Historic Landmarks

Polymath Park had its inception in the 1960s when two visionary entrepreneurs, Mr. Balter and Mr. Blum of Pittsburgh, entrusted Frank Lloyd Wright’s apprentice, Peter Berndston, with the monumental task of designing two distinct homes nestled within the serene mountain landscape they had acquired, spanning 130 sprawling acres.

Fast forward nearly six decades, and these homes, along with the residence transformed into the renowned Treetops Restaurant, are now under the ownership of the Papinchak family. The Papinchaks have also added Frank Lloyd Wright’s illustrious Duncan House from Lisle, IL, and the Mantyla House from Cloquet, MN to their collection.

In keeping with Mr. Wright’s design philosophy, which seamlessly weaves nature into the architectural tapestry, each residence and restaurant at Polymath Park embodies this harmonious relationship with the natural surroundings. However, what sets Polymath Park apart is its unique offering of overnight accommodations, providing guests with an immersive experience in the enduring legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright’s genius.

Check out their website for more information and the history of how two homes were built into the mountains and turned into four homes and a restaurant. Here you will also find more information on their hours and pricing.

Polymath Park

Address: 187 Evergreen Lane
Acme, PA 15610

Phone: 877-833-7829

Kentuck Knob, a distinctive hexagonal residence, stands as a testament to the genius of the renowned architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. You may be familiar with his iconic Fallingwater home, a mere 20-minute drive from Kentuck Knob. Wright’s architectural philosophy was deeply rooted in harmonizing his designs with the surrounding natural environment. He once professed, “No house should ever be on a hill or on anything. It should be of the hill. Belonging to it. Hill and house should live together each the happier for the other.”

Kentuck Knob exemplifies this ethos as it seamlessly integrates into the mountainside. The exquisite stone foundation and rich red cypress walls meld with the landscape, creating a striking and harmonious whole. Remarkably, despite its unique and captivating appearance, Wright designed this home to be attainable for the average American of its time.

Originally constructed for I.N. and Bernadine Hagan, they called Kentuck Knob home for three decades until illness compelled them to sell in 1985. During a visit to Fallingwater that same year, Peter Palumbo learned of Kentuck Knob’s availability and swiftly acquired it, just six weeks later. Together with his wife, Hayat, they transformed it into the museum we admire today, dedicated to preserving the enduring legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright’s visionary work.

Visit their website for additional information regarding hours of operation, ticket prices, and more.

Consider checking out Frank Lloyd Wright’s other historical landmarks Fallingwater and Duncan House!

Kentuck Knob

Address:723 Kentuck Road
Chalk Hill, PA 15421

Phone: 724-329-1901

The summer of 1754 witnessed a pivotal turning point in history at the Battle of Fort Necessity. This critical battle marked the onset of the French and Indian War, a watershed moment that would ultimately set the stage for the American Revolution.

Today, more than 250 years later, a visitor’s center stands in proximity to the enduring fort. During the summer months, you can partake in enlightening talks, immersive tours, and captivating historic weapon demonstrations held in the meadow adjacent to the fort. In winter, the landscape transforms into a cross-country skiing haven, offering an opportunity to traverse the 5-mile network of trails that radiate from the fort.

These trails intertwine with Jumonville Glen, where the very first shots of the French and Indian War reverberated, as a young George Washington and his contingent found themselves in a fateful confrontation. As you explore these historic pathways, they lead you past the hallowed resting place of General Braddock, adding another layer of depth to this rich tapestry of American history.

Fort Necessity

Address: 1 Washington Parkway
Farmington, PA 15437

Phone: 724-329-5512

In the crucible of the French and Indian War in 1758, Fort Ligonier emerged as a bastion of significance. This strategic fort marked the terminus of the Forbes Trail, a historic route spanning from Philadelphia to Fort Duquesne.

Remarkably, Fort Ligonier faced adversity during its construction, enduring two enemy attacks without surrendering. Eventually, under the leadership of George Washington, British forces advanced toward Fort Duquesne. The British triumphed over the French at Fort Duquesne and subsequently erected Fort Pitt, a pivotal moment that laid the foundation for the city of Pittsburgh as we know it today.

A visit to the museum offers a journey back in time to the era of the French and Indian War, unveiling the profound role Fort Ligonier played in this tumultuous period. As you peruse artifacts from this historic conflict, the fort itself stands as a tangible testament to history, inviting you to explore its storied grounds and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of the past.

Check out their website for hours of operation, ticket prices, and more.

Fort Ligonier

Address: 200 South Market Street
Ligonier, Pennsylvania 15658

Phone: 724-238-9701

Spread across 213 acres of Westmoreland County, the Bushy Run Battlefield stands as a profound testament to American history. It was here, over two and a half centuries ago, in the fateful month of August 1763, that the Battle of Bushy Run unfolded—a pivotal episode during Pontiac’s War.

During this tumultuous time, Native American Indians and Europeans clashed in a struggle for control and independence, as the British Empire encroached upon their territories. The indigenous peoples fiercely resisted, but ultimately, the British emerged victorious. This triumph played a critical role in thwarting the Native Americans’ efforts to seize Fort Pitt and facilitated the westward expansion.

Delve deeper into this rich historical narrative by visiting the Bushy Run Battlefield’s visitor center and museum. Inside, you’ll encounter a treasure trove of artifacts and insights related to the battlefield’s storied past. To further connect with history, your museum ticket grants you access to a golf cart tour of the battlefield—an intimate and immersive way to relive the events that unfolded on this hallowed ground.

Check out their website for more information on hours of operation and more.

Bushy Run Battlefield

Address: 1253 Bushy Run Road
Jeannette, Pennsylvania 15644

Phone: 724-527-5584