Washington County Tourism Promotion AgencyExplore the past and enjoy the present in Washington County, tucked away in southwestern Pennsylvania. Quaint towns, historic monuments, living history attractions, baseball action, golf, hiking, biking, and a warm welcome are what Washington County is all about.
Washington County Tourism Promotion AgencyLook Back, Way BackThe earliest locals set up house about 16,000 years ago and you can see how they lived at the Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village. When Albert Miller looked into a groundhog hole on his farm in 1955 he discovered a very early rock shelter that attracted the attention of the University of Pittsburgh’s anthropology department. Today you can peer into the oldest and deepest parts of the excavation site, then ease your way back to today at a 16th-century Indian village, and 18th-century frontier farm and a 19th-century rural village at this National Historic Landmark.
In the late 18th century David Bradford, the Washington County Attorney General led mobs in the street to protest federal taxes. George Washington answered with 13,000 troops to put down what became known as the “Whiskey Rebellion. You can visit Bradford’s house in the city of Washington.
Speaking of George Washington, The National Road (known as Route 40 in some parts) follows the military road forged by George Washington in the mid-1700s. The first thoroughfare built entirely with Federal funds, construction stopped in the 1830s when the money ran out.
Washington County Tourism Promotion AgencyThe LeMoyne House in the City of Washington was Pennsylvania’s first national historic landmark of the Underground Railroad. Physician and inventor Dr. Francis Julius LeMoyne is also credited with establishing the first crematorium in the US.In the Mon Valley, California Area Historical Society is housed in the Gallagher House, built in 1895 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places; the Charleroi Area Historical Society is transforming the print shop of anarchist Louis Goaziou, editor of the L’Union des Travailleurs (The Worker’s Union); and in Donora, the Donora Smog Museum commemorates the day in 1948 smog literally suffocated the town, sending 7,000 people to hospital, and as reminder that “Clean Air Started Here.”
Over at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, hop aboard a vintage car for a 6.4-kilometre trip into the past and learn all about the local transit system from the 20th century.
Washington County Tourism Promotion AgencyThe Bridges Of Washington CountyAnd then there are the covered bridges. There are 28 covered bridges in Washington and Green counties, many over 100 years old. Pick up a driving guide (or download from www.visitwashingtongcountypa.com) and head out to explore four different routes that showcase these quaint structures
The 41st Annual Covered Bridge Festival celebrates 10 bridges in Washington and Green counties. Over two days (September 17 and 18) locals and visitors can take in historical exhibits, chow down on home-style food, browse local arts and crafts and enjoy the program of unique entertainment.
Washington County Tourism Promotion AgencyLet’s GoBut there are plenty of modern pleasures to enjoy. Head over to the Meadows Racetrack & Casino for live harness racing and 3,500 slots and more than 60 table games. Or spend a summer evening at the ball park. The Frontier League’s Washington Wild Things play at the CONSOL Energy Park and Lew Hays Field hosts the annual PONY League World Series. You can also take in the varsity action at the California University of Pennsylvania and Washington & Jefferson College.
Do It
Golfers head over to one of three courses: Chippewa Golf Club, Village Green Golf Course or Quicksilver Golf Club, former host of the Senior PGA Tour.
Hikers and bikers have so many options, including the Panhandle Trail. The Montour Trail is a 73-kilometre multi-use rail-trail between Conopolis and Clairion. Stop in at the McDonald Trail Station & Meeting House, it is at the junction of the Montour and Panhandle trails and offers a picnic area, shops and restaurants as well as exhibits on local history.
For more information on Washington County, Pennsylvania, visit www.visitwashingtongcountypa.com