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.

On June 28, 2026 the Boswell Area Historical Society, with assistance from the Jennerstown Area Recreation and Community Association, hosted the George Washington Crossing the Que event at the Boswell Lions Club Community Park at Ferrelton in Somerset County. The event, which coincided with the 250th Anniversary of the United States, commemorated Colonel George Washington, along with the British army commanded by Brigadier General John Forbes, crossing Quemahoning Creek over a constructed bridge in October of 1758 on the Forbes Road during the French and Indian War.

The Historical Society commissioned a one of a kind painting of the crossing from Johnstown artist Marcia Martyak for the event and an interpretive historical sign was erected at the entrance to the park. A second sign was placed where the actual crossing is believed to have occurred. The formal portion of the program included speakers that detailed the historical importance of the event. They included Phil Light, Forbes Road Historian, Mary Manges, Executive Director Fort Ligonier and Adam Cotchen, Chairman Stonycreek –Conemaugh River Improvement Project. Lenny Lichvar, President of the Boswell Area Historical Society served as the emcee for the event. Boswell American Legion Post 461 provided the Honor Guard and Jim Smith sang the National Anthem.

In addition, a music concert featuring local musical performers was held and coordinated by professional musician Jeff Perigo. A car show was also held overseen by Gene Eash. The Historical Society, Jennerstown Area Recreation and Community Association, Mountain Playhouse, Boswell Lions Club, Mountain Laurel Chapter Trout Unlimited, Stonycreek-Conemaugh River Improvement Project, Shade Creek Watershed Association, Fort Ligonier, Somerset Historical Center, Laurel Ridge Flintlocks and Reb and his Yankee Friends all had information booths.

Beverages were provided by Forbes Trail Brewing and the Rusty Musket. Food was provided by Pattersons Country Cookin, the Grumbling Gypsy and Bonos Pizza.

Quemahoning Creek was stocked with trout prior to the event thanks to donations from the Jenner Rod and Gun Club and Inno H20 Solutions LLC. Fireworks sponsored by the Jenner Rod and Gun Club and Somerset Trust Company concluded the day’s activities.

In addition to the 18th century historical and entertainment activities, the more recent historic comeback of the Quemahoning Creek watershed was also recognized. Quemahoning Creek was decimated by abandoned mine drainage (AMD) for over 100 years. However, local, state and federal professionals combined with volunteer initiatives led to the creation of the Jenners AMD Treatment System in 1997 and the Boswell AMD Treatment System in 2004. Because of those efforts Quemahoning Creek has now been transformed into a recreational fishery. The water quality improvements have also created significant positive impacts on the Quemahoning Reservoir which is now a destination point for water recreation and supplies essential water to local residents and industry.

The event was free and was attended by hundreds of people. (photos upcoming)

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

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