Who Killed Local History?
The Legion Ville Story
Preservation Movement
The Push for a National Historical Site
1792 (November): Legion Ville established by General Anthony Wayne.
1793-04-30: Legion Ville camp “broken up.” Troops stationed at Legion Ville until May 9, 1793, but the camp was struck on April 30th.
1818: Eyewitness accounts state that some of the buildings still standing. “The installations at Legionville soon fell to decay [after Wayne’s departure]. Zadok Cramer’s Navigator (1818) reads: Some of the cabins built by General Wayne are still standing on the ground which is an extensive flat, high and timberless, except a thick growth of young scrub oaks. The late John S. Duss, last surviving member of the Harmony Society, is reported to have seen some chimneys on this site and remarked that the people knew the site as “the chimney field.” During World War II, Legionville was the site of a temporary housing project. Today the temporary buildings are gone, but one is able to drive over the improvised streets. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission’s roadside marker is on Pa. 88 at the site.” (A traveler’s guide to historic western Pennsylvania, 1953, p. 114)
1824: Harmony Society purchased the property on which Legion Ville stood. The site was later bought by the A.M. Byers Ironworks Company who in turn sold it to National Tire and Rubber Company of Akron, Ohio.
1888: “Legionville of to-day is comparatively unimportant . . . The place has one house, in which lives the [postal] agent George Brown, with his family . . . The importance of Legionville is owing to two considerations: 1. It is near the ancient Logstown, the most important Indian village on the Ohio River. 2. It was the place selected by Gen. Anthony Wayne for the rendezvous of his army during the winter of 1792-73.” Richard J. Fraise in History of Beaver County, Pennsylvania (pp 599-600).
Recognition of Legion Ville
1904-03-09: Fort McIntosh Chapter DAR formed
1904 (September): Map published J.E. Leaf shows details of encampment.
1909-September: Eyewitness account of Legion Ville site. “General Anthony Wayne established a drill-camp on or near the site of Logstown . . . This camp was called Legionville; and that name has been perpetuated to the present day by a station on the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway, about one mile below Economy; which thus marks the site of Wayne’s’ Camp and of the historic Logstown. s The writer visited the site of the Old Logstown in September, 1909, and found nothing there but a ploughed field, with an abandoned oil-well near the foot of the bank ascending to the second level, on which the later town was built.” (Found in Charles A. Hanna’s The wilderness trail: or, the ventures and adventures of the Pennsylvania traders on the Allegheny path, with some new annals of the old West, and the records of some strong men and some bad ones. Vol. 1, 1911, p. 383)
1915-10-30: First recognition of the Legion Ville encampment (flag raising), by the Fort McIntosh Chapter of the D.A.R.
1918-06-14: Wayne-Logstown Monument was dedicated at Legion Ville by Fort McIntosh Chapter of the D.A.R.. “In addition to this most valuable work accomplished by the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania, in 1918 under their auspices the Pennsylvania Historical Com- mission dedicated a granite monument on the highway at Legionville, in honor of Anthony Wayne. In this they were assisted by the Fort McIntosh and Pittsburgh Chapters, Daughters of the American Revolution, the Pennsylvania Society Sons of the American Revolution, the Pennsylvania Society, Colonial Dames and the Dolly Madison Chapter, United States Daughters of 1812. A marker and flag-staff were also erected here at this time by the Fort McIntosh Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, No. 636, June 14th, 1918.” (“Economy of Old and Ambridge of Today,” 1924, p. 26)
1924: A Deptartment of Highways guide suggests that motorists would find at Legionville a free campsite, states Brian Butko in The Lincoln Highway (2002, p. 313).
1939: Robert McKnight publishes article about Legion Ville’s significance in Pennsylvania Archaeologist. [PR]
1940s: Edgar Augustine of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) excavates in the area of Logstown and Legion Ville discovering evidence of a prehistoric site (no contact period artifacts) and military artifacts. Ambridge area students involved with archaeological excavation, perhaps under the guidance of teacher Sarah Caldwell). [PR]
1946-09-25: Legionville roadside marker erected by Pa Historic and Museum Commission in Baden: “Gen. Anthony Wayne’s army camped here Nov. 1792 to April 1793, preparing for the campaign which led to the Battle of Fallen Timbers with the Northwest Indians.”
First Legion Ville Preservation Movement
1971-05-25: Anthony Wayne Historical Society (AWHS) formed to preserve Legionville site.
1973-01-10: The Anthony Wayne Historical Society is incorporated as a non- profit organization in the State of Pennsylvania. The society was formed to:
To collect and preserve historical data concerning Ambridge, Baden, Economy Boroughs and Harmony Township (District #9 of the Beaver County Research and Landmarks Foundation).
To publish, disseminate, and present information about, and to encourage interest in, the history of these areas.
To relate the past to the present life of the community, to bring to the present the encouragement and inspiration which comes from an accurate knowledge of the past.
To undertake the collection of funds for the above purposes.
1973-Oct: AWHS incorporates as a non-profit.
1973-11-11: AWHS and Beaver County Research and Landmarks Foundation erect roadside marker in Baden in recognition o Logstown and Legion Ville.
1975-03-17: “Legionville” 25-acre site listed on National Register of Historic Places.
1975-04-18: American Legion Department of Pennsylvania passes resolution in support of Legionville National Historic site.
1975: Legionville preservation efforts featured as cover story of the first issue of Milestones: The Journal of Beaver County History and Chronicle of Bicentennial Festivities (Vol. 1, No. 1, Fall).
1976: Legionville National Historic Site introduced into the Congressional Record by Senator John Heinz (September 16, 1976)
1977-02-23: 59th National Convention of the American Legion adopts Resolution 464 in support of legislation to establish Legionville Historic Site.
1977-03-23: US Dept. of Interior recommends against making Legion Ville a National Historic site.
1977-05-05: Benjamin J. Zerbey, Dept. of Interior Acting Regional Director, Mid-Atlantic Region, recommends against making Legion Ville a National Historic site, but states: “Since the site has already been placed on the National
Register by the State of Pennsylvania it has full protection against adverse Federal action and is potentially eligible for financial assistance through the Grants-in-Aid Program administered by the National Park Service through the States.” (Providing for the Establishment of the Legionville National Historic Site in the State of Pennsylvania and for Other Purposes, Report Together with Dissenting Views, pp. 42-43, see resources page).
1977-June: National Park Service conducts field survey of Legion Ville site and concludes that the 22 acre site is too physically compromised and does not have sufficient national significance to warrant status as National Historic site.
1977-06-21: Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania supports legislation to preserve Legionville as a national historical park.
1977-07-15: Pa State Rep. Charles Laughlin (Conway) supports legislation to preserve Legionville as a national historical park.
1977-07-25: Assistant Secretary of the Interior Robert Herbst (reiterated by Acting Secretary of the Interior David Hales on 1979-06-08) writes to Congress, “The Legionville site has been altered by intrusions of modern development such as a railroad and an interstate highway. Upon nominating it to the National Register of Historic Places, the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office judged the site only of local significance. A field survey by the National Park Service early in June 1977, confirmed this finding. Accordingly, we recommend against the enactment of H.R. 4308. This Department and the National Park Service would be pleased, however, to consider applications from the State of Pennsylvania for matching funds of historic preservation grants. Additionally, the expertise of the National Park Service is available to the State to assist in planning the development of the site as a local or regional park. (Providing for the Establishment of the Legionville National Historic Site in the State of Pennsylvania and for Other Purposes, Report Together with Dissenting Views, pp. 51-52, 58-59, see resources page).
1977-October: Senator John Heinz introduces S. 1104 in the Senate to restore Legionville. Bill passes Senate.
1978: Pa Rep. Gary Myers (who’s district is home to Legion Ville) opposes house legislation making Legion Ville a National Historic site.
1978-05-27: National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution pass resolution in support of Legionville National Park.
1978-11-02: President Carter “pocket” vetoes Congressional Legion Ville restoration legislation.
1979-03-12: Beaver County Commissioners Eli G. Corak, James G. Camp, George T. Pettibon express support of Legionville to Gov. Richard Thornburg.
1979-06-07: Acting Secretary of the National Park Service opposes National Historic Site status, but supports alternative preservation efforts by amending legislation: “H.R. 4308 would further direct the Secretary to enter into a cooperative agreement with a nonfederal entity for the management, development, and interpretation, in whole or in part, of the [Legionville] property so acquired.” (Providing for the Establishment of the Legionville National Historic Site in the State of Pennsylvania and for Other Purposes, Report Together with Dissenting Views, p. 50, see resources page).
1979-06-08: Assistant Secretary of the Interior Robert Herbst (as previously stated by Assistant Secretary of the Interior Robert Herbst on 1977-07-25) again recommends against National Historic status but would consider applications from the State for matching funds of historic preservation grants and offers National Park Service expertise available to the State to assist in planning the development of the site as a local or regional park. (Providing for the Establishment of the Legionville National Historic Site in the State of Pennsylvania and for Other Purposes, Report Together with Dissenting Views, pp. 51-52, 58-59, see resources page).
1979-03-17: Beaver County Marine Corps League expresses support to Sen. John Heinz for the “development and acquisition of the Legionville National Park.”
1979-03-29: Beaver County Historical Research and Landmarks Foundation expresses support to Sen. John Heinz for the “Legionville project.”
1979-06-07: Pa Rep. Gene Atkinson supports Legion Ville as a National Historic Site. However, on the advice of the Pa Historical and Museum Commission, Anthony Wayne Historical Society turns away from efforts to reintroduce Sen. John Heinz bill and focuses instead on establishment of Legionville as National Historic Landmark. (See Senator Heinz Legislative Assistant Staff Memo).
1979-July: First appearance of “The Ghost Cabal,” a selectively circulated, unsigned document in opposition to efforts to create a Legionville National Historic Park.
1979-07-19: AWHS member J. Blaine Griffith Jr. pens pro Legionville statement against opposing view of Beaver County Times’ Tom Waseleski
1979-07-25: AWHS president pens defense of Legionville in Beaver County Times. (unknown if published)
1979-08-24: Sen. Heinz declines not to reintroduce legislation in support of a Legionville Historic Park.
1979-11-08: National American Legion in support of Legionville National Historic Site.
1979: General Tire Company, owner of 22 acre Legion Ville site) insists on retaining the property for commercial or industrial purposes. Offers a sale price of $300,000. Beaver County Commissioners strip General Tire Co. property from having industrial development priority status.
1980-01-28: Charters issued for the Veterans Foundation-Legionville (VFW) for the preservation of the Logstown-Legionville site.
1980-03-20: John Heinz notified by staff that Legion Ville supporters “feel that he is not doing enough to push the bill [second legislative attempt] and that a phone call to [NPS chief] Whalen would ‘grease the wheels.'” Heinz agrees to the call, but warns staff to “please be more positive about Legion Ville. Staff has gotten me into unnecessary trouble on this and now we will all have to work twice as hard on this.” (Mike Lockerbie issues brief to Sen, Heinz, March 20, 1980, Heinz Collection, CMU)
2nd Legion Ville Preservation Movement
1992: Legionville referenced in “Pennsylvania at Risk,” by Preservation Pennsylvania: “The Legionville site is threatened by the development of an industrial park” (Vol 6, No. 20, p. 2).
1992: The Legion Ville reenactment group was formed ” for the express purpose of teaching the public the history of the Legion Ville site and the Legion of the United States (1792- 1796).” (LVHS website)
1993: Historian Patrick Riley discovers and publishes the Joseph Strong Legion Ville map (February 1793). Riley asserts, “It is the only extant drawing of Legion Ville found to date, although General Wayne sent an engineer’s drawing to Secretary Knox on January 19, 1793.”
1994: Anthony Wayne Historical Society changes name to Legion Ville Historical Society. LVHS carries on public education efforts, including historical reenactments.
1994: Tentative land developer who wants to put a mall on the vacant Legionville site calls opponents, “a bunch of sick people–jerks–who want something for nothing, and care more about a bunch of dried-up bones than living people who want to make a living.” As reported in “The Battle of Legion Ville,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, May 10, 1994.
1995-01-25: Commissioner Considering Amendment to Zoning Law, by Michael Yeomans (Beaver County Times, January 25, 1995) – “Despite loud objections from Commissioner Sandra Fidura-Phillips, Harmony Township commissioners voted 4-1 to permit their solicitor to draft an amendment to the zoning ordinance that would permit two new industrial classifications. Fidura-Phillips said the board is circumventing procedure by spending money to prepare an ordinance change before the zoning hearing board, the planning commission or the public has a chance to review the board’s decision. Fidura-Phillips said the proposed zoning change would likely affect the disputed Legion Ville property between Logan Road and the Jerart Slag Co., as well as property adjacent to the Byersdale plan of homes.”
1995-02-02: Letter to the Editor (Beaver County Times, February 2, 1995) – Herbert J. Sullivan: “The residents of Harmony Township must have settled in for a long winter’s nap leaving commissioner Sandra Fidura-Phillips to guard the community’s political chicken coop. While they slept on the evening of Jan. 25, Commissioners Kuga, Ciccone, Bunger and Kokoski voted to permit the solicitor to draft an amendment to the zoning ordinance that would permit two new industrial classifications that would primarily affect the historic Legionville site. Commissioner Phillips stood alone once again in her quest to protect and defend the historic Legionville site while the wolves of big business circled the hen house.”
1995-02-05: Letter to the Editor (Beaver County Times, February 5, 1995) – Lieutenant Bruce Kish, United States Army Reserve: “As a private citizen and neighbor, I am gravely concerned an important part of our community is being compromised. It seems to me that if the Harmony Township board can rezone the site as commercial (without a prior hearing from zoning), it could just as easily change the classification to historical. If Legionville is preserved, it will boost property values, bring revenue into the area from tourism, and put Harmony Township on the map as a progressive community. History is not a dull subject confined to dusty textbooks. It is living and present in our land. What a great shame it would be to sell out our past, our identity.”
1995-02-09: Letter to the Editor (South News, February 9, 1995) – Regina Morrow Riley: “Our children should be taught respect for their country, parents, and society as a whole, maybe this is our way of saving our country and our next generation.”
1995-02-10: Letter to the Editor (Beaver County Times, February 10, 1995) – William McKenry: “If they allow Legionville to be destroyed and not capitalize on its revenue potential, then never should the residents of Harmony complain about rising taxes, quality of life and improper political representation.”
1995-02-10: Letter to the Editor (Beaver County Times, February 10, 1995) – Gaylin Katterson: “What is wrong with Harmony Township Commissioners? They have an opportunity to do something worthwhile and long lasting along Duss Avenue and yet they quibble over who has a say in the matter. Have they looked about them? Drive down Duss Avenue from Logans Lane and you will see closed businesses, boarded-up windows, no trespassing signs, weed-filled car parks and scrap heaps. Of Course, faced with all that, it must be hard to imagine something attractive that makes money and provides jobs and interest in our area. Build a strip mall and auto dealership. Given a few years they will be weed covered and boarded up, too.”
1995-02-24: Time’s Ticking on Efforts to Preserve Legion Ville, by Michael Yeomans (Beaver County Times, February 24, 1995) – “Harmony Township Commissioners have voted to limit public comment at their township residents. The move prevents out-of-towners who wish to preserve the Legion Ville historical site from voicing their comments to the board. In the 3-2 vote Wednesday, board President Michael Kuga and members John Ciccone and Paul Kokoski voted to limit outsiders from speaking. Voting against the limitations were Sandra Fidura-Phillips and James Bunger. Fidura-Phillips protested the vote, but Solicitor Richard Start said Pennsylvania municipal code permits elected boards to restrict public comment.”
1995-02-26: Free Speech, Ban Violates the Spirit of New Law (Beaver County Times, Editorial, February 26, 1995) – “People beyond the boundaries of Harmony Township clearly have an interest in the fate of Legion Ville. The site is part of Beaver County’s past, of Pennsylvania’s past, of America’s past.”
1995-03-14: Letter to the Editor (Beaver County Times, March 14, 1995) – Don Norris: “Like most self-proclaimed preservationists, Mr. Sullivan is a hypocrite! Mr. Sullivan claims his free speech rights are being violated because he is not allowed to shove his preservationists views down the throats of the Harmony Township Commissioners concerning the Legionville site. He should make the landowners a deal they can’t refuse, (But don’t get upset if they’d like to make a profit on their investment!). Unfortunately, this isn’t how preservationists operate! They never put their money where their mouth is! They would rather see all of us taxpayers foot the bill for their self-righteous crusades!”
1995:03-22: “Wednesday, Harmony Township Commissioners voted to hold off on taking a $200.00 donation from Leroy Friend, who wants to relocate his Harmony Chevrolet car dealership from Duss Avenue to a 5.6 acre parcel along Logan Road and Route 65. I apologize if someone took it (the donation) out of character. I don’t think $200.00 buys influence. Sandra Fidura-Phillips responded, I know it doesn’t for me.” ( as reported in, “Harmony Officials Hold Off on Accepting $200 Donation,” by Bill Vidonic, Beaver County Times, March 23, 1995)
1995-03-23: Letters to the Editor (Beaver County Times, March 23, 1995) – John D. Bert: “As for the Harmony Township Commissioners sealing off comments from out-of-towners, I can only say I saw it coming. Having attended one of these meetings, I am convinced that the majority of them, specifically three, have already made up their minds. I think it is very sad that they fear differing opinions concerning a county treasure. Yes, I said treasure!”
1995-May: Legion Ville Boosters Ask for Help (Heliogram, May, 1995) – “U.S. Rep. Ron Klink (Jennette, Pa) said he is working as an ombudsman to bring people interested in preserving Legion Ville together. ‘Combined with Old Economy in Ambridge, Legion Ville can create a lot of economic impact.’”
1996-03-26: Legion Ville Set Standard For U.S. Military, by Michael Yeomans (Beaver County Times, March 26, 1996) – “To begin establishing collateral, the historical society recently started a preservation fund. Klink has offered $1,000 out of his own pocket to prime the pump. Preservation supporters hope to turn a trickle into a river by somehow acquiring the site.”
1996-04-08: “Legion Ville Task Force” formed to assist the Legion Ville Historical Society in preserving the Legion Ville site. LVHS reports that the project has the it has the “unmitigated support” of Pa Governor Thomas Ridge (R) and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
1996-04-09: Save Legion Ville, Group Tells Commissioners, by Bill Vidoni (Beaver County Times, April 9, 1996) – Ed Piroli: “We can’t put the cart before the horse. It’s important to have a concept, but there is an immediate need to stop potentially what is going to happen in the near future, which is irreparable damage to that site.”
1996-04-25: Letter to the Editor (Beaver County Times, April 25, 1996) – Gerald Wayne Slappo: “If it was up to me, I would deport the developer Paul Mouradian and businessman Leroy Friend back to wherever their ancestors lived. They don’t deserve to call themselves Americans…”
1996-May: Larry Williamson, director of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, visits Legion Ville site to “gain a better understanding of the cultural and economic potential Legion Ville has to offer,” according to LVHS.
1996-05-12: Question: How do you think the Legion Ville site should be developed? (Candidates for Commissioner Speak on the Issues, Beaver County Times, May 12, 1996) – Sandra Fidura-Phillips: “I believe the Legion Ville site should be developed with the intent of utilizing the site’s Historic value, for long-term economic growth to benefit all residents. Preserving Legion Ville will not only give Harmony Township the unique status of being the birthplace of the United States Army, but also an added sense of community pride. Future generations should not be denied their historical and cultural heritage at the expense of commercial development.” John Ciccone: “I am against any tax dollars used for acquisition or development. I am for voter referendum on this issue. Public input should be used on this matter, as it will greatly affect the future of the township and surrounding communities.”
1996-June: Regina Morrow Riley publishes “Legionville: Then and Now” in Milestones: The Journal of Beaver County History (Vol 21 No 2 Summer 1996).
1996-06-05: Group Preserving First U.S. Bootcamp, by Mary Alice Meli (South County News, June 5, 1996) – Robert Barensfeld: “The historical significance of the site is unparalleled. All knowledgeable federal historical experts put Legion Ville on a par with Independence Hall, Valley Forge and like historic sites. It (sic.) deserves to be preserved and restored. It’s the first United States training site established after America became a nation.”
1996-06-24: Letter to the Editor (Beaver County Times, June 24, 1996 – Joe McGrath: “They’ve all discovered (tourism) is the fastest growing industry in the country and it’s a field of dreams. If you don’t have an attraction, you can make one.”
1996-October: LVHS reports that “an appraisal of the property is being conducted on five parcels of land by two independent companies. Jerart Developers, owners of three parcels encompassing 28 acres, has publicly pledged to donate their portion in the future. Beaver County has agreed to use the donated Jerart property as their contribution to a 50/50 matching grant from the State of Pennsylvania. This funding would be used to purchase or acquire the remaining two parcels through eminent domain procedures. The remaining 16.3 acre and 5.86 acre parcels are owned by Bogus Paul Mouradian and LeRoy Friend of Northwest Chevrolet /Geo who want to put a strip mall and car dealership on the property respectively.”
1997-02-12: Bryan Hayden, Congressional aid to Rep. Ron Klink (D, PA-4), responds to LVHS member Patrick Riley: “You people [[LVHS] have not done anything to save the site in four years. You haven’t raised one dime to save this site. Why don’t you quit your whining. I’m sick of it.” Mr. Riley responds with an account of LVHS historical, educational, and preservation outreach activities for the year 1996:
$2,400 for property acquisition near Legion Ville site
$4,941 for public outreach costs (postage, mailing supplies, website, and other administrative costs)
$4,550 for public history education and programming (reenactment uniforms, equipment, transportation
received over 3,000 letters in regard to the Legion Ville preservation efforts, sent over 6,000 letters all over the world
participated in over 20 major reenactments and civic functions (Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day, Armed Forces Day, Flag Day, Military Funerals to name a few)
gave the Legion Ville talk to over 30 organizations
conducted research at West Point, National Archives, Library of Congress, Yale University, William Clements Library, Imperial War Museum (London), British National War Museum (London), British Museum (London), Royal Air Force Museum (Hendon), The Irish Museum (Dublin), U.S. Naval Academy, United States Marine Corps Museum, Fort Sill Artillery Museum, Carnegie Museum and the Darlington Rare Books Library at the University of Pittsburgh
1999: Eliot Johnson publishes “Legionville” in Milestones: The Journal of Beaver County History (Vol 24 No 1 Spring 1999).
1999-05-05: Pending sale of Legion Ville to Northwest Auto, Inc. halted by Judge John D. McBride. Site owner B. Paul Mouradian is willing to sell property to Beaver County for historic preservation but the County cannot raise matching funds for its $300,000 Keystone grant.
The Logs Town Era: Site Preservation Focus Shifts Toward Logs Town
2001-01-31: House Resolution 27 (first introduced) urging support for development of Logstown/Legionville site. Main sponsor, Susan B. Laughlin (D) (dec. 2020). Short title: A Concurrent Resolution urging support for development of Logstown/Legionville as a Pennsylvania historical park and historical center.
2001-06-21: Pa Legislature (concurrent) unanimously passes House Resolution 27 urging support for development of Logstown/Legionville as a Pennsylvania historical park and historical center. (See legislative history of resolution)
2002-February: “Logstown/Legionville Historic Park & Center” sign erected at Legion Ville site.
2002-11-19: BCHRLF plans for a 2003 Washington 1753 Trail event, hopes to hold a “2-day event on Legionville property, maybe in October, 2003.” To help with public education and fundraising efforts, BCHRLF Board approves commissioning of Andrew Knez Jr. original painting, “Storm Clouds Gathering: Washington Meets Half King at Logstown.” (BCHRLF Board minutes)
2003-10-18: BCHRLF hosts weekend reenactment event in Economy Township Park recognizing Washington’s 1753 visit to Logs Town. Event could not be held on Legion Ville property. Indirect focus on Legion Ville.
2004: LVHS reports: “Wright Pontiac of Ambridge, Pennsylvania purchased [part of] the property from Alexander Barlamas (Ambridge, Pa.) and Mitchell Unis (Aliquippa, Pa). Wright Pontiac plans to build a car dealership on the property even though 17 soldiers are buried on the property.”
2004-10-02: BCHRLF supports Logs Town and early Native American public history education efforts with Eastern Woodlands Indian Program, an annual activity serving more than 345 participants over 17 sessions (last held in September 2022).
2005: Legion Ville land acquired by developers.
The Logs Town Era: Site Preservation Focus Shifts Toward Logs Town
2013: Car dealership built on part of Legion Ville land.
2014-01-02: BCHRLF first mention of Logstown on Facebook social media platform: “Rev. Joseph Peter Bonneamps, a member of the Society of Jesus, performed the first public Catholic religious ceremony in Beaver County the morning of August 8, 1749, in the Logstown area.”
2016: Beaver County Historical Research and Landmarks Foundation hosts informal meeting with local officials, members of Logs Town Associates, and veterans to explore the question of selling/purchasing land at the Legion Ville and Logs Town site. (source: Brenda Applegate, correspondence with Kevin Farkas)
2015-03-09: Historian and LBHS member Patrick Riley gives presentation at Beaver County Historical Research and Landmarks Foundation about research he’s conducted to determine the present day location of Logstown and Legionville.
2018-06-18: Beaver County Historical Research & Landmarks Foundation announces on its Facebook page: “The BCHRLF is currently spearheading a committee that is working to try and save the remaining portion of Logstown/Legionville that sits beside the car dealership. They are making contacts with the current owners and looking for funding.”)
2018-10-31: Legion Ville Historical Society referenced in the 2018 (latest edition) “Passport to Beaver County History, published by the Beaver County Historical Research and Landmarks Foundation (BCHR&LF “the Appointed and Official Beaver County Historical Organization”) and Beaver County Tourism. LVHS is listed under a section described as “historical societies, groups and organizations that do not have a historical site to visit, but who are still very much involved in protecting and fostering our historical legacy.”
2018-11-13: Jeffrey Snedden publishes “The forgotten 17: America’s earliest veterans buried in unmarked graves.” (The Beaver County Times).
2023: Legion Ville and Logs Town sites sit inactive and abandoned except for a handful of roadside markers. There are no local history events or programs conducted at the sites. BCHRLF continues to offer some public history programming around Logs Town and Native Americans, including a dedicated feature about Logs Town on its website. However, BCHRLF offers no such programming or online exhibit about Legion Ville. No other local history organization in Beaver County offers any meaningful consideration to the Legion Ville site.
- 2024: BCHRLF executive director Brenda Applegate announces on March 28, 2024 via Rochester Area Heritage Society social media that she is seeking a grant that would allow for “property purchase and development.”
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD
Through the efforts of interested groups as the Anthony Wayne Historical Society, Legionville has been designated a State Historic Site and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Unfortunately, without designation as a National Historic Site, this landmark; zoned for industrialization, will be lost for future generations of Americans to enjoy.
For this reason, I am introducing legislation which directs the Secretary of the Interior to acquire the 22 acres in Harmony Township, Beaver County, Pa. The National Park Service would then administer the land as a national historic site and would be able to reconstruct a model of the encampment.
It is my hope that, in this Bicentennial Year, a vital part of our heritage will be
commemorated through the establishment of the Legionville National Historic
Site.
~Senator John H. Heinz, September 16, 1976
Legislative History of S. 1104:
Legionville National Historic Site
The following outlines the legislative history of S.1104 – A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Legionville National Historic Site in the State of Pennsylvania. This legislation was introduced in the 95th Congress (1977-1978) by Senator John H. Heinz (R-Pa).
11/02/1978 Pocket veto by President.
10/23/1978 Measure presented to President.
10/14/1978 Measure enrolled in Senate.
10/14/1978 Measure enrolled in House.
10/14/1978 Measure passed House.
10/14/1978 Measure considered in House.
10/14/1978 Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs discharged in House.
10/31/1977 Referred to House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs.
10/28/1977 Measure passed Senate, amended.
10/28/1977 Measure considered in Senate.
10/28/1977 Call of calendar in Senate.
10/21/1977 Reported to Senate from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources with amendment, S. Rept. 95-526.
03/23/1977 Referred to Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
You must be logged in to post a comment.