Addison in Somerset County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Great Crossings
About one half mile above this point is the "Great Crossings" of the Youghiogheny River, where George Washington crossed November 18th, 1753, when sent as envoy by Gov. Dinwiddie of Virginia to the French Commandant at Fort Le Boeuf.
Washington, on his military expedition to the Ohio, encamped there with his forces, May 18th to 24th, 1754, and from that point explored the Youghiogheny.
There, also, Major General Braddock, with his army, crossed June 24th, 1755, on his march against Fort Duquesne.
Erected 1912 by the Great Crossings Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • War, French and Indian • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Braddock’s Road and Maj. Gen. Edward Braddock, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington, and the George Washington Slept Here series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is May 18, 1835.
Location. 39° 44.801′ N, 79° 20.088′ W. Marker is in Addison, Pennsylvania, in Somerset County. Marker is on Main Street west of National Pike (U.S. 40), on the right when traveling west. Marker is at the Petersburg
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Old Petersburg Toll House (a few steps from this marker); The Great War (a few steps from this marker); Washington-Braddock Road 1754-55 (within shouting distance of this marker); Honor Roll (within shouting distance of this marker); Bell and Cone (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Addison.
More about this marker. The Great Crossings are now much further away than half a mile from this point. This marker was originally placed on the stone bridge that took Route 40 across the Youghiogheny River at the town of Somerfield. The bridge—and the town—are now at the bottom of the Youghiogheny reservoir.
Also see . . . The National Road, Pennsylvania: Great Crossings Bridge and Somerfield. Gribblenation website entry (Submitted on October 25, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 12, 2020
2. Petersburgh Tollhouse and Great Crossings marker
Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 11, 2006
3. U.S. 40 Today Near the Great Crossings
The Great Crossings are now at the bottom of the Youghiogheny reservoir, pictured here.
Photographed By Forest McDermott, November 26, 2015
4. Great Crossings Marker
In Nov. 2015 the water level dropped and exposed part of the old stone bridge which the Old National Road crossed and where this marker was originally placed.
Photographed By Forest McDermott, November 26, 2015
5. Great Crossings Marker
A closer view of the old stone bridge about half of it is covered with sand. Marker was once attached to this bridge where the Old National Road crossed the river.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 13, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 3,697 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 12, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on August 18, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 4, 5. submitted on October 23, 2016, by Forest McDermott of Masontown, Pennsylvania.
