West Newton in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Pioneer Point Sculpture
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, July 30, 2022
1. Pioneer Point Sculpture Marker
This sculpture by artist Bill Secunda was created in 2008 as part of the Trail Town Public Art Program, which installed 14 public art pieces along the Great Allegheny Passage. Made entirely of railroad spikes welded together, this life-size sculpture represents the early pioneer history of West Newton. In 1788, a party of 48 Revolutionary War veterans left Ipswich, Massachusetts on a journey to establish the American government beyond the 13 original colonies in the Northwest Territory as part of the Ordinance of 1787. Traveling on the Glades Trail, the group wintered here to build keel boats, and ultimately settled Marietta, Ohio.Many commonly know this pioneer as "Rusty” or "Spike."
Erected 2008 by West Newton Public Art Committee, Pittsburgh 250 Community Connections and the Sprout Fund, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 2008.
Location. 40° 12.682′ N, 79° 46.216′ W. Marker is in West Newton
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. West Newton (here, next to this marker); West Newton Town Map And Directory / Trail Map And Points Of Interest (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named West Newton (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mustard Veterans Honor Roll (approx. 2.9 miles away); George Adam Weddell (approx. 3.1 miles away); Darr Mine Disaster (approx. 4 miles away); Webster Honor Roll (approx. 4˝ miles away); Ella Hollow Honor Roll (approx. 4.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Newton.
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, July 30, 2022
2. Pioneer Point Sculpture Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 1, 2022, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 100 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 1, 2022, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
