Kittanning

According to historical events, sometime near the end of the Revolutionary War in 1779, Washington directed Colonel Rawlings to march from Fort Frederick, Maryland, to Fort Pitt (formerly Fort Dusquesne), take 100 of his men, and erect a stockade at Kittanning. In early June of the same year, Colonel Broadhead (of Fort Pitt) wrote Washington to inform him that a "complete stockade fort" had been built and was called Fort Armstrong.

The actual fort was located about two miles south of Kittanning. According to history, it was not built by Colonel Rawlings but by Lieutenant Colonel Bayard.

Fort Armstrong's role in pioneer history was minimal to non-existent. In November of 1779, the troops were withdrawn, and it was never occupied again.

1800 - Act Establishing County Seat.

General Armstrong (appointed major general in 1777) purchased (some stories claim he was awarded) 556 1/2 acres from the Province of Pennsylvania. A May 29, 1771 survey was presented to Armstrong on Nov 5, 1794. Armstrong never fully realized the acquisition as he died in Carlisle on March 9, 1795. The patent for the tract of land was dated March 22, 1775. General Armstrong called this new tract "Victory." The purchase included all the land north of what is now the intersection of S. Water St and State Route 422 and south of Cowanshannock Creek.

In 1800, an act passed by the Legislature established Kittanning as the seat of Armstrong County, which was formed from parts of Lycoming, Allegheny, and Westmoreland counties.

General Armstong's heirs deeded 150 acres for the site of the town with the stipulation that they, the heirs, would receive 1/2 half the monies from the sale of lots.

The town itself was laid out in 1803 and consisted of 248 in-lots and 27 out-lots, with in-lots selling at an average of $11.45 per lot. Kittanning was incorporated as a borough in 1821 and had a population of 325.

Modern borough

Kittanning offers a diverse world of architecture to the sight-seeker. From the grandeur of the County Courthouse to the many picturesque churches, homes, and buildings, travelers and residents can enjoy the esthetical beauty throughout the community.