As one of the United States’ original thirteen colonies and the second state, Pennsylvania boasts nearly 250 years of history as the country prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary.
In Philadelphia, the Declaration of Independence was signed and ushered in the American Revolution against the control of Great Britain. In Pittsburgh, George Washington’s story has a significant mark that predates the Revolution itself.
Philadelphia was home to the Revolution. The largest city in North America at the time, Philadelphia hosted the Continental Congress in Independence Hall. The signing of the Declaration of Independence marked a turning point in American history.
Philadelphia was also home to inventor and patriot, Benjamin Franklin.
Continental officials worried the British would target the city when the war began as Washington was consolidating his army.
Earlier in Pittsburgh during the French and Indian War, a 1758 “friendly fire” incident was deemed to have taken place. Washington led a small contingent from Fort Ligonier to rendezvous with other Virginians to fight off a French raiding party.
A detachment of soldiers mistook Washington’s men for the enemy and opened fire.
Over a dozen are said to have been killed, and Washington rode between the columns to stop the bloodshed.
The exact site of the discovery of the “friendly fire” incident is on private property and has not been revealed, but archaeologists are investigating it.
Over the course of his life, Washington made four major expeditions to southwestern Pennsylvania. In 1753, he went on a diplomatic mission to meet Iroquois leaders from present-day Beaver County to Erie County.
His next two expeditions led him to surrender in Fort Necessity and General Edward Braddock’s disaster on the Monongahela River.
Under the command of General John Forbes in 1758, Washington and his men found Fort Duquesne abandoned. Forbes named the location “Pittsburgh” after William Pitt the Elder. Pitt led the British government during the war.
With the Commonwealth being rich in American history, planning for the country’s 250th Anniversary is underway.
Philadelphia will celebrate the 250th of the Navy and Marine Corps in October and November of this year.
A special game will be held on July 4th, 2026 in Philadelphia during the FIFA World Cup to celebrate the country’s 250th birthday.
Independence Day will be celebrated across the country, with even more events planned for 2026 to celebrate Pennsylvania’s role in the shaping of our nation.
