Butler County: Washington's Trail through Butler County

Washington's Mission

In 1753, the imperial nations of France and England and Native Americans claimed the Ohio Country, the area encompassing present-day western Pennsylvania ad eastern Ohio. Acting on orders from Virginia Governor Robert Dinwiddie, twenty-one year old George Washington embarked upon a dangerous expedition through the region, traveling through what would become Butler County, Pennsylvania. Washington's assignment was to deliver a diplomatic message to the French ordering them to evacuate the region. Already the French had erected three forts to reinforce their claim to the area: Fort Presque Isle (Erie, Pennsylvania), Fort LeBoeuf (Waterford, Pennsylvania), and Fort Malchault (Franklin, Pennsylvania).

During his journey to the French forts, young Washington encountered many hazards, including "Excessive Rains and Snow," being fired upon by an Indian near Harmony, PA, and near drowning in the icy waters of the Allegheny River. When Washington returned to Williamsburg, Virginia, he reported to the governor that the French intended to remain entrenched in the Ohio Country. This marked the beginning of the military struggle known as the French and Indian War.

The Washington Trail Committee has taken steps to erect historical markers along Washington's route and to provide recreational activities for the public. Come to Butler County, and relive Washington's first military expedition. Retrace the steps of our first president: hike, bike and drive through historic and beautiful Butler County, Pennsylvania.

October 1753 - January 1754

Driving Directions

Northbound from Beaver County Line:

Rt.68 East to and through Zelienople to Harmony ~ Main Street in Harmony to Mercer Road and Route 19 ~ Rt.19 North to Portersville ~ West Park Road North to PA Rt.422 ~ Rt.422 East to PA Rt.528 ~ Rt.528 North to PA Rt. 8 and PA Rt.173 ~ Rt. 173 North to Slippery Rock and PA Rt.108 ~ PA Rt. 108 East to PA Rt.8 ~ PA Rt.8 North to Venango/Butler County Line

Southbound from the Venango County Line:

PA Rt.8 from Venango County line to Rt.108 ~ Rt.108 west to Slippery Rock and PA R.173 ~ Rt.173 South to PA Rt.8 and PA Rt.528 ~ From PA Rt.8 at the Old Stone House follow PA Rt.528 to Prospect and to Rt.68 in Evans City ~ Rt.68East to George Washington Monument and return to Evans City ~ Rt.68 through Evans City to Franklin Road (at railroad track) ~ Franklin Drive South to Allegheny County Line

Scenic Driving Route:

From Portersville North on Rt.19 to West Park Road to Camelot Road and/or Cornelius Road to Roher Road. Meyer Road to Covert and North on Slippery Rock Road to Croll's Mill on Slippery Rock and Rt.173

Scenic Hiking Trails:

From western entrance to Moraine State Park by the Bike Rental take Bike/Hike trail to the Marina at the Davis Hollow Cabin - Enter the North Country Trail to the Old Stone House

In Moraine State Park near McDanel's follow the North Country Trail along the Glacier Ridge, a distance of fourteen miles to the Old Stone House

Scenic Biking/Walking Route:

In Moraine State Park take the seven-mile North Shore biking/hiking trail to the Davis Hollow Marina. Here you can connect to the North Country Trail and continue onto the Old Stone House