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Area History |
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| Welcome to the Latrobe Area, a part of our nation that is rich in history and tradition. |
| The first explorer to cross the Allegheny mountains heading west, and to record his journey, was Christopher Gist (a surveyor for the Ohio Company of Virginia). About 250 years ago, Gist came over the scenic Chestnut Ridge into Loyalhanna (present day Ligonier), following the waters into the area known today as Latrobe. |
In 1852, Oliver Barnes (a civil engineer for the Pennsylvania Railroad) laid out the plans for the community that was incorporated in 1854 as the Borough of Latrobe. Barnes named the town for his best friend and college classmate, Benjamin Latrobe, who was a civil engineer for the B&O Railroad, (his father, Benjamin Henry Latrobe, was the architect who rebuilt the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. after the War of 1812). Its location along the route of the Pennsylvania Railroad helped Latrobe develop into a significant industrial hub.
Other Latrobe Area communities have interesting histories as well. Youngstown, for instance, was established more than 50 years before Latrobe, and was a post-town along the historic Forbes Road. Because it was at the foot of the mountains, it was a convenient place for pack horses, wagons, and stage coaches to stop before proceeding over, or after descending, Chestnut Ridge. |
| In the early 1770’s, religious services were held on John Proctor’s farm at Proctor’s Tent, which was located between what is currently St. Xavier’s and Unity Cemetery in Unity Township. Proctor’s Church was the predecessor of what later became Unity Chapel, which is today maintained by the Latrobe Presbyterian Church. The nearby area later became the settlement of Benedictine monks from Germany, led by Brother Boniface Wimmer, who established Saint Vincent College and Monastery. |
| Derry Borough’s evolution came also as the result of the railroad. Originally intending to travel east from Latrobe into the Ligonier Valley, the planners diverted the route from Latrobe north to Derry and to Blairsville. Derry Borough was incorporated in 1881. |
| Derry Township has historically developed as an agricultural area, with early settlers clearing land of trees to cultivate the soil. Two of the area’s earliest settlers were John Pomeroy and James Wilson. |
Although many changes have occurred over the years, the area still maintains a blend of people who have worked together to develop a unique unity of diversity.
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