Incorporated: As a borough, April 10, 1834

Location: Eastern Westmoreland County, 60 miles southeast of Downtown Pittsburgh; Ligonier covers 0.5 square miles, is surrounded by Ligonier Township, and is accessed primarily by Routes 30 and 711

Population: 1,599 (estimated June 2008, U.S. Census)

Government: Mayor-council

Mayor: Ormond K. Bellas

Secretary: Paul Fry

Median price of a home: $129,900 after the third quarter of 2009, down from $135,000 a year earlier

Municipal phone, website: 724-238-9852; ligonierboro.org

School district: Ligonier Valley, 724-238-5696, lvsd.schoolwires.com

History: Fort Ligonier is the face of this smallish borough, and more. The four-hour battle there on Oct. 12, 1758, was the turning point of the French and Indian War -- the so-called "Key to the West."

Gen. John Forbes led a westward expedition through Pennsylvania that year, establishing a series of forts that would give the British a stronghold leading up to a planned attack on Fort Duquesne, held by the French. The fort in what would become Ligonier Borough was named for Field Marshal Lord John Ligonier.

The French and their Indian allies attacked the fort from the southwest, but absorbed heavy losses and retreated to Fort Duquesne. When Gen. Forbes, Col. George Washington and their troops eventually reached the fortress at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers, it was on fire, set by the French before they retreated to the north. The British set up a fort there and named it after Prime Minister William Pitt. Their victory established an English presence in middle America, and led to the formation of Pittsburgh.

Ligonier, as anyone who has steered a car through the serpentine stretch of Route 30 near there can attest, is in a valley, with Chestnut Ridge to the west and Laurel Mountain to the east. It is known for its quaint, fashionable shops and the Diamond in the center of town, which features a distinctive bandstand.

The borough is part of the Laurel Highlands, a massive stretch known for recreational opportunities, elevations, scenery and history. Attractions within a few miles of Ligonier include the Compass Inn, Linn Run State Park and Idlewild Park.

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