In 1753 George Washington traveled from Williamsburg, Va., toward Western Pennsylvania, delivering evacuation orders to French forts in sites now known as Erie, Waterford and Franklin. The French refusal to comply prompted the French and Indian War.

Although that conflict is long over, parts of Washington's route can be enjoyed as a scenic drive.

In 2003, the Butler County Historical Society began marking local portions of the trail to commemorate 250 years since Washington's trip.

By looking at historical maps at the museum in Harmony, Rodney Gasch of Forward Township realized the actual trail runs through his own property, but since that property is landlocked, the marked trail is limited to roadways.

"I like history, and it's fascinating to think that some of state highways follow routes once taken by Native Americans," Gasch said.

"On our property I sometimes sit in the quiet of woods and wonder (who else) has enjoyed this same scene over the past hundreds of years."

The historic markers are erected throughout Butler County along Washington's route, which also spans Westmoreland, Allegheny, Beaver, Mercer, Venango, Crawford and Erie counties.

Although some skeptics have questioned the accuracy of the route, a 100-mile sampling of the trail ending in Waterford can be picked up from Butler along Route 68, where Washington passed in close proximity to where the Buhl and Passavant houses now stand in Zelienople.

Along the way, a monument at the Forward Township Building tells of Washington's narrow escape after an encounter with a hostile Indian.

Continuing North on Route 19, explorers will find a variety of shops and stores with everything from antiques to soaps and candles. The countryside along this portion is full of deciduous trees that display a lush array of red and golden hues in fall.

Turning east onto Route 422 will lead to Moraine State Park and Lake Arthur, where a cruise on the Nautical Nature pontoon boat can yield views of the park's vast forests and an abundance of wildlife and waterfowl.

"We feel that Washington most likely traveled along the Glacier Ridge trail that was used by the Indians," said Martin O'Brien, a volunteer on the board of the Butler County Historical Society.

"It was a wet winter and there was a marsh and the valley where Lake Arthur is now was also very wet that winter. So we feel he stuck to the ridge trail through the park," he explained.

Continuing on the trail and following the markers onto Route 528 north brings the traveler to Jennings Environmental Education Center, where the trail intersects with Route 8.

At the intersection of Route 8 sits the Old Stone House, a reconstructed 1822 inn, tavern and stagecoach stop that serves as a popular site for re-enactments and other historical events. Time out can be made in Slippery Rock to dine at one of the college town's unique restaurants.

To remain on the trail, leave Slippery Rock on Route 258 northwest, traveling for about 15 miles into Mercer.

A stop at the historic courthouse there is warranted. With its grand staircase, marble floors, clock tower and hand-painted dome, it is worth the look. Quaint shops and the Mercer Mercantile are located in the courthouse square.

The Custaloga Boy Scout Reservation, located in Carlton about 25 miles northeast of Mercer, is said to be the final resting place of Seneca Chief Guyasuta, who met with George Washington when he first traveled to the area.

Follow Route 965 northeast out of Mercer to travel on Route 62, which mergers with Route 8 and goes to the town of Franklin. The Venango County Courthouse is visible to your left. It boasts a mural of George Washington and his traveling party during that historic winter of 1753.

Along this road, where French Creek and the Allegheny River meet, once stood Fort Machault and the trader cabin of John Frazier, where Washington stopped during his trek north.

Continuing along the river on Route 8 north toward Oil City, drivers also will get a glimpse into the region's rich oil history. While there, they can explore the Drake Well Museum in Titusville and nearby Oil Creek State Park.

Route 8 continues north out of Titusville for a little more than 20 miles, passing through Union City, where drivers can make a left onto Route 97 west toward Waterford for the final leg of the journey.

The Fort LeBoeuf Museum is located there on South High Street. Across the street from this museum stands the only existing statue of George Washington in a British officer's uniform.

For those interested, the journey's end can include a lunch at the Eagle Hotel, built in 1826 from locally quarried stone. It served as an office for the stagecoach line to Pittsburgh. It was purchased and restored by the Fort LeBoeuf Historical Society.

Back in Butler County, plans are under way to stage a re-enactment on Dec. 27 for the 255th anniversary of Washington's trek. A similar event was hosted in 2003. For details, call the museum at 888-821-4822.