{"id":4078,"date":"2026-05-14T13:25:31","modified":"2026-05-14T13:25:31","slug":"fetterman-leads-colleagues-in-reintroducing-bill-to-protect-washingtons-trail","link":"https:\/\/www.fetterman.senate.gov\/fetterman-leads-colleagues-in-reintroducing-bill-to-protect-washingtons-trail\/","title":{"rendered":"Fetterman Leads Colleagues in Reintroducing Bill to Protect Washington\u2019s Trail"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

WASHINGTON, D.C.<\/strong> \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) led his colleagues in reintroducing the bipartisan, bicameral Washington\u2019s Trail \u2014 1753 National Historic Trail Feasibility Study Act <\/em>to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a feasibility test to designate Washington\u2019s Trail as a national historic trail. The house companion bill was introduced by U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA-16).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWashington\u2019s Trail is just one example of an iconic piece of American history. We should absolutely do everything we can to protect and preserve this trail for all of us and future generations to enjoy,\u201d said Senator Fetterman.<\/strong> \u201cRecognizing Pennsylvania\u2019s role in history is something I\u2019ll always be proud to talk about. As we celebrate America\u2019s 250th, I can think of no better time than now to get this bill signed into law and I\u2019m grateful to my colleagues in the Senate and House who joined its reintroduction.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBy designating Washington\u2019s Trail as a national historic trail, we create an opportunity to preserve this history, to build community pride, to connect communities, promote economic revitalization, and create jobs while telling this story of George Washington and the birth of our nation,\u201d said Representative Kelly.<\/strong> \u201cI commend the work of local volunteers who have brought George Washington\u2019s journey to life. This legislation builds upon their work for current and future generations to enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Washington\u2019s Trail follows George Washington\u2019s path in 1753 on his way to Fort LeBoeuf in what is now known as Waterford, PA in Erie County. The trail starts in Virginia and includes portions of Maryland, West Virginia, and crosses several Western Pennsylvania counties. In Pennsylvania, the trail features scenic markers and landmarks<\/a> highlighting major tourist and historical destinations such as the Fort Pitt Museum in Pittsburgh, the Old Economy Village in Ambridge, DeBence Antique Music World Museum in Franklin, Fort LeBoeuf Museum in Erie, and many more iconic places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Senate bill was also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Jim Justice (R-WV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Mark Warner (D-VA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSecuring National Historic Trail status for Washington\u2019s Trail is about more than just preservation: it\u2019s a strategic investment in Pennsylvania\u2019s heritage and conservation that honors the journey of a young George Washington right here in our backyard,\u201d said Senator McCormick<\/strong>. \u201cI\u2019m proud to join Senator Fetterman and my colleagues in this designation that will turn a critical piece of our frontier history into a lasting economic and educational asset, ensuring that the story of American leadership continues to inspire both our local communities and visitors from across the nation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWashington\u2019s Trail represents an amazing chapter in our nation\u2019s founding, and West Virginia is proud to be a part of that story,\u201d said Senator Capito.<\/strong> \u201cBy studying the feasibility of designating Washington\u2019s Trail as a National Historic Trail, we can help preserve this important legacy and ensure future generations understand West Virginia\u2019s unique role in America\u2019s early history.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGeorge Washington\u2019s journey through what is now West Virginia helped shape the course of American history. Washington\u2019s Trail tells the story of courage, leadership, and the early fight for our nation\u2019s future. These historic trails connect folks to the people, places, and moments that came before us. I\u2019m proud to support the Washington\u2019s Trail\u20141753 National Historic Trail Feasibility Study Act to help preserve Washington\u2019s brave footsteps, while also bringing new opportunities for tourism and appreciation for the outdoors in Almost Heaven and beyond,\u201d said Senator Jim Justice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Washington Trail follows George Washington\u2019s first military and diplomatic mission and commemorates an important part of our history,\u201d said Senator Kaine. <\/strong>\u201cAs our nation celebrates its 250th birthday this year, we recommit to preserving the stories of America\u2019s founding. I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation that would begin the process of preserving this trail so that future generations can learn about its significance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWashington\u2019s Trail \u2013 which starts right in Williamsburg, Virginia \u2013 traces the historic journey that a young George Washington took on his first military and diplomatic venture,\u201d said Senator Warner. <\/strong>\u201cVirginians take great pride in the instrumental role the Commonwealth played in our nation\u2019s earliest years, which is why I\u2019m joining my colleagues in taking this step to designate Washington\u2019s route as a National Historic Trail. Preserving this piece of our country\u2019s past will provide educational opportunities to young people, promote tourism, boost local economies, and protect cultural and historical resources for future generations to enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read the full text of the bill here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Information about Washington\u2019s Trail can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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