Ligonier, Pennsylvania - Travel Review

If you do not want to just read about historical places and events, try living it instead! If you would like to visit for just a day or even plan a vacation for the family, Ligonier, Pennsylvania has a lot to offer in the way of clean family fun and adventure!

Fort Ligonier, located in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, highlights events that occurred approximately 250 years ago during times that included the French and Indian War and Pontiac's War of 1763 and with such military notables as British Army General John Forbes and General George Washington. General Washington, commander of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War from 1775 to 1783, would become our first president.

Built as a supply depot and staging area for British and American troops, this small garrison eventually expanded into the present day town of Ligonier. It was first called "Post at Loyalhanna," by General Forbes and later changed by him to be known as Fort Ligonier in honor of his commanding officer, Sir John Ligonier.

The original fort was built in 1758 and decommissioned a short eight years later as a military base in March 1766. The existing reconstructed fort is built on eight acres of the original property of Fort Ligonier and includes restored and reconstructed elements of the original fort. A visit to the Fort today gives visitors the opportunity to see how life existed in the 18^th century, when not only battles and conflicts with the French, British, and local Indian tribes were deciding the outcome of the new America, but also shows how soldiers and ordinary people lived each day.

Within the confines of the fort, there are barracks for the soldiers, officers' quarters, a mess hall, an underground magazine that held arms and ammunition, and the fort store (also called the commissary). Outside of the fort, there is a tiny hospital, General John Forbes' hut and a 1600 foot long retrenchment that surrounds the Fort itself. Other buildings housed a saw mill, a smoke house, a place to bake bread, a blacksmith shop or "forge", a log house, Indian lodges and a museum store filled with books and souvenirs.

The fortifications of the fort itself includes entry through 3 separate gates, a double-walled barrier with outward pointing sharpened logs, 4 bastions that extend beyond the walls of the fort, and the entrenchment. The buildings were made of rough hewn timbers that were made by hand. Cannons and muskets were the artillery used and examples are found at the fort today.

While visiting the fort, you will get to see reenactments of battles and encampments showing how the soldiers fought and lived. Many of the locals can be seen dressed in the clothing fashion of the 18th century and many are historical interpreters who explain the history surrounding Fort Ligonier. Even the Conestoga wagons that have been reconstructed and placed within the fort area came from descriptions and artifacts found on the site of the original fort and which were used to bring in cargo and other supplies.

The town of Ligonier takes its name from the Fort. Col. John Ramsey was given the job of laying out the town boundaries which included an area in the center of town called "the Diamond". Although Ramsey had planned on the town being called Wellington, the locals called it "Ramseytown". It was not until the town was incorporated in 1834 did it officially become Ligonier. Even so, the Diamond was originally intended as a place where farmers could park their wagons while purchasing supplies or selling items from their farms. Today the Diamond is home to numerous shops, antique stores, eateries, crafts, book stores (including the Ligonier Public Library) and more.

Public events are often held every weekend where you can bring your own chair and find a favorite spot to listen to music or watch other productions. Several festivals are held throughout the year with one of the most important ones being "Fort Ligonier Days", which will be held on October 9, 10 and 11 of 2009. Other local events that are held throughout the year can be found by visiting the Ligonier website at http://www.ligonier.com or by calling the Chamber of Commerce (724-238-4200) for other activities taking place in Ligonier during the Fort Ligonier Days festival.

Other area attractions include miniature golf, championship golf courses, several eateries (my favorite is Ruthie's, an authentic home style food restaurant on Route 30 in Ligonier), playgrounds, and within driving distance there are several state parks, locations of battlefields, along with hiking, fishing, and skiing areas. Several motels and other accommodations including local bed and breakfast facilities exist to cover a day or weekend trip or an even longer stay.

More local attractions can be found in the nearby town of Latrobe, the hometown of Fred Rogers, known for his TV show "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood". Idlewild Park, a small theme and water park complete with amusement rides, is located only three miles from Ligonier and includes a section called "The Neighborhood of Make Believe", straight from the mind of Fred Rogers.

There is also the Hi-Way Drive-In Theatre where you can watch movies from the comfort of your vehicle. During the pre-season of football, the Pittsburgh Steelers' training camp is located at St. Vincent College, and Latrobe is also home to the first banana split ever made and eaten.

Fort Ligonier is located 12 miles from Donegal, Pennsylvania (off the Pennsylvania Turnpike) and is located at the intersection of Route 711 and Route 30. It is approximately 50 miles from Pittsburgh, 18 miles from Greensburg, and 48 miles from Bedford, Pennsylvania. Admission is $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for children between the ages of 6 and 15, with children 5 and under admitted free. The fort is open from 10:00 to 4:30 Monday through Saturday and from 12:00 noon until 4:30 on Sundays. Visitors can bring a picnic lunch as picnic tables are available. Parking is free.

Sources:

Official Website of Ligonier, Pennsylvania
Welcome to Fort Ligonier
Idlewild Amusement Park and Soak Zone
Personal Visit