Fort Allen (Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania

Fort Allen (Westmoreland County (Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania)

Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County · Pennsylvania · Dunmore's War, American Revolution

Quick BriefFort Allen, also known as Truby's Blockhouse, was built in Hempfield Township in 1774 by Colonel Christopher Truby in response to threatened Indian attacks on German pioneer settlers; it served as a frontier post during both Dunmore's War in 1774 and the American Revolution. The post protected the Harrold's and Brush Creek settlements but was never called upon in an emergency.

Open to visitors

Fort Allen (Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania), Pennsylvania

History & Significance

Fort Allen was erected in 1774 after approximately 800 German pioneer settlers petitioned the colonial government for protection from Indian attacks. It is believed the fort was named for Andrew Allen of Pennsylvania's Supreme Executive Council.

Colonel Christopher Truby assumed command after construction. One of a chain of forts built along the Kittanning Hills from the Delaware River to the Maryland border, it was established as Pennsylvania's response to Dunmore's War—a 1774 conflict between Virginia colonists and Shawnee and Mingo warriors for control of the trans-Appalachian region.

During the American Revolution, the post continued to provide refuge for the surrounding settlements. The fort was never attacked and was abandoned following the Revolutionary War.

Today only a stone monument marks the site, located on the grounds of St. John's Harrold United Church of Christ. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission erected a roadside marker in 1946 at the intersection of Route 136 and Baltzer Meyer Pike.

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🧳 Visiting

What you’ll see when you visit:

Stone monument erected 1929 marking the original blockhouse site
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission marker with details of colonial frontier history
Dunmore's War and American Revolution-era military post site
Hempfield Township location reflecting original German settler protection mission

Best time to visitSpring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer mild weather ideal for visiting Pennsylvania's historic sites, avoiding summer heat and winter snow.

Getting thereNearest air access is Arnold Palmer Regional Airport (LBE), approximately 16 km away near the town of Hempfield in Westmoreland County.

From the nearest major airportPittsburgh International Airport (PIT)🚗 50 mi by road⏱️ ≈ 1 hr 13 min drive

Fort Allen (Westmoreland County (Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania)

History & Significance

Key Facts

Map

🧳 Visiting

Sources

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