooking History Center, which in history. The Buhl House the town, he built Bassenheim, a palatial wooden “castle,” which enables you to experi- also contains the Museum burned in 1842. ence all five periods of Shop. M our region’s remarkable • Passavant House: 243 S. Main St. The 1808 Passavant House 18th century history. contains a large collection of items relating to the Passavant Through interaction Family and its place in Zelienople’s history. Collections include Special program at the with dramatic character clothing, furnishings, household items, family portraits, and interpreters, you partici- several thousand letters written by and to the Passavant family. Plantation pate in the experiences The Lester Mohr Library and Society offices are located there. M of people (Euroamerican, Lancaster Township Black and Indian) who first created American independence and History Center (5) democracy on the Ohio River Valley frontier. Come learn from the people who made Rt. 19 behind Sally’s Cider Press, America, what it Harmony, PA 16037, 724-368- 79 means to be an 528 8362 Hartmann American today! P Run by the Lancaster Township Textor Hill Historical Records Committee, the History Center provides HARMONY Hartmann 7 facts, photos, old items and plenty of information, as well 68 as local genealogy to visitors EVANS CITY
n interested in Lancaster 528 li k M Additional n a r ra s Twp. Its goal is to research, F 6 E v Site a restore and preserve the n s C local history of early set- Evans City it Threshing machine and y farmers in 1912 tlers’ genealogy. Available Cemetery: 1 mile for sale are Lancaster Twp. souveniers south of Pa. 68 on ridge above Franklin Rd., incorporated 1891, seen in “Night of the Living Dead,” much of which was filmed in area. as well as barn and one-room schoolhouse books. Open Monument honors veterans of Civil, Spanish-American Wars. O Tuesday and Thursday 1-3 PM or by appointment. M
10 - Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau - www.VisitButlerCounty.com www.VisitButlerCounty.com - Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau - 11 Washington’s Trail, Old Stone House (9) 2856 William Flynn Highway, Slippery Rock, PA 16057 Prospect & Slippery Rock 724-738-2409, www.oldstonehousepa.org ON The Old Stone House is a reconstructed 19th-century inn and stage- Washington’s Trail (8) GT ’S coach, operated as a museum by Slippery Rock University. Between 724-287-5238, www.washingtonstrail.com IN T H R 1822 and 1885, the Stone House offered weary travelers a meal and S A Washington’s Trail is a driving route A I a bed, and little else! The inn was about as tame as the black bears, through Western Pennsylvania. The L W bandits and horse thieves that roamed in those days – a sign out route commemorates young George front told travelers “No more than five to sleep in a bed” and “Organ Washington’s first military and diplo- grinders to sleep in the wash house.” During its long history, the matic venture in the fall and winter of 1753 ® house also served as a local post office and was used as a mus- 1753-1754. The route traverses modern ter point during the Civil War. The Old Stone House is furnished highways, primarily following major roads. with authentic antique furniture and historical artifacts, as well However, there are alternate historic and scenic as exhibits about local history. Free admission includes a guided back roads in some areas, which follow Washington’s actual route tour. Open Saturdays, 10-5 and Sundays, 12-5 from May through more closely. O, H October, and by appointment for group tours. M Butler County Tourism has created a special bro- chure about Washington’s Trail. Call 866.856.8444 to request a free copy!
SLIPPERY ROCK 8 173 George Washington Dedicated: Sunday, February 15, 9 1970 Marker Type: Roadside Categories: Forts, French & Indian War, George Washington, Military, 528 Native American Location: Pa. 68, 1.8 miles NE of Evans City 8 Marker Text: Returning to Virginia from his historic visit at Fort Le Boeuf, Washington used the adjacent 422 Venango Indian Trail. In this locality, on Dec. 27, 1753, he narrowly escaped BUTLER death, being shot at by an Indian less than fifteen paces from him.
Additional Sites The Old Stone House Biddle Boys & Mrs. Soffel: George Edward Waddell Condemned killers Ed and Jack graces Route 8 Biddle fled Pittsburgh’s Allegheny Dedicated: Saturday, July 26, 2003 County Jail on Jan. 31, 1902, aided by Marker Type: Roadside Categories: Baseball, Sports warden’s wife, Kate Soffel. Lawmen Old Stone House caught trio in shoot-out 2 miles west Location: Route 488, next to Fire Hall, Prospect of Mount Chestnut on Old 422 at Dedicated: 1968 high point between Cashdollar and Marker Text: One of the greatest Marker Type: Roadside Categories: Buildings, Business & Dick Rds., brothers died of wounds. pitchers in baseball history. With the Old Stone House Industry, Houses & Homesteads Soffel recovered, after prison term Philadelphia Athletics “Rube” Waddell Dedicated: 1968 led the American League in strikeouts Location: At site, Pa. 8 at junction portrayed herself in play; 1985 film Pa. 173, Stone House Marker Type: Roadside “Mrs. Soffel: A True Story” was based 6 straight years, topping 20 wins in Categories: Buildings, Business & on escapade. Marker planned. O each of his first 4 years. During his ca- Marker Text: A haven for lumbermen, Industry, Houses & Homesteads reer he won 193 games. He was known drovers and travelers, this important Location: At site, Pa. 8 at junction Prospect Area Preservation for his colorful & eccentric personality landmark and once famous hostelry Pa. 173, Stone House Society Museum: Main (Pa. 488) and was one of baseball’s first true was built in 1822 at the crossroads of and Lafayette Sts., exhibits relating matinee idols. Born in Bradford, PA, the old Venango Trail and Butler to Marker Text: Pioneer wayside inn. Built in 1822 and reconstructed in 1963. to local history. Open on special and raised here in Prospect, Waddell Mercer Pike by John K. Brown of Oliver. was named to the Baseball Hall of occasions. 724-865-2181. M The Marquis de Lafayette may have Fame in 1946. stopped here on June 1, 1825.
12 - Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau - www.VisitButlerCounty.com www.VisitButlerCounty.com - Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau - 13 Butler Old Stone House Historical Groups Region AACA www.aacabosh.org 63rd Pennsylvania Infantry, Company C 724-774-5728, www.63rdpvi.com A non-profit antique automobile club dedi- The 63rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company C, is a Civil cated to maintain- War living history organization. Its members participate in parades, ing and preserving battle reenactments, and “living history” encampments. The Butler-built cars, 63rd Infantry is dedicated to presenting the lives of the common which include the Pennsylvania soldier and his experiences at war. All the uniforms Huselton, American and equipment used are exact reproductions of surviving originals. Bantam Car This is an organization where you can be immersed in history one Company (Jeep weekend at a time. 1909 Huselton and Bantam) and The 63rd Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment was recruited from the American Austin. See these cars on display various counties of Western Pennsylvania during the summer of at special events around the county. 1861. In its three years of active service, the regiment participated in almost every battle in the eastern theater of war. Of the over one Tri-State Hart- thousand men who left the region in 1861, less than one hundred Parr Oliver remained at muster out. Collectors If you or someone you know eats and sleeps the American Civil War, P.O. Box 353, this just might be the organization for you. “Because books and Zelionople, PA 16063, movies are not enough, you just have to DO history for yourself.” 724-865-9472 www.tri-stateoliver- club.com We are a non-profit club available and free to the public with interest and/ or those who seek Collectible Tractor knowledge in the preservation, repair, collection, and promoting of the agricultural farm machinery of the Hart-Parr Oliver Cooperation. We are a chapter under the National H.P.O.C.A. covering PA, OH, and WV. We attend and participate in local fairs, parades, antique machinery shows, and host related events. “Oliver Historical Reenactors of The Finest in Farm Machinery” the 63rd PA Infantry
Creek Narrows Natural Area, com- Jennings Environmental frame school, closed 1948, owned by Additional Sites memorates 1758 treaty negotiated Education Center: Five miles Allegheny Twp. Tours by appt. Davis Cabin: In Moraine State Park by Moravian missionary and colonial north of Moraine State Park’s Lake 724-791-2163. M government emissary Post with King Arthur, 4 miles south of Slippery on Glacier Ridge/North Country Trail Wigton Massacre: Marker at Beaver and other chiefs, withdrawing Rock, on Prospect Rd. (Pa. 528) at near Davis Hollow Marina, built late entrance to Muddy Creek Cemetery, Delawares’ allegiance to France dur- Pa. 8,. includes remnants of grassland 1700s of hewn logs and cut stone, west side Pa. 8 north of Pa. 138 and ing French & Indian War. H prairie from base of Wisconsin glacier was 20th century summer home of Muddy Creek Presbyterian Church, of 24,000-14,000 years ago; trails, sisters Katherine Davis and Eleanor 8 miles south of Slippery Rock and 8 Hickory Corner School: Ca. 1891 educational resources. Holt. North Country Trail Assn. miles north of Butler, memorializes furnished one-room frame school, 724-794-6011. P regional headquarters. X relocated in 1989 from Franklin Twp. James Wigton’s wife and five children Six Points School: South side Christian Frederick Post-King to Slippery Rock University campus, murdered nearby in 1843 by Seneca Pa. 58 (Foxburg Rd.), 3 miles east Indian Sam Mohawk, first person sen- Beaver: Marker 2 miles west of moved again in 1998 to McKay of Eau Claire at McKees, Sandy tenced to death in Butler County. H Slippery Rock, south side Miller Rd. Education Building at SRU’s Maltby Point, Slaters & Maple Furnace Rds. (extension of W. Water St.), about 200 Ave. entrance opposite Main St. Post Restored, furnished 1875 one-room feet west of Wolf Creek Bridge/Wolf Office. Open on special occasions. M
14 - Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau - www.VisitButlerCounty.com www.VisitButlerCounty.com - Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau - 15 Saxonburg Additional Sites Cooper Cabin: 199 Cooper Rd., one Massey Harbison Trail: In 1792 mile east of Pape or Hannahstown Native Americans abducted 22-year- Saxonburg Cemetery (Pa. 356 & Cooper Rd.), old Mrs. Harbison and infant from 1810 pioneer homestead and home near Freeport, killed two other Historical & Winfield Twp.’s oldest house is sons; she escaped near present day Restoration museum of Butler County Historical Butler. Self-directed automotive tour Commission Society, open seasonally. begins at Saxonburg Area Library, (10) 724-283-8116. M 240 W. Main St., ends at Fox Chapel Influenza Epidemic of 1918: Yacht Club. Purchase guide book North Rebecca Marker at wooded site called and audio tape at library. & Water Streets, Wooden Cross Cemetery, Sasse 724-352-4810. O Saxonburg, PA Rd. north of West Winfield, com- Saxonburg Historic District: 16056 memorates unmarked graves of Town named for German state of many Eastern European immigrants. Saxony, founded 1832 by immigrants 724-352-3024 Employed at area mines and indus- Karl F. and John A. Roebling, later the Saxonburg tries immigrants died in worldwide steel cable and suspension bridge Spanish influenza pandemic that pioneer. A sizeable model of the ’s Historical & killed 550,000 in the U.S. alone. H bridge can be found in Roebling Park Restoration John Roebling House: 110 W. in homage. Saxonburg’s Main Street Learn this quaintbig townhistory Commission Main St., 19th century home of wire is listed on the National Register operates Saxonburg Museum, cable inventor and Brooklyn Bridge of Historic Places and is lined with 1835-1880s buildings, with mark- Roebling Park and Cooper Hall. The museum exhibits designer, birthplace of his son Washington, who completed bridge. ers identifying 40 structures. A include Roeblings, communications, blacksmith, general store, and Marker commemorates both. On self-directed walking tour begins at laundry. Open seasonally or by appoint- National Register of Historic Places, Saxonburg Area Library, 240 W. Main St. 724-352-4810. P ment. The commission offers group Saxonburg owned by Saxonburg Memorial or individual tours, weddings Presbyterian Church. X, H and wedding receptions, John Roebling Workshop: Next to Saxonburg Museum in Roebling and an annual Festival of E. Water Park, Rebecca and Water Sts., 1840 the Arts the weekend fol- shop where suspension bridge pio- neer Roebling made first wire cable lowing Labor Day. M Dinnerbell 10 Main is on National Register of Historic Places. Open by appointment. SAXONBURG 724-352-3024. M
S. Rebecca Freeport
Saxonburg The Roeblings William A. Smith Dedicated: Monday, October 6, 1947 Dedicated: Saturday, January 1, 1955 Marker Type: Roadside Marker Type: Roadside 228 Categories: Bridges, Business & Categories: Business & Industry, Oil & Industry, Invention, Professions & Gas, Professions & Vocations Vocations, Transportation GPS Coordinates: LNG: -79.78732, GPS Coordinates: LNG: -79.81798, LAT: 40.7684 LAT: 40.75503 Location: N Pike Rd. (PA 356) be- Location: Butler Rd. (SR 2010) near tween Saxonburg and Marwood, 9 High St., Saxonburg miles SE of Butler Marker Text: John A. Roebling, inven- Marker Text: Known as “Uncle Billy” tor of steel wire rope and designer of Smith. In 1859, he drilled the world’s the Brooklyn Bridge, began business at first successful oil well with tools that Saxonburg, founded by him in 1832. he made in his blacksmith shop near His son, Washington A. Roebling, who Tarentum. The well, 69 1/2 ft. deep, built the Brooklyn Bridge, was born was drilled near Titusville for Col. here in 1837. Edwin Drake. “Uncle Billy” died in 1890. He lies buried about 120 ft. southeast of marker.
16 - Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau - www.VisitButlerCounty.com www.VisitButlerCounty.com - Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau - 17 Mars & Cranberry Township Cranberry Township Historical Society (12) 2525 Rochester Road, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066, 724-612-5730 Mars Area History & Landmark Society, Inc. www.explorecranberry.org (11) Founded in 1988, Behind 111 Brickyard Road, Mars, PA 16046, 724-816-7147 the Cranberry www.marshistory.org Township Stop by to tour the Historical Society remodeled train offers free, station, constructed periodic historical in 1897; the circa programs to 1906 red caboose; the public. The the Adams society provides Station of the docents for Butler Shortline the one-room Interurban Route Sample School, and the gift located next to shop. Get your the township own piece of building on Mars history! Rochester Each grade was held in Visit by ap- Road. Special the same room! pointment. M programs are presented yearly + year old at the schoolhouse for third grade students in the township and Tour a 100 the building is open throughout the caboose summer for visitors. Come see Clark what it was like to attend school Unionville Rowan 125 years ago. M Grand
Rochester Cranberry Township Crowe Crowe 12 Additional Sites Irvine 11 Crider’s Corner: Marker, west 79 side of Dutilh Rd. north of Pa. 228, Mars/Valencia describes crossroads community MARS Venango Path 19 at old Perry Hwy. and old Mars/ Pittsburgh Dedicated: Saturday, February 18, Freedom Rd. that until late 1960s 1995 228 was area’s business district named Marker Type: Roadside for landowner Jacob Crider. Was also 228 Categories: Forts, George station on interurban Pittsburgh, Washington, Military, Native Harmony, Butler & New Castle American, Paths & Trails, Roads, Railway 1908-1931. H Transportation GPS Coordinates: LNG: -80.07512, James Glover Grave: 200 Union Ogle: Marker, east side U.S. 19 LAT: 40.6856 Church Rd. at Stoup Rd., 1 mile east 1/2-mile north of Pa. 228, describes Location: Franklin Rd. at Mars Crider of Mars-Evans City Rd. south of township’s 1850 first post office on Rd. (Rt. 228), Cranberry Twp. Callery. Revolutionary War veteran old Perry Highway (Dutilh Rd.). Place Valencia Area Historical Society Museum: Borough and Butler County’s first (1792) name and post office relocated 1885 Marker Text: A major Indian path Building, 61 Almira St., artifacts permanent white settler is buried in to marker site, post office closed between the Forks of the Ohio (now and memorabilia of local history. middle of 7th row of graves in cem- 1902 with Rural Free Delivery intro- Pittsburgh) and the Seneca town Valencia Area Historical Society, etery behind Old Union Presbyterian duction. H of Venango (now Franklin) passed open by appointment, 724-625-1195 Church. O through here. On Dec. 27, 1753, Plains Presbyterian Church: or 724-898-1683. M Johnston School: One-room Marker at church, east side Franklin George Washington came this way brick schoolhouse, old Mars- Rd. 2 1/2 miles north of Pa. 228 near with frontier scout Christopher Gist as Valencia War Memorial: Freedom Rd., north of and parallel to Plains Church Rd., identifies first they returned from Fort LeBoeuf on Monument, Three Degree Rd. north Pa. 228, behind Cranberry Commons Cranberry Twp. church, organized a mission for Virginia’s Gov. Robert of railroad crossing, honors World Mall 1/2-mile east of I-79. X 1806 using tent, then log and later Dinwiddie. The Franklin Road, the War I veterans. O first wagon road northward from Mars Flying Saucer: Town center brick building, present structure built 1879. H Pittsburgh, was opened over this route triangle, Main St. & Grand Ave., in 1796. popular object for photography. O
18 - Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau - www.VisitButlerCounty.com www.VisitButlerCounty.com - Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau - 19 Erie 81
79 Pennsylvania Scranton 84 Wilkes-Barre 80 Williamsport 80 76 81 Allentown 78 Altoona Pittsburgh Harrisburg 76 70 76 Philadelphia Bedford 70 81 79 83
Welcome to Butler County! You’re invited to explore our fabulous historical sites! During your time spent here, we hope you’ll get out and explore the 790 miles we call home. From rustic and rural, to festive and friendly, experiences await visitors of all types. Museums, parks, art galleries, specialty shops, festivals, wineries, historic sites and golf courses can be found around every turn. The four seasons bring delightful changes, so you’ll find something to fall in love with any time of the year. One of the best parts is – it’s easy to get here! The Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-79, I-80 and Routes 422, 19 and 8 all run through the county. So stop reading and book a hotel, B&B or campground stay today! Treasure the Experience! Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau 310 East Grandview Ave. Zelienople, PA 16063 866.856.8444 www.VisitButlerCounty.com
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