Washington's Trail 1753 Seeks National Trail Designation

BUTLER, Pa. - June 27, 2016 - PRLog -- Four representatives from the National Park Service toured several Butler County sites along Washington's Trail 1753, in an effort to determine the trail's historical significance.

To qualify as a National Historic Trail there are a handful of criteria that must be met. Some of these include: the trail must be established by historic use and be historically significant due to its use, the trail must be of national significance and there should be documented proof that the trail had a direct effect on American history, and lastly, the trail must have potential for recreational use to promote public awareness and appreciation.

Using Butler County as their hub, the representatives were escorted by Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau President, Jack Cohen. The group toured historical sites of significance from Fayette County on the Maryland border all the way up to Erie. The National Park Service will review the information gathered; and if found worthy, a second study will be done. Following the second study, Congress will vote on the national designation. The process could take up to five years to complete.

"Washington's Trail is a huge part of the rich history of Butler County. We were thrilled to host the folks from the National Park Service and look forward to continuing to work with them during this process that will hopefully result in a national designation for the trail," said Jack Cohen, President of Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau.

In 1753, during the French and Indian War, a twenty-one year old George Washington was selected to go on an expedition to obtain land back from the French. His journey is was we know today as Washington's Trail 1753 which was created by Butler County's Washington 1753 Commemoration Committee in the year 2000. To create public awareness of Washington's journey and mission, the committee placed circular blue markers along Washington's route.

For more information go to http://www.VisitButlerCounty.com.