Welcome to the Connellsville Area Historical Society

Gibson House Museum and Archive HOURS:

The Gibson House is generally open Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Other days and times are by advance appointment. Wednesdays are preferred.

The Gibson House will open on: 

April: 5, 12, 19, 9am - 4pm

Closed Saturday April 26th

Have a research question? Please email our archivist at CAHSarchive@gmail.com

Announcing the 270th Anniversary of Braddock's Crossing The Youghiogheny! 1755-2025!

Join us for the 270th Anniversary Celebration of Braddocks Crossing the Youghiogheny River

Saturday June 28th 11am - 6pm

Sunday June 29th 12pm - 6pm

At Coloniel Crawford's Cabin

148 Torrance Avenue Connellsville PA 15425

(FREE ADMISSION)

(More Details To Come)

CALLING

NANCY

WILLIAMS

Mahala’s husband was Benjamin F. Nicholson, married in 1853. They have been mentioned as being in Bullskin and Connellsville. Some say her father was William, which is on her death certificate (mother’s name blank.) But by far most researchers say her father was Elias and her mother, Rosanna. Thank you for any assistance you can provide, Nancy

NANCY, YOUR EMAIL IS BROKEN. RETURN ADDRESS DOES NOT WORK. We have information for you if and when you see this.

    Col. William Crawford, outstanding local pioneer leader, was born in Virginia in 1732, the same year as his good friend, George Washington.  He came to this area in 1758, as an officer of the army of Gen. John Forbes as it marched westward in the second attempt to capture Fort Duquesne at the forks of the Ohio River.  Colonel Crawford was so impressed with the area, he decided to return once the Indian hostilities died down.

    He and his half-brother, Hugh Stephenson, came over the mountains in 1765 on horseback and decided once they reached the second crossing of the Youghiogheny River, at what was known as Stewart's Crossings, now Connellsville, that this was where he would bring his family to live.  He purchased 376 1/4 acres of meadow land in the bend of the river and took his family into the cabin in 1766.  Col. Crawford's name for his residence was originally "Spring Garden" but was widely known as "Crawford's Place" by the locals.  He also had a Spring House on his property, which was torn down in June of 1905.

    The Crawford family: the Colonel, his wife Hannah and their four children lived a very active life on the frontier.  The Crawford family was known for its hospitality.  Included among the visitors were George Washington and Lord Dunsmore, the Governor of Virginia.  In fact, George Washington taught Crawford the art of surveying when they were young men.  Col. Crawford surveyed and purchased land in the local area (Perryopolis) for George Washington.

    Colonel Crawford recruited soldiers for the Revolutionary War from his home on the banks of the Youghiogheny River.  These soldiers saw action in the battles of Long Island, Trenton and Princeton.

    Col. Crawford was with an expedition in 1782 to put down the hostile Indian tribes in what is now Ohio.  He got separated from his army and was captured by Delaware Indians.  He died a horrible death when he was burned at the stake in Upper Sandusky, Ohio on June 11, 1782. 

Colonel William Crawford