Author: nikki

School is finally out for the summer! This season is a great time for kids and teens to enjoy time off with their family and friends. It is also a great time to plan a family trip along the National Road. Whether you live in the keystone state full time, or plan to visit western Pennsylvania for a short while, you can look to this 90-mile corridor to provide you with fascinating recreation for all ages.

The National Road offers amenities to help your family appreciate the great outdoors, stay physically healthy, and explore the rich history of our nation. Here are some of the best activities to try, including places to plan your trip:

Hiking

The many trails along the National Road in Pennsylvania allow travelers and locals alike to explore the beauty of the outdoors, while staying physically and mentally healthy. Hiking, like other physical activities, can reduce the risk of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, anxiety, osteoporosis, and arthritis. Your brain can also benefit from take a hike along the trails: exercise releases neurotransmitters, which allows brain cells to strengthen their lines of communication.

Amenities along the National Road allow travelers to participate in rigorous walking activities including Ohiopyle State Park, where you can hike and bike along the 135 mile Great Allegheny Passage. The whole family can also hide out from the heat this summer by visiting the Laurel Caverns on a tour. There are 3 miles of underground caves to explore — and even spelunking and rappelling, if you decide to find a babysitter that day. Soon, you will also be able to hike and bike along the Sheepskin Trail, a 34-mile recreational amenity in Fayette County, Pennsylvania.

Paddling

Whether kayaking or canoeing, paddling activities are some of the greatest ways to explore the outdoors with your family. Paddling offers a low impact workout that works muscles throughout body, building muscle definition and burning major calories in the process. Bringing children along for the ride can be a great way to introduce them to the importance of Pennsylvania’s local waterways.

In a recent blog, you learned about the history of western Pennsylvania’s rivers, specifically the Monongahela River, which intersects with the National Road. The “Mon” as locals refer to it has much to offer the surrounding community — so much, in fact, that it was named Pennsylvania’s River of the Year in 2013. Renting a boat for the day is relatively inexpensive and our partner the River Town Program offers sample trips, including maps and descriptions for easier trips, to help your family get started on a paddling adventure along the National Road.

Sightseeing

While spending time on the trails and paddling down the Mon can be healthy activities for the entire family, it is also important to keep the mind active all summer long. With school out until September, sightseeing is the perfect way to teach children through hands-on lessons. Historic places have powerful stories to tell, especially when those stories are so integral to the history of our region and our nation. Places along the National Road can help children connect the history all around them with national events, providing lessons and experiences that will be remembered for many years to come.

The Historic National Road was this nation’s first federally funded highway. The 90-mile corridor that cuts across the southwest corner of Pennsylvania is the site of many of the most important revolutionary events in U.S. history. By taking a tour of Fort Necessity Battlefield, your family can learn more about the French & Indian War, which set the stage for the American Revolution. Learn history through art on the National Road Sculpture Tour. Experience some of our nation’s finest architectural achievements at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob. Learn more about the history of Pennsylvania’s famous Whiskey Rebellion at the David Bradford House. And finally, sit down after a full day of historical and cultural exploration to dine at the Historic Summit Inn.

Explore all of the magnificent sights and activities that Pennsylvania’s Historic National Road has to offer with your family. Click here to view the full list of historical and cultural attractions and plan your trip today.

Photo Courtesy: River Town Program

Spring is the perfect season to explore the magnificent beauty of the great outdoors. The rolling hills and mountains in southwestern Pennsylvania create some of the most picturesque views this time of year. Combined with the historical and cultural resources found along the Historic National Road, the landscapes of the keystone state make this region ideal for exploration during the warm months ahead.

Discover the history, natural beauty, and culture of Southwestern Pennsylvania while enjoying the sunshine this season by visiting these incredible sites along the Historic National Road:

1. Youghiogheny River Lake

Whether you are seeking and area for a family camping trip or a lake for boating and fishing, the Youghiogheny River Lake will serve as a perfect destination. In the heart of the Laurel Highlands, this beautiful body of water is a 16-mile flood control reservoir often considered the best powerboat and water-skiing lake in southwestern Pennsylvania. The tail waters of the nearby Youghiogheny Dam are ideal for trout fishing because they are are stocked by the Fish and Boat Commission frequently throughout the spring and summer.

Click here for visitor information for Youghiogheny River Lake.

2. Fort Necessity National Battlefield

In the summer of 1754, the Battle of Fort Necessity sparked the French & Indian War. Fort Necessity National Battlefield commemorates this opening battle, in which Colonel George Washington surrendered to the French. This site is a National Park and arguably one of the most important historical areas in western Pennsylvania, making it a fantastic destination to explore the history of this region. Nearby, you can also visit Braddock’s Grave and Jumonville Glen for added outdoor sightseeing.

The main unit contains the battlefield with the reconstructed fort, the Mount Washington Tavern, and the Fort Necessity and National Road Interpretive and Education Center, featuring history detailing history from Washington’s first trip over the Alleghenies to the creation of the National Road itself.

Click here to plan your visit to Fort Necessity National Battlefield.

3. Ohiopyle

Fayette County features the stunning Ohiopyle State Park, one of the largest state parks in Pennsylvania. Its beautiful scenery and multitude of outdoor activities make it one of the most popular state parks in America. The site spans over 19,000 acres and features outdoor activities like whitewater rafting, mountain biking, hiking, and fishing. Surrounded by historical sites along the National Road, this park makes the ideal location for a family vacation with options for lodging and camping.

After many years of planning and hard work, the new Ohiopyle State Park Office/ Laurel Highlands Falls Area Visitor Center will have its grand opening this June. The Center provides visitors a window into the history, heritage and geology that further defines the importance of the region. Spectacularly designed interpretive elements by the 106 Group and built by Blue Rhino Studios, will provide an interesting and immersive experience!

Click here to learn more about Ohiopyle State Park and to plan your trip.

4. Laurel Caverns Park

On those warmer spring days, you can enjoy the beauty of nature under the cool shelter of the brilliantly beautiful Laurel Caverns. This geological park features the largest natural cave in Pennsylvania. The ceilings in the three mile labyrinth are between ten and fifty feet in height. It is also the largest natural bat hibernaculum in the state. To preserve the habitat, the site is closed November through April, so spring is its opening season.

The park hosts guided tours of the caverns, but for the more adventurous, spelunking and cave rappelling are also available.

Click here to plan your visit and to learn more about the Laurel Caverns.

Use this spring season to take advantage of everything that southwestern Pennsylvania has to offer and don’t stop after these locations. 

While living in the keystone state might make you forget the natural beauty and fascinating history that surrounds us in Pennsylvania, to visitors our rich, multifaceted history, sleek cityscapes, charming small towns, and lush countryside make our state an ideal place to explore. And that is not a biased statement —  tourism is one of the top two leading industries in the Commonwealth!

Much of the NRHC’s work supports Pennsylvania’s tourism product. Our organization is fully engaged in the restoration and development of the regional assets that support southwestern PA’s tourism infrastructure. Though the importance of tourism is commonly underappreciated, we all must work together to support the assets that attract visitors in our own communities, not only for economic reasons, but also to support the local cultural, historic, natural, and recreational resources and to build community pride.

Why Tourism Matters

The economic benefits of tourism are tried and true. Tourist expenditures in the National Parks located in western Pennsylvania alone created $68 million in economic benefit in 2014. These visitors not only support business owners, but also help create quality careers for local residents.

When we draw attention to historical and cultural sites, we are all able to engage in historic preservation much more easily. In simple terms, historic preservation means safeguarding the existence and appearance of historic elements of the community.

By investing in valuable cultural and historical amenities, the NRHC has been able to help places like Nemacolin Castle, Ohiopyle State Park, and Fort Necessity National Battlefield thrive and bring tourists into our community. The NRHC’s current projects, including the rebuilding of the Sheepskin Trail, will also serve to connect small “patch towns” and suburbs to the outdoors, uniting the community as a whole and building pride within the region.

How You Can Help

Are you ready to help the NRHC make southwestern Pennsylvania the best that it can be? Here are a few steps that you can take on your own to support local tourism:

1. Have a Staycation

Be a tourist at home! When was the last time you took the family to visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece, Fallingwater? Or the beautiful Laurel Caverns? There are plenty of historical and cultural amenities to choose from along the National Road. Click here to see all of the attractions you can visit.

2. Know Your Community’s History

President Theodore Roosevelt once said, “the more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future.” That is especially true within your own community. Some great local sites that can aid in your learning are Fort Necessity’s visitor center, the David Bradford House, and all of the spots on the National Road Sculpture Tour!

3. Support Tourism Efforts in your Community

At any given time, members of the NRHC are working on many projects in southwestern Pennsylvania. One of our recent efforts was aiding in building the Ohiopyle State Park Office/Laurel Highlands Falls Area Visitor Center! Another project underway is the development of the Sheepskin Trail, a 34-mile recreational amenity in Fayette County, Pennsylvania.

The perfect way for you to assist with these and future projects is to become a Friend of the Road. Your tax deductible donation can make a big difference by helping the NRHC continue its efforts, raise matching funds, and continue its work in local communities on projects that advance the education of our youth, the conservation of the natural environment, and the enhancement of parks, trails and other amenities that support this region’s leading industry – tourism.

Rivers have always been the lifeblood of civilization. The three rivers in western Pennsylvania are no different. These rivers are the reason the city of Pittsburgh and the surrounding towns exist as they do today and are vital natural and economic resources for people and businesses in our region. Through the centuries, the Monongahela, Allegheny, and Ohio Rivers have served very different purposes and have even been the sites of many important events in American history. From the Native American tribes to revolutionary battles to giant floating ducks, these waterways have seen it all.

Early Americans

Humans have inhabited western Pennsylvania for at least 16,000 years. Meadowcroft Rockshelter, the oldest site of human habitation in North America, is located in Avella, Washington County along a tributary of the Ohio River. Around 800 B.C., the Adena culture created ancient burial mounds in the McKees Rocks region, just 5 miles from the Ohio River. By the time Europeans arrived in the “New World,” Native American cultures including Iroquois, Lenape, Seneca and Shawnee were well established in this part of the state.

European Settlers

The first Europeans to settle in western Pennsylvania were the French. They saw the confluence of the Allegheny as prime real estate because they provided easy transportation and potential trade routes. Concerned that the French were getting a foothold in the region, the British sent George Washington to warn the French to give up the land. This land near the rivers became the focus of the French & Indian War, a clash of French, Native American, and British cultures that resulted in the establishment of Fort Pitt. You can learn more about this time period and the battles that took place by visiting the Fort Necessity National Battlefield along the National Road – the site of the first battle of that 7 year war, which took place on July 3, 1754.

The Port of Pittsburgh

In the decades following the revolution, western Pennsylvania earned the nickname “The Gateway to the West.” As a west-flowing river, the Ohio River became an incredible asset to pioneers traveling to the frontier and subsequently, boat-building became a huge industry in the region. Brownsville, a town along the National Road that sits on the Monongahela River became a leader in the steamboat building industry, which helped transform the U.S. economy. This along with the region’s abundant natural resources, like steel and coal, led to the industrial powerhouse that it became in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Modern Recreation

Today, the three rivers still play a key role for business and transportation of materials in the region. In recent years, legislators, federal and state agencies, and non profit conservation organizations have begun concentrated efforts to improve the condition of these waterways with clean ups and enforcement. At the local level municipalities have recognized the value of the riverfront and have undertaken beautification projects to enhance the recreational appeal. The results – the rivers are now popular places for canoes, kayaks, motor boats, and jet skis. Many of the region’s tributaries, while too shallow for motorized boats, also provide tranquil opportunities for paddling.

Celebrate the beautiful history of western Pennsylvania’s river towns this spring at Come Down to the River and Play, an upcoming event along the Monongahela River sponsored by the National Road Heritage Corridor and our partner, the River Town Program. You can also sign up for the Mon River Spring Paddle, which will include paddling safety instructions, interpretation of historic sites and industrial artifacts seen on and near the river, a side trip on Ten Mile Creek, and lunch.

The National Road Heritage Corridor’s work includes efforts to develop a rich tourism infrastructure that will support the growth and sustainability of that industry, a strong economic driver in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Since beginning operations in 1995, the NRHC has delivered over $13 million in state, federal and private grant funds as well as additional leveraged investments in the region. One of our current projects is the development of the Sheepskin Trail, a 34-mile recreational amenity in Fayette County, Pennsylvania.

As you can see from the map above, the Sheepskin Trail extends from Dunbar Borough down to Point Marion Borough, serving as the missing link that will connect the Great Allegheny Passage, and the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail with the WV Mon River Rail-Trail System. The completed trail will offer alternative transportation options for community residents, allowing them to enjoy safe walking and biking paths to school, work, shopping and community parks. It will also allow visitors and residents to experience the outdoor recreation, including fishing and cross country skiing.

About the Trail

The Sheepskin Trail is known as a “rail-trail.” According to theRails-to-Trails Conservancy, “Rail-trails are multi-purpose public paths created from abandoned railroad corridors. Flat or following a gentle grade, they traverse urban, suburban and rural America.” Today, this network consists of more than 10,000 miles of rail-trails across the country. By converting these abandoned industrial rail lines into walk-able, bike-able, and equestrian-oriented trails, we can help link people to parks and the countryside from where they live and work.

This particular rail and future rail-trail was built in the 1890s and served as the Pittsburgh branch of the B&O Railroad. It got its nickname from the older railroaders, who called it the “Sheepskin Line,” because when it first opened the sound of the trains would scatter sheep for miles. The disgruntled herders would then exclaim, “Darn Sheepskinners!” and the name stuck.

The lines were built to meet the needs of the region’s once booming coal and coke industry. In fact, the rail service opened the southern end of the Connellsville Coke Region. Along the proposed trail, travelers will be able to see the remnants of the coke ovens along the route including: Cheat River Coke Works, Ada’s Bottom Coke Works, Atchison Coke Works, and Shoaf.

Community Benefits

This completed trail system is the key to unlock an abundance of recreational, cultural, and heritage opportunities. Travelers will have the opportunity to hike, bike, fish, and paddle, while discovering the rich industrial and historic heritage of Southwestern, Pennsylvania. Below are some of the community benefits and positive effects that the Sheepskin Trail will have on the region:

• Livability: Residents will have alternate transportation options to travel to work or school. They will also have access to more outdoor activities through safe and enjoyable access to the walking and biking paths and waterways.
• Community Development: The trail will connect small “patch towns” and suburbs to the outdoors, connecting the community as a whole and building pride within the region.
• Land Conservation: The Sheepskin Trail and the lands surrounding it will contribute to the preservation and conservation of green space as well as essential woodlands that support the area’s wildlife. The trail will also serve as a significant greenway in our region, linking the Youghiogheny, Monongahela, and Cheat River watersheds.
• Heritage, History, and Culture: The development of the trail will reveal many of the rich historical and environmental assets of Southwestern Pennsylvania. This will convey the value of these resources, encouraging their preservation and conservation.
• Economic Impact: In 2008, after the completion of the Great Allegheny Passage, trail users contributed $40,677,299 to the businesses operating on or around the trail. The Sheepskin Trail has the potential to open to door for similar positive economic impacts by attracting new residents and businesses who want to live, work, play and prosper in this region.

The National Road Heritage Corridor is committed to connecting communities and supporting economic development in Southwestern Pennsylvania. By unlocking this vital community resource, we open the door for endless opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with nature and history and to reap the vast economic benefits the trail will offer. To help make this dream a reality, see how you can become a Friend of the Road.

Tensions were high in the spring of 1754. Rival claims to the vast territory between the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi approached a climax between the British and the French. After being asked to help defend the English fort on the Ohio River, Lieutenant Colonel George Washington had finally reached western Pennsylvania:

The Battle

By late May of 1754, Washington and his troops had at last reached a large, natural clearing known as the Great Meadows, which eventually became Fort Necessity National Battlefield. There, they made their base camp. Soon after their arrival, Washington received the news that a party of French soldiers was camped quite close to their position. Not knowing what the their intentions were, Washington decided to lead a contact mission himself.

On the night of May 27th, 1754, Washington and about forty of his men began their march to confront the French. All night, they marched, travelling through woods so dark that the men could hardly see the trail. Around dawn, Lieutenant Colonel Washington met with the Seneca chief, named Tanacharison, or Half King. Together, they made plans to contact the French. Because the French commander had not posted sentries, Washington and his men easily surrounded the unsuspecting French.

Then suddenly, a shot was fired. To this day, it isn’t certain who fired that first shot, but soon the glen was filled with the crash of musketry. The small skirmish lasted about 15 minutes, but by the time it ended, only one of Washington’s men was killed and two others wounded, but thirteen of the Frenchmen were dead and twenty-one had been captured. One Frenchman did escape and eventually found his way back to Fort Duquesne to inform others of the affair.

The Aftermath

The skirmish became known as the Battle of Jumonville Glen or the Jumonville Affair, and the area was named after Ensign Joseph Coulon de Jumonville, the leader of the French detachment who was killed during the battle. The French survivors claimed they had been attacked without cause by Washington. Following the battle, Washington returned to the Great Meadows and pushed onward the construction of a fort, which they called Fort Necessity.

The conflict soon led to the rest of the Fort Necessity campaign, including the Battle of Fort Necessity, and ultimately to the French & Indian War as well as the Revolutionary War.

You can learn more about this Battle and the entire campaign by visiting Fort Necessity National Battlefield, which is now a National Park. Explore their website to learn more and start planning your visit today!

The Historic National Road Corridor is located in an area of southwestern Pennsylvania where arguably some of the most important revolutionary events in U.S. history occurred – events that define this Nation today. One such defining moment was the fight between the British, French and Indians that became the opening battle of the French & Indian War– the final Colonial war and the American chapter of a global conflict called the Seven Years War. This war began as a simple land conflict. Around 1750, rival claims to the vast territory between the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi approached a climax between the British and the French:

The History

A land speculation company known as the Ohio Company had obtained a large grant of 200,000 acres in the upper Ohio River Valley from Britain. From its headquarters in present-day Cumberland, Maryland, the Virginian-led company planned to add westward settlements and began to open an 80-mile wagon road to the Monongahela River, which became the Nemacolin Trail, a precursor to the Historic National Road.

During this time, the French started to advance southward and westward from “New France” (Canada), to drive out English traders. The French considered the Ohio territory a vital link between their land in present-day Canada and Louisiana. In 1753, Virginia Governor Robert Dinwiddie learned that that French had built Fort Presque Isle near Lake Erie and Fort Le Boeuf in that part of the Ohio country claimed by Virginia. In response, he sent an eight-man expedition to warn the French to withdraw, led by none other than George Washington.

The Conflict

In winter of 1753, 21-year-old George Washington started his journey as a British emissary. When he reached the French, they told him that they were not obliged to obey and would stay in their newly-claimed territory. Washington then returned to Virginia to inform Governor Dinwiddie that the French refused to leave.

Meanwhile in January of 1754, before Governor Dinwiddie learned of the French’s refusal to abandon their claim on the Ohio Valley, he sent soldiers to build a fort at the forks of the Ohio River, where Pittsburgh now stands. Before they could finish, the French drove them off and build an even larger fort on the site, calling it Fort Duquesne to honor Marquis de Duquesne, the new governor of New France.

In April, newly commissioned Lieutenant Colonel  Washington began moving westward with a regiment of Virginia frontiersmen to build a road to Redstone Creek, in present day Brownsville, Pennsylvania, on the Monongahela River. Instead, he was asked to help defend the English fort on the Ohio River…

Click here to learn about the opening battle of the French & Indian War in our next blog post!