George Washington’s trips through Butler County in his life are a memorable claim to fame people from the county have if asked about their hometown.

On Thursday, April 10, history buffs attended the annual summit for the Washington’s Trail 1753 Foundation at the Butler Country Club, which showcased some of the lesser-known aspects of Washington’s life. Aside from attendance at the summit, history enthusiasts are also likely to check out points on Washington’s Trail, for which sign posts are placed around the county on spots Washington was believed to have crossed on expeditions that took place before his presidency.

Many people familiar with the trail may also know Washington was nearly shot within Butler County’s borders during an expedition he took in 1753.

During a tense encounter that year, a Native American fired at Washington from about 15 paces away, but missed.

The Washington’s Trail 1753 foundation was founded in 2000 to commemorate George Washington’s travels through Western Pennsylvania, where he ventured on a diplomatic mission from Virginia to deliver a note to the French at Fort LeBoeuf. The area where the near-shooting took place is on Route 68 in Forward Township, and is marked with a sign post.

Tourists can visit and experience the entire trail for themselves, traveling through Zelienople, Prospect, Portersville, Slippery Rock and Harrisville.

It’s a bit of an odd claim to fame for Butler County to still be known for, but history buffs far and wide continue to acknowledge the area’s significance in Washington’s life, so why not keep the story alive.

— ET