Tony and I visited this Historical Covered Bridge near Waynesburg Pa. It's about 3 miles from…read moreGarrots Fort. It's about 2 miles off I79 about 7 miles north of West Virginia State Line. It's free to view and enjoy. There is plenty of room to park and walk around. Built 1919

This is a fun little stop along the roadside. There is signage about the historical significance of…read morethe area (a water stop along the National Road) along with a water wheel and trough (though signage indicates it is not considered drinkable now). They've clearly had some fun dressing it up, as there are some model bears and twinkle lights around. Practical amenities include a nice little shelter house with picnic tables and a small paved parking area. A nice place to stretch one's legs and get a little bite of history.

George Washington is credited with dreaming of the building of a road that would connect the east…read morecoast with the Midwest. The National Road was the first government funded road in the U.S, connecting Baltimore, Maryland with St. Louis, Missouri. I've travelled most of the National Road over the years, visiting historical sites. This week, I travelled through Western Maryland and Southwest Pennsylvania. A number of inns and taverns along the route provided shelter and food for early settlers traveling by stage coach. The Mount Washington Tavern was one of the upscale taverns and is today a museum managed by the National Park Service. The tavern was built in the late 1820's by Nathaniel Ewing on land once owned by George Washington. The museum has been restored with furnishing similar to what travelers would have encountered in the mid-1800's. The museum is a self guided tour with an audio tour available using a mobile phone. I walked through the tavern and saw the dining room, tavern, parlor and several of the guests quarters. I was able to imagine being back in time 200 years. If only these walls could talk, the stories they would tell. The parking lot is nice with steps or paved ramp leading to the tavern. On the grounds of the tavern is a stable that holds a Conestoga Wagon and memorial to early travelers. Several historical markers describe the National Road and tavern. Restroom and other amenities can be found at the Fort Necessity Visitor Center, a short walk or drive down the hill. There is no charge to visit the museum which is opened daily from 10 am - 4:00 pm. I highly recommend for history buffs.

Pleasant little trip into 1830's roadside tavern history (and more history of the National Road,…read morecomplimenting some of the history at next door's Fort Necessity visitors' center), such as what sort of people traveled, how they traveled, what they could afford to eat, and how they slept (uncomfortably and sharing space with strangers).

The National Park Service has done a superb job of preserving the history of several important…read morehistoric sites along the National Road in Southwest Pennsylvania. Fort Necessity was the site of one of the first skirmishes that began the war between the French and Anglos. George Washington and his men did not fare well in the battle where they were outwitted and overpowered by their opponents. The primitive fort, composed of wood posts, was destroyed by the Indigenous army after Washington's surrender. Archeologists recreated a replica of the fort at the site that visitors may explore and contemplate the history. We walked the trail back, taking our well travelled dog for a walk. The trail is an easy walk with several historical plaques along the way. The setting is picturesque with a meadow surrounded by trees. An audio tour is available using your mobile phone. The Visitors Center is upscale and filled with information about several sites along the National Road. The Park Rangers are welcoming and knowledgeable about the local history. They provided me with an informative brochure about the sites with maps. A twenty minute film depicts the historic events that took place and shaped the war and early days in the colonies. Exhibits explain the tales of the battle that took place at the fort and other life in the area. Cases with artifacts are interesting. Information is well balanced. The gift shop inside supports the park and offers books, shirts and other nice souvenirs. The site also includes the historic Mount Washington Tavern, preserved as it would have entertained guests in the mid 1800's. The self guided tour of the Tavern is free. The staff offers several special programs throughout the year such as reenactments. A schedule is available on their website. The Park is filled with amenities including a pavilion with picnic tables, an outdoor classroom, nice parking and accessible walkways. The restrooms inside the Visitors Center are immaculate. Dogs are not allowed in the Visitors Center, but are allowed leashed outside. There is no charge to enter and explore the Park (thank you, tax dollars). Fort Necessity offers a truly unique experience and glimpse into the past. Plan two hours for the visit.

We were very impressed with the National Park Service presentation on the battle at Fort Necessity…read moreand George Washington role in this important piece of history. The visitor center has a lot of good information with a 20 minute film which gave a great overview. We then join a park Ranger for a walk to the fort, he was truly passionate about his job and very Knowledgeable. At the end of the talk a period dressed employee talked about the uniform, how to load and shoot a gun which he did at the end of the talk. Walked down to the fort, which I was surprised how smaller it was. It really gave a perspective of what the soldiers experienced. This was a wonderful stop in our National Parks journey. I recommend. stopping at Fort necessity and learning about this important. chapter of American history.

Great little library! Just needed to print some things and the ladies that worked there were so…read morehelpful and got me in and out in a few minutes. Note that parking is around back on Bowlby St, which was a little tricky to find, but otherwise a great library experience! Will definitely be returning!

Great facility for rest and bathroom breaks. Free maps and postcards! Helpful attendants and lots…read moreof great information to see and do things in Virginia. Bathrooms were clean and well kept. Only 1 family bathroom.

Just when you need a rest stop. The bathroom stalls are showing some wear, but are cleanread more

The Flenniken Memorial Library is amazing! It has two sweet cats and plenty of books…read more Would absolutely recommend for the feline company!

This classic Romanesque-style courthouse was built in 1891 and is mostly a two-story building with…read morea five-story clock tower. The clock tower is pretty amazing with a pyramidal roof, four doomed buttresses, stone molds over the four clocks and tower windows, arcade belfry, and quatrefoil design. It is connected to the two-story jailhouse that was built in an Italianate style in 1881. The courthouse is actually the fourth one built on the site. Up until 1881, the courtyard was the site of the public whipping post, stocks and pillories. Today the courtyard is used for public meetings, street fairs, political rallies, and markets. I don't know about you, but I prefer the new functions here. There is metered street parking with many options for restaurants and bars and retail shopping nearby. [Review 20401 overall - 120 in West Virginia - 1380 of 2023.]