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Local Landmarks
of Historic Fort Cherry
The goal of this landmarks registry program is to identify and document any structure or site that has been deemed important to the historic identity of the area of Fort Cherry. This list is currently incomplete, but with the help of the community, it can grow to a complete compilation. If you would like your historic property considered for the registry, please submit the form at the bottom of the page, including as much information and media as possible.
This list includes sites and structures from all municipalities within Historic Fort Cherry. Structures that have been demolished are shown in red. By clicking or tapping each listing, a full gallery of images can be seen.
Hickory / Mount Pleasant Township
Hickory Academy Building
The Hickory Academy building served as the Hickory High School until the construction of the new high school building in 1914. The academy building was built in 1892 and later hosted Allison’s plumbing store. The building was remodeled multiple times and currently still stands at 72 Main St.
Hickory Academy Building
The Hickory Academy building served as the Hickory High School until the construction of the new high school building in 1914. The academy building was built in 1892 and later hosted Allison’s plumbing store. The building was remodeled multiple times and currently still stands at 72 Main St. (Mt. Pleasant Twp Historical Society)
Hickory Academy Building
The building as it originally appeared during its time as a school, circa 1910. It would soon be remodeled as a storefront. v
Hickory Academy Building
Shown here is the class of 1899-1900. Notice the detail of the millwork and the fence and gate (Mt. Pleasant Twp Historical Society)
Hickory Academy Building
Undated class photo showing detail of the millwork on the sides of the building (Mt. Pleasant Twp Historical Society)
Hickory Academy Building
Class of 1892 (Mt. Pleasant Twp Historical Society)
Hickory Academy Building
George Amos in front of the building when it was a store, circa 1930s (Mt. Pleasant Twp Historical Society)
Hickory Academy Building
Article from the Washington Observer, 1892
Hickory Academy Building
The Academy Building as it looked in 2021 (Google Maps)
Colwes House & General Store
The Frederick and Caroline Colwes House & General Store is one of the best preserved late-Victorian era structures in the area. The store was built in 1884, with the house to follow in 1892. The building currently stands as a private residence on the corners of Main St. and Washington Ave.
Colwes House & General Store
The house shortly after it was built, crica 1890s (Mt. Pleasant Twp Historical Society)
Colwes House & General Store
The storefront, circa 1890s (Mt. Pleasant Twp Historical Society)
Colwes House & General Store
The house and storefront as they appeared in 2020, almost entirely unchanged (Google Maps)
David & Margaret Reed House
The David Reed House was occupied by David Reed and his wife Margaret Mayes Reed while squatting upon land claimed by George Washington. In September 1784, George Washington visited this house for a dinner meeting with the squatters. Originally built around 1777, in 1940 the house was disassembled and removed from Mount Pleasant Township.
David & Margaret Reed House
The house, originally built of log on stone foundation around 1773, eventually was covered with clapboard siding before being abandoned and dismantled. (Mt. Pleasant Twp Historical Society)
David & Margaret Reed House
The rear of the house, photos taken shortly before demolition. (Mt. Pleasant Twp Historical Society)
David & Margaret Reed House
Architectural drawing of the Reed House (HFC)
David & Margaret Reed House
In 1940, Canonsburg lawyer Adolph L. Zeman had the Reed house deconstructed and rebuilt into a house with a new floor plan. It is no longer located in Mount Pleasant Township. (Realtor.com)
John Cowden House
The John Cowden House is a modest Italianate style farmhouse built in 1871. Cowden was a prominent landowner and farmer with multiple properties in PA, KS, and CA. The house is located at the corner of Hornhead and Woodland Rd on the original George Washington lands. It is currently in a dilapidated state and needs to be saved.
This photo was taken circa 1975 and featured in the book "Preserving Our Past Landmark Architecture of Washington County, Pennsylvania." A notable feature of this house is the wood quoins, which is uncommon on brick houses. (Washington County History and Landmarks Foundation)
The house as it looked in 2012, vacant (Google Maps)
The house as it looked in 2024, vacant (Google Maps)
The rear of the house, shown in a dilapidated state, 2023 (Google Maps)
J. M. Campbell Groceries & Dry Goods
The general store and post office of James M. Campbell dates back to at least 1864. The original building burned down in 1885 and the current building was constructed later at an unknown date. The building, now private apartments, is located at 92 Main St.
J. M. Campbell Groceries & Dry Goods
This engraving was featured in the 1876
Caldwell's Illustrated, Historical, Centennial Atlas of Washington Co., Pennsylvania.
Caldwell's Illustrated, Historical, Centennial Atlas of Washington Co., Pennsylvania.
J. M. Campbell Groceries & Dry Goods
The second building that replaced the first after a fire. Tax assessment places the build date at 1900, but is likely older. (Google Maps)
David & Elizabeth McConaughy House
The David & Elizabeth McConaughy house was built in 1812 by David, who was a professional mason. This house was one of the first legitimately built structures on George Washington’s land, not long after his death. The house was one of the oldest stone houses in the county, but was converted into an equipment shed and eventually torn down in 2005.
The house was converted into a shed for equipment and remained standing until 2005, when it was torn down, date of photo unknown (Mt. Pleasant Twp Historical Society)
Krepps Covered Bridge
Like most of Washington County's iconic covered bridges, the Krepps Covered Bridge is listed on the NRHP. The namesake and date of construction for he 24’ long bridge are unknown. The bridge is located over the Raccoon Creek near the intersection of Water Dam Rd. and Covered Bridge Rd. A similar style bridge was built further south over the Raccoon Creek near Rankin’s Mill in 1879.
Krepps Covered Bridge
Like most of Washington County's iconic covered bridges, the Krepps Covered Bridge is listed on the NRHP. The namesake and date of construction for he 24’ long bridge are unknown. The bridge is located over the Raccoon Creek near the intersection of Water Dam Rd. and Covered Bridge Rd. A similar style bridge was built further south over the Raccoon Creek near Rankin’s Mill in 1879.
Krepps Covered Bridge
“Autumn’s Glow at Krepps Covered Bridge” painting by Linda Barnicott
McDonald Borough
McDonald Hotel
The McDonald Hotel moved into this location upon its construction around 1900. The building would later host the Town-House Bar and the current business - China Dragon. Located at the corner of S McDonald St and E Lincoln Ave. (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
McDonald Hotel
The McDonald Hotel moved into this location upon its construction around 1900. The building would later host the Town-House Bar and the current business - China Dragon. Located at the corner of S McDonald St and E Lincoln Ave. (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
McDonald Hotel
Original drawing of the hotel, note the differences in the design of the turret. (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
McDonald Hotel
The hotel as seen around 1900 (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
McDonald Hotel
The hotel displayed at the McDonald Trail Station Museum (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
The McDonald Hotel
The Town-House bar in the bottom floor of the building, around 1964 (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
McDonald Hotel
The McDonald Hotel can be seen to the left of the Valentour & Thomassy Building (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
Harkaway Hunt Club House
Built in 1896, this house served as headquarters for an elite equestrian fox hunting club from 1904-1915. The house currently serves as a private residence and is undergoing renovations.
Harkaway Hunt Club House
The house as seen on a postcard circa 1907 (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
Harkaway Hunt Club House
The house as seen in 2019 (Google Maps)
Harkaway Hunt Club House
The house as seen in 2023 (Google Maps)
Hotel Bastian / Commercial Hotel
The Hotel Bastian was a luxury hotel constructed in 1897 at the corner of E Lincoln Ave and Arabella St. Renamed the Commercial Hotel in 1904, the building was a monumental showpiece of the economic success of the town’s oil boom. The building was tragically demolished in 1946 only to be replaced by a Ford dealer and service station. The PPG automotive paints store currently stands in its footprint.
Hotel Bastian / Commercial Hotel
The Hotel Bastian was a luxury hotel constructed in 1897 at the corner of E Lincoln Ave and Arabella St. Renamed the Commercial Hotel in 1904, the building was a monumental showpiece of the economic success of the town’s oil boom. The building was tragically demolished in 1946 only to be replaced by a Ford dealer and service station. The PPG automotive paints store currently stands in its footprint. (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
Hotel Bastian / Commercial Hotel
Commercial Hotel engraving, around 1904 (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
Hotel Bastian / Commercial Hotel
Newspaper ad from the Hotel Bastian, 1897 (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
Hotel Bastian / Commercial Hotel
Looking east down Lincoln Ave, the Hotel Bastian is seen at the right (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
Hotel Bastian / Commercial Hotel
Newspaper ad from the Hotel Bastian, 1900 (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
Hotel Bastian / Commercial Hotel
Hotel Bastian as seen in 1903 (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
Gladden Building
The Gladden Building - arguably the most iconic of the oldest buildings still standing in McDonald, was built in 1892 and took on the First National Bank of McDonald as a tenant from 1897- 1920. The building was considered for demolition in the early 1980s, but restoration efforts saved it. An iconic griffin once stood on the turret, but has since been removed. Located at the corners of W Lincoln Ave and S McDonald St.
Gladden Building
The Gladden Building - arguably the most iconic of the oldest buildings still standing in McDonald, was built in 1892 and took on the First National Bank of McDonald as a tenant until 1920. The building was considered for demolition in the early 1980s, but restoration efforts saved it. An iconic griffin once stood on the turret, but has since been removed. Located at the corners of W Lincoln Ave and S McDonald St. (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
Gladden Building
Construction on the Gladden Building, circa 1892. (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
Gladden Building
Early photo of the Gladden Building, circa 1900 (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
Gladden Building
The main intersection of Lincoln Ave and McDonald St, The Gladden Building seen to the right, circa 1960 (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
Gladden Building
Observer-Reporter article concerning the renovation of the Gladden Building, 1983
Gladden Building
Gladden Building featured in an illustration (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
St. Alphonsus Catholic Church
The St. Alphonsus Catholic church building was constructed in 1900, designed by "Artchitect Rousseau." It is the only striking example of Gothic Revival architecture in the FC area.
St. Alphonsus Catholic Church
This is a color-corrected postcard from the early 1900's. (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia / color-corrected HFC)
St. Alphonsus Catholic Church
Before the church stood at W. Lincoln Ave. & 3rd St., a previous St. Alphonsus Church was located at Jefferson Ave and Station St., but suffered from a devastating fire in 1900.
St. Alphonsus Catholic Church
Before the church stood at W. Lincoln Ave. & 3rd St., a previous St. Alphonsus Church was located at Jefferson Ave and Station St., but suffered from a devastating fire in 1900.
St. Alphonsus Catholic Church
A view looking east down W. Lincoln Ave., the church to the right, early 1900s, before power lines were installed. (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
St. Alphonsus Catholic Church
A view looking east down W. Lincoln Ave., the church to the right, early 1900s (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
McDonald High / Grade School Building
The original McDonald High School building. Built in 1896, demolished in 1964. This building was located at N. McDonald and Coal Streets. The next McDonald High School building was built in the lot directly east in 1914, and this building became the grade school. Haveloch Commons apartment building currently stands in its place.
McDonald High / Grade School Building
The original McDonald High School building. Built in 1896, demolished in 1964. This building was located at N. McDonald and Coal Streets. The next McDonald High School building was built in the lot directly east in 1914, and this building became the grade school. (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
McDonald High / Grade School Building
Opening ceremony photograph at the entrance of the original building (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
McDonald High / Grade School Building
View of the clock/bell tower looking east (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
McDonald High / Grade School Building
Children in front of the school building, around 1916 (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
McDonald High / Grade School Building
Children in front of the school building, around 1916 (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
McDonald High / Grade School Building
Repairs being made to the school's clock (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
McDonald High / Grade School Building
(McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
McDonald High / Grade School Building
(McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
McDonald High / Grade School Building
As shown in the McDonald Trail Station Museum (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
McDonald High / Grade School Building
Construction of the new high school building, circa 1914 (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
McDonald High / Grade School Building
View of the original building next to the newly built high school building, circa 1915 (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
McDonald High / Grade School Building
Oblique view of the school as seen in the 1960s, shortly before demolition (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
McDonald High / Grade School Building
A very sad sight to see, demolition of the original school building, circa 1964 (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
McDonald High / Grade School Building
Demolition of the original school building, circa 1964 (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
McDonald High / Grade School Building
Demolition of the original school building, circa 1964 (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
Robinson Township
Edward McDonald House
The Edward McDonald House is a fine country estate built by the youngest son of John - the original McDonald settler. The house is located on Noblestown Rd, just 340' west of the McDonald Borough border. It was built around 1837 and remains standing in its original appearance.
Edward McDonald House
Details about the early history of this house remain unclear and its exact build-date is not confirmed. The architectural style is heavily influenced by the Federal style, which would make the date of 1837 possible.(McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
Edward McDonald House
East side of the house, looking west, circa 1950 (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
Edward McDonald House
Northeast side of the house, looking southwest, circa 1940s (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
Edward McDonald House
One of the oldest known photographs of the house, circa early 1900s (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
Edward McDonald House
Hand colored postcard of the previous photo, stamp dated 1907 (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
Edward McDonald House
View looking up the driveway from Noblestown Rd. The men in the photo are not identified but could be members of the McDonald family, driving in a Franklin Model A, circa 1904 (McDonald PA History and Memorabilia)
James McDonald's Primrose Hill Plantation
Primrose Hill Plantation is easily one of the best kept secret gems in the area. Originally built in 1829, on the site of the original McDonald fort, the house was extended and remodeled extensively until 1893. A garage was added in the 1950s. This house is about 400' north of the border of Mt Pleasant Twp.
James McDonald's Primrose Hill Plantation
Although this Frankenhouse no longer resembles what it would've looked like in it original plantation days, it offers a high pleasing Victorian alternative. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
James McDonald's Primrose Hill Plantation
The back of the house around 2011 (Realtor.com)
James McDonald's Primrose Hill Plantation
The front of the house around 2011 (Realtor.com)
James McDonald's Primrose Hill Plantation
The front of the house around 2011 (Realtor.com)
James McDonald's Primrose Hill Plantation
Interior view of a parlor, around 2011 (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
James McDonald's Primrose Hill Plantation
Perhaps even more impressive than the house is this log shed, possibly used to store furs in the age of John McDonald. Likely built between 1780-1820, it could be one of the earliest structures in the area (DeMay, 1997)
James McDonald's Primrose Hill Plantation
Detail of the logs in the shed (DeMay, 1997)
Midway Borough
Several photos for these local landmarks were provided by the Mount Pleasant Township Historical Society, the McDonald Trail Station, and McDonald PA History and Memorabilia. Visit the links for each of these groups to see many more local history photos.
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