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Our Pennsylvania Story
L E S S ON 1 8
GeorgeWashington in England’s Army
Get ToKnowMe
1. soldier
2. governor
3. dangerous
4. guide
FindMeOn TheMap (On Page 4)
1. Erie
2. Pittsburgh
3. Allegheny River
GeorgeWashingtonwas the first President of the United States. He is known as the
“Father of Our Country.” Hewas born in the State of Virginia. As a youngman, he came
to Pennsylvaniamany times.
Georgewas a
soldier
in the EnglishArmy. WhenWashingtonwas 21 years old, the
English
Governor
of Virginia asked him to carry an important message. This was in
October, 1753. This was a
dangerous
trip.
At that time, French soldiers had a fort in Pennsylvania. The fort was near where the
city of Erie is today. The Frenchwanted to build another fort near what is now the city of
Pittsburgh. The French hoped to own Pennsylvania. England also claimed to own
Pennsylvania. The Governor’smessage told the French to leave Pennsylvania.
Young GeorgeWashingtonwas a good person to send on this trip. He had learned
about the forests from the Native Americans. Washington asked amanwho spoke French
to gowith him. He asked anotherman of thewoods to be his
guide
. Washington and the
twomenwent on foot and on horses.
Washingtonwent to the fort the French had captured. Washington gave the
Governor’s letter to the French leader.
No one knew this, butWashingtonmade
a drawing of the fort. He counted the
many canoes. Washington saw that the
French planned tomakewar on the
English. At last, the French leader gave
Washington amessage for the Governor.
He said that the Frenchwould not leave
Pennsylvania.
Washington and hismen started
back. It was cold and snowy.
Washington and his guide left the
horses with the othermen. Theywent
on foot. They took a short cut.
A painting of GeorgeWashington and his
guide crossing the icy Allegheny River.
