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).

Follow the historic markers along Washington's route through Butler Counter.  Relive Washington's first military expedition - retrace the steps of our first preseident and don't forget to take advantage ofthe historic and natural attractions along the way.