Forbes Road (Washington's Camp)

George Washington's Virginia army accompanied Forbes's army on his expeditions from Carlisle to Pittsburgh. Washington was opposed to Forbes's decision to cut his own road through the Pennsylvania wilderness, rather than use the road already established by Braddock.

Perhaps this irritation was warranted. On November 12, Washington led a detachment of troops from Fort Ligonier into a field to reinforce another Virginia detachment that had engaged the French. Like other disastrous skirmishes, the British Army, unfamiliar with the territory, became confused at twilight. The two Virginia companies began firing at each other, and killed or wounded 40 of their own men. Washington had to restore order by riding his horse between the two regiments, shouting to command a cease fire.

Despite the deadly mess, the Virginia companies were able to capture some French prisoners, who reported to Forbes that there was a weakness at Fort Duquesne. This information prompted Forbes to continue his push for Fort Duquesne, despite the lateness in the season and the impending winter.

The Washington's Camp marker was dedicated on Wednesday, July 13, 1960. It reads: "On the hill one mile south was located the Washington Camp. This base for Forbes Road was built Nov. 1758 by Col. George Washington, “Commanding the Troops to ye Westward,” on the order of Colonel Henry Bouquet."