George Washington’s story is one of triumph, but less heralded is the formative time he spent in what became Pittsburgh.
Washington first visited during a 1753 expedition, ordering the French to withdraw from the region. After a rude “no,” the young major’s return was disrupted when his raft capsized in the Allegheny River. Allegedly, he spent the night on the island now known as Washington’s Landing.
But Washington’s knowledge of the terrain and a cool head helped save lives during early losses in the French and Indian War, and he was there for victory in the Battle of Fort Duquesne.
– Dan Stefano, WordWrite