August Living History: Proctor's Independent Battalion

Journey back in time and visit with the soldiers and camp followers of the present-day Proctor’s. They portray the riflemen of the very first American Troops west of the Allegheny Mountains. In the mid-1700s, the ‘Wild West’ wasn’t as west as one would think. The Laurel Highlands separated the early Pennsylvania colony from the wild frontier. This western border had to be protected from Native and British attacks. Proctor’s, named after John Proctor, the Sheriff of Westmoreland County, was formed and tasked with protecting this frontier border. Today, Proctor’s is brought back to life as the Independent Battalion, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. This American Revolutionary War Reenactment Unit portrays frontier and military life in Southwestern Pennsylvania during the late 18th Century. Proctor’s will set up camp on Compass Inn Museum’s historic grounds and give demonstrations. Musket and cannon firing demonstrations will be performed daily. The men and women of Proctor’s will depict the lives of camp followers, midwives, surgeons, and leather workers. Camp followers were typically the thousands of wives and girlfriends of soldiers who had to prove their worth to the unit and were subject to military discipline just like the soldiers. Required to be of good character and productive members of the unit, these camp followers were vital to the function of the army by performing a variety of tasks, including laundry, sewing, tending cattle, and other odd jobs. The Living History Weekend includes tours of the historic Compass Inn and outbuildings, as well as cooking and blacksmithing demonstrations, at no extra charge. General admission is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors (62+), $8 for youth (6-18), and free for children 5 & younger. Tickets can be purchased on-site on the day of the event.