The Forbes Trail
Stretching from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia and across 250 years of American history, Pennsylvania's Forbes Trail is your access point to one of the best collections of historic sites, outdoor recreation, travel amenities and family destinations in the nation. Special programs and events are taking place across Pennsylvania during the trail's 250th anniversary year. There's never been a better time to plan a Forbes Trail adventure!
New Forbes Trail Guidebook
Pennsylvania’s Forbes Trail: Gateways and Getaways along the Legendary Route from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh ($18.95, available May 15). From the dramatic story of the Forbes Expedition to more than 40 themed tours, featured activities, and lodging and dining tips, this beautifully illustrated guide puts you on the Forbes Trail, then and now. Register to receive an e-mail notification when the book is available by clicking here.
International Cycling Along the Trail
The first espoir-class cycling event ever to be held in the United States will take place along a route paralleling the Forbes Trail June 24-29, 2008. Experience the thrill of an elite Tour de France-style cycling event, including the Finish Line Festivals being held at several points along the course. www.tourofpa.com
Online Forbes Trail Interactive Map
This informative interactive map is organized around seven gateways and introduces potential explorers to the rich collection of historic sites and state parks along the Forbes Trail. For information about Pennsylvania destinations beyond what is included on this site, also visit www.visitpa.com.
2008 Calendar of Events
A full calendar of special events is scheduled along the trail in 2008, including 250th anniversary celebrations in Pittsburgh, Ligonier, Bedford and Fort Loudoun, which trace their origins to the Forbes Expedition. Calendar
French and Indian War Anniversary
The celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Forbes Trail is the culmination of a multi-year commemoration of the French and Indian War's 250th anniversary. Learn more about the many authentic French and Indian War sites in western Pennsylvania and beyond, history and more.
Special Updates/Press
Background, media releases, photographs, contacts and more on the Forbes Trail and projects related to the 250th anniversary celebration. Pressroom
Pittsburgh's 250th Anniversary
After defeating the French at Fort Duquesne in 1758, General Forbes named the spot Pittsburgh. For its 250th anniversary, the Pittsburgh region is hosting an exciting array of special projects and events. imaginepittsburgh.com
Discovering America on the Forbes Trail
In 1758, at the height of the French and Indian War, British General John Forbes, Virginia Colonel George Washington and their troops took on a daunting task: to carve a trail through the Pennsylvania wilderness and take French Fort Duquesne at the Forks of the Ohio River. Victorious, they named the spot Pittsburgh in honor of British statesman William Pitt.
Although the British went on to win the war, the conflict sowed the seeds of discontent that led to the American Revolution, and in the end it was ironically the colonists, not Great Britain, who would control North America.
Forbes and Washington could not have imagined what the future held for the route they charted in 1758. The Forbes Trail winds its way past many of the most significant chapters in U.S. history— The French and Indian War in Western Pennsylvania and the Susquehanna Valley; The Revolutionary War in Valley Forge; The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution in Philadelphia; Civil War turning point in Gettysburg; gateway to the west in Pittsburgh; Flight 93 National Memorial in the Laurel Highlands.
