State of Westmoreland

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The factual accuracy of this article or section is disputed.
Please see the relevant discussion on the talk page.

The State of Westmoreland was a short-lived self proclaimed state that seceded from Pennsylvania.

Most of the settlers from the Wyoming Valley of Pennsylvania were farmers from Connecticut, who made up Westmoreland County, Connecticut. In 1782, the contested valley was awarded to Pennsylvania by the Supreme Court, on the condition that the Connecticut settlers were confirmed in ownership of their land.

However, some members of the Pennsylvania legislature had their eyes on the land, declared the settlers to be squatters and mobilized state troops to evict them. The Connecticuters quickly build up a militia and declared themselves the State of Westmoreland.

To avoid armed conflict Connecticut cut a deal with Pennsylvania behind the back of the settlers. They were allowed to remain on but the militia leader John Franklin was arrested for insurrection.