This year marks the 225th anniversary of the Whiskey Rebellion.

The first real test of U.S. sovereignty, the rebellion took place in 1794 when Western Pennsylvania whiskey makers refused to pay an excise tax on the distilled rye that was a profit maker for them. George Washington had to call in the troops known as Wayne’s Fourth Sub-Legion to help subdue the issue. Washington led the troops efficiently and later pardoned the 20 distillers arrested in the action.

Woodville Plantation, 1375 Washington Pike, Collier, is helping to celebrate. Woodville was the home of John Neville, the tax collector whose first home, Bower Hill, was burned by the tax rebels. Woodville is a virtual replica of Bower Hill, although slightly smaller than its predecessor, which site is now on the Scott Township Conservancy woodland. Bower Hill’s exact site is near the parking area of the woodland.

Woodville is Southwestern Pennsylvania’s principal link to the 18th century, interpreting and documenting the lives of the three families who lived there: the Nevilles from 1775-1815, the Cowans from 1815-35, and the Wrenshalls from 1835-1975.

The Neville House Associates, an all-volunteer group, owns and maintains the home and land as a living history museum and depends on the support of members, visitors and donations.

Tours are available on Sundays through Dec. 8 from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-12. Other upcoming special events include the Woodville Emporium on July 7 and a Market Faire on July 20-21 during the Whiskey Rebellion reenactment. The grounds and facilities are also available for rent.

Volunteers are always welcome as museum aides, interpreters, docents, gardeners or in other positions. For more information or to volunteer, visit woodvilleplantation.org or send an email to nevillehouseassociates@gmail.com.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)