Letter to the editor: History in our backyards
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When most of us want to learn history, we visit historical attractions like Gettysburg or Philadelphia. However, we either take for granted or are unaware of the historical events that took place in our own backyard.
I live just a few blocks away from the burial sight of Arthur St. Clair, who was a major general in George Washington’s army and a governor of the Northwest Territory.
While attending an event in Derry, I was handed a booklet containing historical accounts that should gain as much attention as Yorktown and Johnstown. What fascinated me were records of repetitive violence between settlers and Native Americans, Revolutionary and Civil War burials and a brief visit from the English novelist Charles Dickens.
The Derry Area Historical Society continues to preserve and maintain historic sites and documents, including the Fulton House (where I was handed the booklet) and the published “Diary of the Civil War” written by Sgt. Patrick J. Hanlin. It never occurred to me how much history is taken for granted until attending that event.
I grew up in Youngwood yet was mostly unaware of its historical undertones other than being the childhood home of late NFL quarterback George Blanda, which was simple enough because he was my relative. Then I joined the Facebook group Youngwood Memories and learned so much more.
I suggest searching your backyard. History may be hiding there.
Joshua Tyler Dushack
Greensburg