Derry Township, Westmoreland County

One of the largest and most important townships in Westmoreland County is the Township of Derry. It was established and organized by the Court of Quarter Sessions at the April term of court at Hannastown in 1775. The original boundaries as they were in 1775 began at Loyalhanna and ran thence to the Conemaugh River and down the river to the Kiskiminetas, and thence by the Loyalhanna to the beginning. It was, therefore, much larger originally than at the present time. It was cut down by the formation of Indiana County and by the formation of Loyalhanna Township on the Westmoreland side.

The Township is bounded on the north by the Conemaugh River, which separates Westmoreland from Indiana County; on the east by the Townships of Fairfield and Ligonier, the dividing line being the crest of Chestnut Ridge; on the south by Unity and Salem Township, the natural boundary line being the Loyalhanna Creek; and on the northwest by the Township of Loyalhanna. The boroughs within the limits of the Township are New Alexandria and Derry, as well as the City of Latrobe.

Keystone State Park

Keystone State Park was first opened to the public in 1945. This 1,200 acre park in Derry Township offers a wide variety or recreational opportunities year round. Provided for your summer enjoyment are several picnic areas, with picnic tables, parking, drinking water and restrooms, along with two reservable picnic pavilions with charcoal grills, electricity and restrooms.

The park offers 100 tent and trailer sites, available from the first Friday of April to late December. Eleven modern cabins are available year round (all sleep six, have modern bathroom and kitchen and outside picnic table, fire ring and grill), if modern conveniences are more to your liking. Keystone Lake is ideal for swimming from late-May to mid-September. Find out more here.

Ethel Springs Lake

Ethel Springs Lake is a 30 acre, manmade lake that was created in 1900 and took two years to complete. Half of the lake is located in Derry Township and half is in Derry Borough. Find out more here.

Highway Improvement

A major improvement to Route 22 has now been completed in Derry Township. PennDot has widened the road and added two more lanes creating a 4-lane, grooved-concrete highway with wider lanes, better drainage, paved shoulders and center barriers from New Alexandria to the Indiana County line.

These improvements have increased the safety and accessibility of the highway in our area. Industry will have an easier time shipping and visitors to this area can now use a much safer, modern road to bring their families to the many businesses and recreational areas we have to offer. Click picture to enlarge.