 Like many pioneer towns in Western Pennsylvania, West Newton earned its early historical relevance by playing a key role in the westward expansion of the United States.The Simerals were the first family to operate in this area and operated a small ferry on the Youghiogheny River halfway between Connellsville and McKeesport.A New Jersey native and whiskey rebel named Isaac Robb, laid out the town of West Newton, however, it was originally called "Robbstown".