Washington's Crossing

Colonel George Washington crosses Quemahoning Creek in 1758 on the Forbes Road. Painting by Marcia Martyak

The Boswell Area Historical Society in cooperation with the Jennerstown Area Recreation and Community Association, along with other local organizations, will sponsor a Washington Crossing the Que historical and conservation event on Sunday June 28, 2026. The event will take place at the Boswell Lions Community Park located a half mile north of the State Route 601 and U. S Route 30 intersection in Ferrelton between Jenners and Boswell in Somerset County.

The Society has commissioned a one of a kind painting, by Johnstown artist Marcia Martyak, of Colonel George Washington crossing Quemahoning Creek in October of 1758 on the Forbes Road during the French and Indian War.

A ceremony will begin at 2:00 PM at the park that will unveil a historical interpretive sign marking the crossing. Speakers, including Fort Ligonier Executive Director Mary Manges, will discuss the historic connection to America’s 250th Anniversary. In addition, the historic water quality improvements in the Quemahoning Creek watershed will also be recognized. Stonycreek-Conemaugh River Improvement Chairman Adam Cotchen, among others, will discuss the significant impacts of those improvements.

Following the 2:00 PM ceremony 18th century re-enactors, civic groups, non-profits and conservation groups such as the Mountain Laurel Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the Stonycreek-Conemaugh River Improvement Project will be on hand to further promote both the history and conservation efforts. Fishing opportunities and fishing instructors will be on hand to assist.

Food trucks and vendors such as the Rusty Musket and Forbes Trail Brewery will be present. A car show will also take place on site.

To further celebrate the day a Crossing Music Concert will be held from 3:00 PM to dark with well known local and regional musicians and bands playing until the fireworks display which will conclude the day’s activities.

The event is free and open to the public.

For more information email LennyLL@yahoo.com or call 814-659-7057.

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