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Providence Point pays homage to history
P
ittsburgh’s premier senior living community,
Providence Point, is well-known for its lush
campus, maintenance-free living, unparalleled
amenities, and excellent healthcare services. But,
it has another distinguishing feature—its historic location!
Providence Point is located on the site where a major
conflict of the Whiskey Rebellion took place.
In a nutshell, the Whiskey Rebellion began in 1791
when Alexander Hamilton imposed an excise tax on
distilled spirits produced in the
United States to offset the debt from
the Revolutionary War. Farmers in
Western Pennsylvania, who produced
whiskey to help make ends meet,
refused to pay the tax. The rebels held
protests which turned increasingly
violent until, on July 16, 1794, they
surrounded tax collector General
John Neville’s estate, Bower Hill. The
estate, considered the greatest
mansion west of the Allegheny Mountains, overlooked
Chartiers Creek just about where Providence Point now
stands. A violent confrontation occurred between rebels
and estate guards and slaves. In the end, Major James
McFarlane and young Oliver Miller were killed. The
conflict triggered President Washington to order militia
troops to the area to quell the uprising. Historically, this
event tested and proved that the federal authority of the
newly-formed government would remain intact.
The significance of the Whiskey Rebellion is not lost
on the folks who live at Providence Point. Resident
Reverend Canon Richard Davies, the former vicar and
board president of Old St. Luke’s Church, helped name
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many of Providence Point’s streets and places to honor
the Whiskey Rebellion. Residential towers were named
for John Adams, James Madison, and Alexander
Hamilton. Streets include Monroe and Jefferson Court,
and Washington Way.
Residents including Dorothy Kelly, a longtime
volunteer at St. Luke’s Church; Mardi and Larry Jackley
who served as volunteers with Woodville Plantation; and
Carl and Nancy Schrock, who presented a reproduction
of the famous painting of George
Washington Crossing the Delaware to
hang above the hearth in the
Washington Room, embrace the
history. One resident recently pointed
out, “The lessons of history can easily
be lost. So I’m glad Providence Point
has taken steps to preserve the
amazing story of this region.”
Providence Point completed an
expansion in January. New dining
venues, a residential tower, and a beautiful chapel were
added. A signature cocktail was even created for the Light
Horse Lounge menu. The Rebel Rouser, made with locally
distilled whiskey, ‘hits the spot’ surrounded by history.
Providence Point hosts regular events to
build awareness of its distinct retirement
lifestyle. Topics include wellness, downsizing
and, on occasion, the rich history of the area.
For information about living at
Providence Point, call 412.489.3550 or
visit www.providencepoint.org
500 Providence Point Blvd.• Pittsburgh, PA 15243