THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY M. SMITH AND KOTIK, APRIL 25, 2011

INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, APRIL 25, 2011  

A RESOLUTION

Congratulating Scott Township in Allegheny County on its 150th

anniversary.

WHEREAS, Scott Township was founded June 29, 1861, when a

division of Upper St. Clair Township was confirmed by decree of

court; and

WHEREAS, Part of the Chartiers Valley, Scott Township has a

land area of about 3.86 square miles, including hills and

valleys that are a distinctive feature of the southwestern

Pennsylvania landscape; and

WHEREAS, By 1870, the population of Scott Township consisted

of just over 1,800 people, and today more than 17,000 residents

call Scott Township home; and

WHEREAS, One of the earliest permanent settlers of the area

was Major William Lea, who received a land grant from King

George III as payment for his service in the French and Indian

War; and

WHEREAS, Under Major Lea's will, a parcel of land was left

for the use of a church, Old St. Luke's Church, established in

1790, which would become one of Scott Township's most famous

landmarks; originally built as a stockade in 1765, it is the

oldest Episcopal Church in southwestern Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, The old stone church still sits along Old Washington

Pike and, thanks to the work of volunteers, has been restored to

preserve its history; the cemetery beside the church is filled

with British settlers and Revolutionary War veterans; and

WHEREAS, Bower Hill in Scott Township is where fighting broke

out between Federal troops and local farmers during the Whiskey

Rebellion of 1794 in protest of the excise tax on whiskey, and

is where General John Neville's mansion was burned to the ground

during the rebellion; to mark its significance, a State

historical marker was erected at the site in 1996; and

WHEREAS, During the 18th century, the opening of coal mines

in the area stimulated its growth for years, as much of the

population worked in the industry, and Scott Township also

became a favorable residence for those engaging in business in

the City of Pittsburgh; and

WHEREAS, Presently, Scott Township is home to many

individuals dedicated to serving and protecting their community;

the Scott Conservancy maintains Kane Woods, the largest area of

green space in the township, and the Glendale Volunteer Fire

Department, East Carnegie Volunteer Fire Department and Bower

Hill Volunteer Fire Department have been providing fire service

for the township for more than 125 years; and

WHEREAS, In 2011, Scott Township Public Library is

celebrating its 10th anniversary, having opened in March 2001

after many years of community planning and fundraising; and

WHEREAS, Scott Township provides visitors and residents with

many opportunities to explore nature and discover Pennsylvania

history and has evolved into a great place to live and raise a

family; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives join with the

citizens and local government officials in Scott Township,

Allegheny County, in recognizing the 150th anniversary of its

founding.