History

Located on the site of the convergence of a Seneca Indian settlement and an Iroquois trade route (eventually becoming Butler St.); Etna has a storied past that weaves through historical events and iconic people that helped shape American history. In 1747 George Croghan established one of the first trading posts west of the Allegheny Mountains in Etna. It was a flourishing area that was ruled over by Seneca chief Guyasuta.

During its time as a trading post Etna was an integral piece of land that created friction between the settlers from England and the Seneca Indians. George Washington (yes, THAT George Washington) had multiple encounters with chief Guyasuta, one resulting in his almost losing his life fleeing a Seneca attack. Over time, knowing the importance of the area and the relationship between the settlers and the Indians, Washington and Guyasuta became friendly. During the French and Indian war, Guyasuta warned Washington that the French were fortifying Fort Duquesne to cement their position in Pittsburgh. Washington and the English quickly marched on the Fort and forced its surrender which became a major turning point in the war.

After the French and Indian war, the English and Seneca Indians came to an agreement to share the land around Etna. An agreement Guyasuta fiercely adhered to, so much so that he fought alongside the British in the Revolutionary war.