Journey back in time and visit with the soldiers and camp followers of the present-day Independent Battalion, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, now known as Proctor’s Batallion. They portray the riflemen of the first American Troops west of the Allegheny Mountains. At that time the ‘Wild West’ was not as west as one would think. The Laurel Highlands separated the developing east from the wild frontier. Proctor’s, named after John Proctor, Sherrif of Westmoreland County was formed and tasked with protecting this frontier border.

Today, the men and women of Proctor’s Batallion bring to life the members and camp followers who were midwives, surgeons, cooks, seamstresses, and more. Camp followers were typically the wives and girlfriends of soldiers who had to prove their worth to the unit and were subject to military discipline just like the soldiers.

Throughout the weekend Proctor’s Battalion will be encamped on the historic grounds of Compass Inn Museum. They will have displays and demonstrations of the tasks and skills useful for living in the unit. The battalion will demonstrate musket and cannon firing skills, daily at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm.

The men and women of Proctor’s will depict the lives of camp followers, midwives, surgeons, and leather workers. CRequired 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+), $10 for youth (6-18), and free for children 5 & younger. Tickets can be purchased on-site on the day of the event.

Email lvhscompassinn@gmail.com or call (724) 238-4983 for more information.