Alter's Halfway House, New Alexandria, Westmoreland County, PA

Significance: Alters Tavern or Halfway House is a log building dating to the 1830s when this region of Westmoreland and Indiana counties was experiencing growth made possible by the Northern Turnpike and the newly opened Pennsylvania Canal. The building was conveniently located to attract travelers alongside the Turnpike, now U.S. Route 22. It functioned as a tavern for at least 25 years (1834-60). Members of the Alters family were also farmers. The several additions and alterations to the building are typical of Pennsylvania log building tradition and reflect its changing uses as a farmhouse and a tavern.
Survey number: HABS PA-5477
Building/structure dates: ca. 1830 Initial Construction