Throughout his life, George Washington blazed a trail of deeds across this country, directly and indirectly influencing events and people along the way, and West Virginia is part of that heritage. Now, you can follow the trail he blazed by traveling the Washington Heritage Trail.
The Washington Heritage Trail is a historic journey through three counties that follows George Washington and the events that shaped the country he helped to build.
The trail begins in Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, where many historical themes impacted Washington and the major events in which he was an important part. Harpers Ferry has one of the largest historic districts in West Virginia, which is comprised of about 100 structures.
Located in Harpers Ferry is Jefferson Rock, a pile of sedimentary rock called harpers shale, in which Thomas Jefferson himself stood on October 25, 1783, overlooking the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers.
Another stop along the way is Entler Hotel in Shepherdstown, also known as Rumsey Hall.
In 1776, a decade before the Entler was built, the land where the structure now sits served as a military camp for soldiers before they joined Washington and his army on the battlefield near Boston.
Further along the path is the Hedgesville Historic District in Berkely County.
This district dates back to the 1750s, during which the French and Indian war was fought. During that time, Washington supervised the construction of Fort Hedges in this district, one of many structures stood as a barrier designed to hold back the movement of America's French and Indian enemies.
George Washington's bathtub is located in Berkeley Springs at the Roman Bathhouse. Washington frequented this hot spring tub several times. He apparently loved its soothing and relaxing waters for his physical ailments. In 1761, Washington wrote about the springs in a letter to a friend, stating "We found of both sexes about 250 people at this place, full of all manner of diseases and complaints; some of which are benefited... I think myself benefitted from the water and am not without hope of their making a cure of me..."
These are just a few of the highlights along this long trail, which is comprised of 48 different sites throughout Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan counties.
For more information about the trail, including a map and detailed description of every stop along the way, visit their website here.
Have you followed the Washington trail? What were your favorite parts? Feel free to comment below and join the discussion.
To learn more about West Virginia history, check out this Civil War battle that nearly destroyed an entire town.
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