Cumberland in Allegany County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

President Washington's Last Visit - 1794

Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, March 28, 2009

1. President Washington's Last Visit - 1794 Marker

Inscription.

President Washington's Last Visit - 1794. . Center Plaque. On October 16, 1794, President George Washington arrived in Cumberland to review about 5,000 troops of the Maryland and Virginia militia gathered here during th Whiskey Rebellion. A few days later, this militia army assembled upon the parade ground of old Fort Cumberland, where the Allegany County Courthouse now stands. The President appeared dressed in his full military uniform, and the entire population of the town was present to witness this historic event. General Washington rode along the line, from right to left, and was loudly cheered by the men. Afterwards the command marched in review, and Washington raised his hat as a salute, while they passed. Generals Henry Lee and Daniel Morgan also were present and participated. 1748 Plaque. At the age of sixteen, George Washington first visited Allegany County, (then Frederick County), and was a guest of Col. Thomas Cresap, at Oldtown. He had been employed by Col. Wm. Fairfax to survey the valleys of Patterson Creek and the South Branch of the Potomac, part of the vast tract of land of Lord Fairfax was proprietor. 1753 Plaque. In order to settle a territory dispute between England and France over land in Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, Virginia governor Dinwiddie ordered Major Washington to Wills Creek (Cumberland), then on to Fort Leboef (near Erie, Pa.) to deliver an order of withdrawal of the French from English-claimed territory. The French refused to leave, asserting possession by prior claim. 1754 Plaque. Washington, now a Lt. Colonel, was ordered to lead a company of Virginia militia to the Forks of the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers to build and defend a fort. News of the takeover of the site by the French compelled Washington to convene a War Council at Wills Creek. It was decided to lead his company on, finally engaging the French at Fort Necessity. A superior French army defeated the Virginia militia, allowing survivors to return East. 1755 Plaque. Responding to the refusal to accept the British claim, English Gen. Edward Braddock was ordered to America. Washington was assigned to his staff. The British expeditionary force assembled on this site. French defenders at Ft. Duquesne (Pittsburgh) prepared an ambush which succeeded in defeating the British force. Braddock was mortally wounded. The survivors were led back to Ft. Cumberland by George Washington. 1758 Plaque. With a new Prime Minister in England, Wm. Pitt, a new effort was launched to conquer Fort Duquesne. General John Forbes was assigned as Commander. Virginia militia was mustered here at Fort Cumberland and commanded by Colonel Washington. His troops joined Forbes at Raystown, (Bedford, Pa), then marched to defeat the French at Ft. Duquesne, which was renamed Ft. Pitt.

Center Plaque
On October 16, 1794, President George Washington arrived in Cumberland to review about 5,000 troops of the Maryland and Virginia militia gathered here during th Whiskey Rebellion. A few days later, this militia army assembled upon the parade ground of old Fort Cumberland, where the Allegany County Courthouse now stands. The President appeared dressed in his full military uniform, and the entire population of the town was present to witness this historic event. General Washington rode along the line, from right to left, and was loudly cheered by the men. Afterwards the command marched in review, and Washington raised his hat as a salute, while they passed. Generals Henry Lee and Daniel Morgan also were present and participated.

1748 Plaque
At the age of sixteen, George Washington first visited Allegany County, (then Frederick County), and was a guest of Col. Thomas Cresap, at Oldtown. He had been employed by Col. Wm. Fairfax to survey the valleys of Patterson Creek and the South Branch of the Potomac, part of the vast tract of land of Lord Fairfax was proprietor.

1753 Plaque
In order to settle a territory dispute between England and France over land in Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, Virginia governor Dinwiddie ordered Major Washington

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to Wills Creek (Cumberland), then on to Fort Leboef (near Erie, Pa.) to deliver an order of withdrawal of the French from English-claimed territory. The French refused to leave, asserting possession by prior claim.

1754 Plaque
Washington, now a Lt. Colonel, was ordered to lead a company of Virginia militia to the Forks of the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers to build and defend a fort. News of the takeover of the site by the French compelled Washington to convene a War Council at Wills Creek. It was decided to lead his company on, finally engaging the French at Fort Necessity. A superior French army defeated the Virginia militia, allowing survivors to return East.

1755 Plaque
Responding to the refusal to accept the British claim, English Gen. Edward Braddock was ordered to America. Washington was assigned to his staff. The British expeditionary force assembled on this site. French defenders at Ft. Duquesne (Pittsburgh) prepared an ambush which succeeded in defeating the British force. Braddock was mortally wounded. The survivors were led back to Ft. Cumberland by George Washington.

1758 Plaque
With a new Prime Minister in England, Wm. Pitt, a new effort was launched to conquer Fort Duquesne. General John Forbes was assigned as Commander. Virginia militia was mustered here at Fort Cumberland