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The First Battalion, Westmoreland County Militia

Westmoreland County was the farthest western part of Pennsylvania during the American Revolution. Settlements, including Hannastown, the county seat, extended along the Forbes Road to Pittsburgh. The First Battalion was formed in May 1775 as part of the Volunteer "Military Association." Except for few months with Washington's army in 1777, the Battalion was used in small actions defending Western Pa. against British-inspired Indian raids.

Arms were mostly privately owned, though some men owned no weapons loaned arms from the County or Continental stores. Clothing was the typical civilian type with slnprising]y few rifles shirts or other touches thought typical ofthe frontier.

The recreated First Battalion began in and joined the B.A.R. in 1976. It is incorporated as a non-profit historical association called the Slippery Rock Reenactment Association. The Association provides liability insurance, patterns and instructions, and other aids for members. Most of its members live in the areas of Western Pa., eastern Ohio, northern WV, and western NY. Men, women, and families are welcome as members. While most unit events are in this four state area, we have attended events as far afield as the Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village in Michigan and Fortress Louisbourg, Canada. Anyone interested injoining should contact:

For recruiting information contact:
Vincent Watson
103 Glenwood Ave.
Evans City, PA16033
(724) 538-9261

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