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Washington County PAGenWeb 
Genealogy Project

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General Information



 

Washington County PA Historical Background

Officially it is said that this area of S.W. Pennsylvania began to be settled in the 1770's. But, in fact, some families were in the county before 1750 (such as Arnold and Leatherman - see Dr. Raymond Bell's Anthology).  

In 1771, the area was a part of Bedford County.  In 1773, the land became part of Westmoreland County.  

Finally, Washington County was created on March 28, 1781 from Westmoreland County.   Included was the area lying west of the Monongahela River and south of the Ohio River. The present day counties of Washington, Greene and parts of Allegheny and Beaver Co. were included. 

There was a dispute over this territory with the state of Virginia. Virginia claimed this area until 1780. Between 1775-1780 courts were held by Virginia in the disputed territory.

 

 

RECORDS IN WASHINGTON COUNTY, PA

Birth and death records from 1893-1906.  

Marriage records from 1885. 

Divorce & probate from 1843.

 

Additionally, some early records *might* be located in the court houses of the previous counties of Bedford and Westmoreland.   Or in Virginia.

 

 

WESTWARD MIGRATION

If you have families who moved west, read the County History in the State and County of residence.  The biographical sketches may state that a person's parents or grandparents migrated from Washington County, PA.  *If you have any of these biographical sketches from out of State that refer to Washington Co., PA, I would greatly appreciate it if you would scan it so the record can be added to this website.*  

 

 

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