An Interpretive and Development Plan for Historic Hanna's Town

Prepared by the WestmorelandCounty Historical Society

41 W. Otterman St., Suite 310

Greensburg, PA 15601

724-836-1800

July 2006

Table of Contents

  1. Executive Summary------3
  2. Introduction and Objectives------6
  3. Significance of Site------6
  4. Basic Information for Program Planning------7
  5. Themes------7
  6. Objectives of Interpretative Programs------8
  7. Prior Preparatory Work------9
  8. Existing Facilities------9
  9. Existing Programs------10
  10. Needs Assessment------11
  11. Maintenance------11
  12. Facilities------11
  13. Programs and Interpretation------12
  14. Steps toward Satisfying Needs------14
  15. Interpretive Plan------14
  16. VisitorCenter------14
  17. Village Development------24
  18. Relocation of Roads------24
  19. VisitorCenter: Additional Information for Architectural Design--- 25
  20. Conceptual Design Needs------25
  21. Time Line for Construction------28
  22. Sustainability------28
  23. Expansion of Education Programs------29

Appendix A Research References------31

Executive Summary

Historic Hanna’s Town has a vibrant and significant story. Its potential as a fundamental site for American history education and cultural tourism has never been fully realized due to an inconsistent approach to interpretation caused by a lack of facilities and resources. A dedicated group of volunteers has labored since the late 1960s to bring Hanna’s Town to life, and their research and work have been vital to preserve this important historical site. An interpretive plan has been developed to provide an outline for future development of facilities and programming to more fully explore, in an interesting and engaging fashion, the many dimensions of the American story revealed here.

The Westmoreland County Historical Society has analyzed the history of Historic Hanna’s Town and identified potential interpretive themes. Hanna's Town’s involvement in issues of local, state and national significance offers a unique opportunity to educate multiple audiences utilizing a number of interrelated themes. The following themes have been identified:

  • Pre-contact occupation of WestmorelandCounty: Native American cultures have been present in Western Pennsylvania for thousands of years.
  • The Forbes Road: This road played a significant role, both in the French & Indian War and in westward migration as it became the primary highway from eastern Pennsylvania for a generation.
  • The establishment of Hanna's Town: Robert Hanna registered his land April 3, 1769, after the Treaty of Fort Stanwix created one of the largest land rushes in Pennsylvania history. Political maneuvering resulted in his town being selected over Pittsburgh to act as the new county seat.
  • Life on the frontier in western Pennsylvania:Early residents of Hanna’s Town had to be self-sufficient when they arrived on the frontier.The pioneers used their varied knowledge and skills to survive and develop a thriving settlement in an incredibly harsh and dangerous environment.
  • 18th century justice on the frontier: Hanna's Town was a center of political intrigue, inept government, and personal vendettas. It was also the only semblance of civilian law and order on the frontier for much of the 1770s.
  • The conflict between the colonies of Pennsylvania and Virginia:After the creation of WestmorelandCounty by the Penn Proprietary Government, Virginia's governor, John Murray, Earl of Dunmore, became very aggressive in advancing Virginia's claims to all of the land that now constitutes Southwestern Pennsylvania and the West Virginia panhandle. As the WestmorelandCounty seat, Hanna's Town was a flash point in the conflict that resulted in arrests and counter arrests as well as violence perpetrated against civil leaders and the Native American population.
  • Attitudes and politics in western Pennsylvania regarding the Revolution: The colonists didn’t all agree about the important issue of independence from Great Britain. The rebel believed he was fighting for his freedom from a tyrannical ruler, while the loyalist regardedhimself as a law-abiding citizen who recognized that his government had some faults but did not support rebellion. The Hanna's Town Resolves, written and signed onMay 16, 1775, reflect attributes of both positions. Before most other colonial communities took a stand, WestmorelandCounty residents proclaimed their willingness to take drastic measures to maintain and defend their rights against British oppression. While protesting the acts of Parliament, the Hanna’s Town Resolves maintained allegiance to the King of England and stopped short of declaring independence.
  • Individual heroes and villains:People are intrigued by personal stories, so this is an effective educational tool. History records numerous people associated with Hanna’s Town whose stories illustrate larger issues. Possible people to feature include Arthur St. Clair, Matthew Jack, etc.
  • The role of western militias during the Revolutionary War period: While the Continental Congress and General Washington concentrated their efforts on the threats in the east, western frontier defense was left largely to each community and the local militia. Indian warfare characterized the American Revolution in the west because the Native Americans usually allied themselves with the British. As a result, the frontier was almost constantly under threat of attack, and militias were formed and disbanded routinely in numerous attempts to control the western territories and drive the British into Canada.
  • Clashes between Native Americans and settlers: The Native Americans were agitated by aggressive actions of the Virginia militia during Dunmore’s War and encouraged by the British to make war on the colonists. There are numerous incidents that can be explored revealing outrages committed by both sides. This theme provides the opportunity to tell about the burning of Hanna’s Town by the Seneca Indians and their British allies on July 13, 1782, one of the final conflicts of the Revolutionary War.

The Westmoreland County Historical Society has evaluated the strengths & weaknesses of the current programs and facilities at Historic Hanna’s Town and identified basic needs. These include modern amenities to facilitate both programming and visitor comfort requirements, in addition to space for exhibits, storage and an archaeology lab.

WCHS has determined that these needs can not be met in the current facilities; therefore, a new structure must be built, which has been tentatively designated as the Hanna’s TownHistoryEducationCenter. A potential location has been identified overlooking and within walking distance of the old town site, and archaeological testing has approved the site for building since no significantprehistoric or historic features were indicated.

Although a new building is a substantial financial challenge, it will create a desirable destination for the general public, both tourists and the local population, and significantly improve the visitor’s experience by enhancing the presentation of the interpretive themes and programming. The installation of basic facilities will encourage use of the site by tour bus operators and allow year round utilization. Five basic components are proposed for the initial facility:

  • An auditoriumwill provide a venue to show a short film as an overview of the site. It could also be used for other public programs including the screening of various historical movies as special events.
  • An exhibit area devoted to Historic Hanna's Town will include both permanent and temporary aspects.Permanent exhibits will orient the visitor to the site, introduce the interpretive themes and provide a segue to the reconstructed village. To encourage repeat visits, an area will be designated for changing exhibits that explore in greater detail one of the themes or a component thereof. Possible subjects include any one of the heroes or villains, indentured labor, the bill of rights, interesting court cases, social life, family life, a particular militia action, etc.
  • An archaeological laboratory and exhibit area: The Hanna's Town site is an archaeological treasure because it is largely a sealed time capsule from an early and important period in the history of our country. In addition, with well over one million artifacts already recovered in controlled and highly documented excavations, the artifacts themselves can be extremely instructional to the community at large. Rather than keep the collections in storage, significant displays should be made available to the general public. The lab and collections will also be appealing to archaeological professionals and students interested in the material culture of the waning British colonial frontier and the emerging American republic.
  • A general history exhibit area will provide the opportunity to explore other aspects of WestmorelandCounty history. It will encourage partnerships with local history groups with specialized interests and provide them with a venue for their exhibits.This portion of the facility must be visually distinct so as not to be confused with the Hanna's Town experience.
  • An educational resource center is needed to supplement the current programming at the reconstructed town site. Options are needed for inclement weather activities, winter programs, organization areas to coordinate school outreach programs, etc. This area could serve many functions and should be designed as a multipurpose area.

The building of an EducationCenter is an important step to upgrade the interpretation of Historic Hanna’s Town; however, there is another component for continued improvement. The reconstructed village should be enhanced to more completely reflect the trades and attributes of the original town. In the thirty plus years since Historic Hanna’s Town was first developed and opened for tours, research on the site and 18th century history and daily life has expanded and clarified our knowledge of that time period. Additionally, technology and display techniques have improved and should be employed to eliminate or reduce anachronisms and create a more authentic environment for interpretation.

Historic Hanna’s Town is arguably one of the most significant historic sites in WestmorelandCounty and southwestern Pennsylvania, but it is underutilized by the local and tourist population. Improved marketing and interpretive programs as outlined in this plan will facilitate the creation of a desirable destination choice that will promote joint experiences in conjunction with other local attractions and expand the market for tourism in WestmorelandCounty.

I.Introduction and Objectives

Historic Hanna's Town, founded in 1773 by Robert Hanna, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It served as the first County Seat of Westmoreland County and the site of the first English court west of the Allegheny Mountains. The town was attacked and burned on July 13, 1782 by a raiding party of English and their Indian allies. Hanna's Town never fully recovered and ceased being the county seat in 1786. By the early years of the 19th century, the site was converted to farmland. During its brief life, it was the site of many events and a pivotal player in activities of local, state and national significance.

In 1969, the town site was acquired by WestmorelandCounty. Since then,CountyParks and Recreation and the Westmoreland County Historical Society have preserved the site, initiated an archaeology program, restoredremaining farm buildings, reconstructed portions of the original town and instituted a comprehensive educational program at the site.

The primary objective of this report is to present an interpretive plan for Historic Hanna's Town, building on existing structures and programs and incorporating a newly planned Visitor's Center. Tentative plans call for construction of the new Visitor's Center in 2008.

II.Significance of Site

Hanna's Town, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is located in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. It is a registered archaeological site and has been assigned the permanent identifier of 36WM203. The events that took place at or near Hanna's Town between 1758 and 1782 have local, state and national significance. The Forbes Road passes directly through the town site. Nearby is the Three Redoubts encampment used by Washington and Bouquet immediately prior to their taking Fort Duquesne. The site was at the center of westward migration for more than a generation. A large majority of all settlers seeking new opportunities in the Ohio country and beyond passed through Hanna’s Town.

Formed in 1773, Westmoreland County was the last county created by the Penn Proprietary government prior to the American Revolution. Hanna's Town acted as its first county seat; therefore, it was the site where justice was dispensed and served to bring order into the disordered and often chaotic environment of the western Pennsylvania colonial frontier.

The town and its inhabitants played a major role in the conflict between Pennsylvania and Virginia for control of the area now recognized as southwestern Pennsylvania. Armed conflicts occurred at Hanna's Town as representatives of Virginia tried to assert their claim to this area. The conflict is an outstanding example of the broader issue of relations between various colonies before and after the Revolution.

The Hanna's Town Resolves were written and signed here onMay 16, 1775. This document is one of the most direct challenges to British authority preceding the Declaration of Independence. Before most other colonial communities took a stand, WestmorelandCountyresidents proclaimed their willingness to take drastic measures to maintain and defend their rights against British oppression.

Hanna's Town became an important center for the recruitment of troops to fight with General Washington. WestmorelandCounty soldiers participated in the campaigns at Trenton and Saratoga and wintered at Valley Forge. Militia was also recruited here for the western campaigns against the British in Detroit and the Indians. The decision to enlist was very difficult for the men of WestmorelandCounty; they had to balance a desire for national independence with the more immediate concern of defending their homes and families on the frontier from attack by the Native Americans.

The destruction of Hanna's Town on July 13, 1782, when a band of Indians under Seneca chief Sayengaragta and their British allies attacked and burned the town, was one of the final battles of the Revolutionary War. This attack reflects the anger and frustration of Native Americans with the continual expansion of white settlement on the frontier. The town never recovered from this attack. Its subsequent conversion to farmland in the early 1800s preserved it as an archaeological time capsule of 1770 frontier colonial life, and it remains an almost unique resource in this area.

Hanna's Town's history was short, but very dramatic and historically significant. Important events took place here. In addition, people raised families under very difficult frontier conditions. Some prospered; some didn't. Some became prominent local citizens in later years; some moved on. Some were heroes, others villains.Hanna's Town is significant because it is a platform for many historic themes, a few of which happened at a lot of places, but all of which happened here.

III. Basic Information for Program Planning

A. Themes

The history of Hanna's Town in local, state and national affairs offers a unique opportunity to use the area to educate multiple audiences utilizing a number of themes. Groups of primary interest are school children, families and adult motor coach groups. However, proper design of facilities will also allow broad exposure to other markets including special interest groups, researchers, casual walk-in visitors and the general public. Specialty markets could include group meetings or events by numerous nonprofit entities, family functions, private parties and clubs. The general public will continue to be drawn to the site by events ranging from the existing Antiques & Collectibles Show to various thematic historical reenactments.

The theater of events in colonial and Revolutionary War period Hanna's Town thrust its citizens and other county residents into the roles of the famous and the infamous. Expanded exhibition space coupled with thematic educational programming at Historic Hanna's Town will allow for multiple interrelated interpretive topics that are significant to WestmorelandCounty, state and national history.Historic Hanna’s Town is more than a one-event site and lends itself to many themes:

  • Pre-contactoccupation of WestmorelandCounty
  • The Forbes Road
  • Westward migration
  • The establishment of Hanna's Town
  • Life on the frontier in western Pennsylvania
  • 18th century justice on the frontier
  • The conflict between the colonies of Pennsylvania and Virginia
  • Attitudes and politics in western Pennsylvania regarding the Revolution
  • The role of western militias during the Revolutionary War period
  • Individual heroes and villains
  • Clashes between Native Americans and settlers

B. Objectives of Interpretive Programs

The history of Hanna's Town is complex and multidimensional. Permanentexhibits will introduce and orient the visitor to the site of the historic frontier community and provide a segue to the reconstructed village. There, tour guides, in appropriate 18th century clothing, will engage visitors through a tour that will allow for questions and conversation on more detailed information. The following objectives are intended for those who visit the exhibits and take the tour.

Visitors will:

  • appreciate that Native American cultures have been present in western Pennsylvania for thousands of years.
  • learn about transportation and westward migration particularly along the Forbes Road.
  • gain a sense of the interconnectedness of the frontier community fostered by the daily struggle for survival in a harsh and unforgiving environment.
  • appreciate the relief and security that social interaction provided in this isolated part of the world.
  • understand the colonist’s need to shape their new unrefined and turbulent world in the image of the one they left behind with a familiar system of order and justice.
  • contrast the practices of frontier court justice with standards of justice today.
  • appreciate the difficulty of uniting 13 colonies by exploring the conflict between Virginia and Pennsylvania for control of southwestern Pennsylvania.
  • explore the strategic national and local security issues involving the militia.
  • learn the spectrum of political attitudes among the colonists that propelled them toward life-changing events; all colonists did not agree on the idea of independence.
  • investigate the dynamics of relationships between Native Americans and whites that resulted in significant alliances.
  • gain a sense of the interconnection between historical events in a variety of areas and over a range of time.
  • encounter key figures in Hanna’s Town’s history, both the famous and the infamous.

C. Prior Preparatory Work