The National Road, George Washington and America's First Highway West
Event Date/Time
-
State
Pennsylvania
Event Location
Methodist Church, 669 Main Street, Addison, PA 15411 (6:30 pm - 9 pm); Petersburg Tollhouse, 834 Main Street, Addison, PA 15411 (4:30 pm - 6 pm)
Event Image
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Description
You are cordially invited to attend and participate in Great Crossings Chapter’s America250! event on May 16, 2026, 6:30 pm, at the Methodist Church, 669 Main Street, Addison, PA 15411, in partnership with The Old Petersburg-Addison Historical Society (OPAHS).
We are excited to have Brady Crytzer, best-selling author and award-winning historian specializing in early American history, as our guest speaker. Brady will be highlighting his new book, The National Road, George Washington and America’s First Highway West, which depicts the road’s political debates, personal rivalries, and engineering marvels to bring settlers and commerce into America’s interior. The book reveals triumphs and tragedies of an infrastructure saga that helped define our nation.
This is a wonderful opportunity to not only meet Brady, who brings history to life with vivid detail, (you will think you are actually experiencing them as they unfold), but also travel, first-hand, the 208-year-old National Road that many pioneers ventured for a new and better life. The road was George Washington’s vision for our young nation to prosper and bring growth to the local economies.
The Petersburg Tollhouse, which was a part of the national road is owned by the Great Crossings Chapter, will be open for tours prior to the event between the hours of 4:30-6 p.m. Come see this unique, nearly original, 192-year-old structure which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and learn about its significance in the economic growth of America. Also, the Frederick Augustine History House/Museum, owned by OPAHS will be open to visitors.
You can make this a one-day event, two-day event, or even a mini-staycation and visit nearby historical points of interest like, Flight 93 National Park, General Braddock’s grave, Fort Necessity, and Friendship Hill. Somerset County is home to many amenities including but not limited to state parks, great fishing at Youghiogheny Lake, Kimberly Run Natural Area, and 10 historic, covered bridges.
This is no fee to attend, thanks to a DAR America250! Community Celebration grant; however, to assist with event preparation, supplies, and refreshments, please RSVP to 814-233-5238 (text/call) or email [email protected] by May 7. We look forward to seeing you!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Susan Moon at 814-233-5238.
We are excited to have Brady Crytzer, best-selling author and award-winning historian specializing in early American history, as our guest speaker. Brady will be highlighting his new book, The National Road, George Washington and America’s First Highway West, which depicts the road’s political debates, personal rivalries, and engineering marvels to bring settlers and commerce into America’s interior. The book reveals triumphs and tragedies of an infrastructure saga that helped define our nation.
This is a wonderful opportunity to not only meet Brady, who brings history to life with vivid detail, (you will think you are actually experiencing them as they unfold), but also travel, first-hand, the 208-year-old National Road that many pioneers ventured for a new and better life. The road was George Washington’s vision for our young nation to prosper and bring growth to the local economies.
The Petersburg Tollhouse, which was a part of the national road is owned by the Great Crossings Chapter, will be open for tours prior to the event between the hours of 4:30-6 p.m. Come see this unique, nearly original, 192-year-old structure which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and learn about its significance in the economic growth of America. Also, the Frederick Augustine History House/Museum, owned by OPAHS will be open to visitors.
You can make this a one-day event, two-day event, or even a mini-staycation and visit nearby historical points of interest like, Flight 93 National Park, General Braddock’s grave, Fort Necessity, and Friendship Hill. Somerset County is home to many amenities including but not limited to state parks, great fishing at Youghiogheny Lake, Kimberly Run Natural Area, and 10 historic, covered bridges.
This is no fee to attend, thanks to a DAR America250! Community Celebration grant; however, to assist with event preparation, supplies, and refreshments, please RSVP to 814-233-5238 (text/call) or email [email protected] by May 7. We look forward to seeing you!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Susan Moon at 814-233-5238.