Point Marion in Fayette County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Monongahela River

River Route to the West

By Byron Hooks, September 25, 2012

1. Monongahela River Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

The Monongahela River served as one of many “river highways” to the western territories. Since there were few overland roads west of here, most settlers rafted north (to your right) on the Monongahela River to Pittsburgh, then down the Ohio River to new opportunity.

As a land speculator, Albert Gallatin hoped to prosper from his river location and the town of New Geneva that he established nearby. But 19th century canals and roads by-passed this area, dashing his dreams of riches. Today this view west no longer looks upon the wilderness Gallatin knew, but upon the industry he envisioned.

Erected by National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 39° 46.512′ N, 79° 55.918′ W. Marker is in Point Marion, Pennsylvania, in Fayette County. Marker is on New Geneva Rd. This marker is located at the Friendship Hill National Historic site. The grounds are open from sunrise to sunset and there is no entrance fee. From the park entrance

The gazebo at Friendship Hill National Historic Site image. Click for full size.

By Byron Hooks, September 25, 2012

2. The gazebo at Friendship Hill National Historic Site

Monongahela River marker seen beyond the gazebo

on New Geneva Rd, continue along the street to the parking lot. From the parking lot, follow the paved path up the hill and continue past the house. The marker will be on the stone wall behind the gazebo. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 223 New Geneva Rd, Point Marion PA 15474, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Preserving the 1910 Landscape (within shouting distance of this marker); Sophia Allegre Gallatin (within shouting distance of this marker); Stone Cistern (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Friendship Hill (about 400 feet away); Albert Gallatin (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Glassworks (approx. 0.7 miles away); Greensboro (approx. 1.8 miles away); a different marker also named Old Glassworks (approx. 2.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Point Marion.

Also see . . .
1. Albert Gallatin. Wikipedia (Submitted on November 10, 2012, by Byron Hooks of Sandy Springs, Georgia.)

2. Monongahela River. Wikipedia (Submitted on November 10, 2012, by Byron Hooks of Sandy Springs, Georgia.)

3. Friendship Hill National Historic site. National Park Service (Submitted on November 10, 2012.)

View of the Monongahela River from the gazebo at the Friendship Hill National Historic site image. Click for full size.

By Byron Hooks, September 25, 2012

3. View of the Monongahela River from the gazebo at the Friendship Hill National Historic site

Albert Gallatin's home at Friendship Hill image. Click for full size.

By Byron Hooks, September 25, 2012

4. Albert Gallatin's home at Friendship Hill

Credits. This page was last revised on December 31, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 10, 2012, by Byron Hooks of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 434 times since then and 4 times this year. Last updated on December 26, 2020, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 10, 2012, by Byron Hooks of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.