Eric Forster of Butler, center, Caleb Holt, left, Tom Klingensmith prepare for a reenactment of a Native American firing on George Washington during his visit to the region prior to the French and Indian war. Forster played the role of Washington with Holt as his guide, Christopher Gist, and Klingensmith as an unknown Native American. The reenactment was part of Jennings Environmental Center 2022 Washington's Trail and Cherry Pie Hike day. On Dec. 27, will be the 269th anniversary of the Washington’s journey. Butler Eagle File photo

On a cold winter’s night 269 years ago, an attempted shooting in present-day Forward Township nearly changed the course of U.S. history.

On Dec. 27, 1753, George Washington and his guide, Christopher Gist, were returning to Williamsburg, Va., from Fort LeBoeuf near Erie when a “French Indian” the pair met near present-day Harmony offered to lead the pair to the Allegheny River.

For unknown reasons, the native took a shot at Washington, and missed.

Had the man hit Washington, his new idea of a country run by the people, and not a monarch or demagogue, would likely never have taken shape.

Retired Judge Martin O’Brien, a longtime member of Washington's Trail Association, said half the countries on Earth are democracies.

Had the Indian shot Washington, the then-unheard of concept of government by the people may never have been attempted.

A driving tour of Washington’s route can be followed from Erie to Williamsburg, and the Washington’s Trail Association has been placing road signs along the route demarcating it as roughly the route Washington and Gist took on foot, horseback and raft.

The annual Cherry Pie Hike to commemorate the event will be held Feb. 25

More information on the event, trail and hike is available at washingtonstrail.org.

Jack Neely