Happy 250th Anniversary Westmoreland County. On this date, 250 years ago, Westmoreland County was formed by an Act of Assembly, approved by Governor Richard Penn, on February 26, 1773. The Act designated that the courts should be held at the house of Robert Hanna until a courthouse could be built. The first courts of the county were held at Hanna’s town on April 6, 1773, and James Cavet was appointed to the county seat, this being the first English court west of the Alleghenies with Robert Hanna presiding as judge. Our pre-Trafford settlers played a significant part in shaping Westmoreland County history, with Cavittsville and Stewart Station emerging from these early settlers. James Cavet’s nephew, John Cavet, had a daughter named Jane Cavet (1764-1857), who married John Stewart (1762-1821) and the couple lived in the oldest dwelling still standing in Trafford today. The house is located on Westmoreland Road, a fitting street name for this circa 1797 residence.
We encourage you to make plans to visit historic Hanna’s town this year and learn about the rich history having ties to our community. The website www.WestmorelandHistory.org has a list of events, and also visit www.Westmoreland250.com to stay up-to-date on all the latest happenings for the yearlong celebration of this 250th anniversary.
