From left, re-enactors Bob Wray of Ford City, Eric Forster of Butler as a young George Washington, and Greg Rearick of Clarion, will take part in Historic Harmony's hike marking the anniversary of a trip made by Washington in what is now Butler County 260 years ago.

HARMONY — On Saturday morning, Nov. 30, the borough’s historical society will offer residents a chance to walk in the footsteps of George Washington.

Historic Harmony’s hike will commemorate the 260th anniversary of a trip Washington took before the birth of the United States.

During that trip, on the night of Nov. 30-Dec. 1, 1753, Washington and his scout, Christopher Gist, camped out on the north side of the Connoquenessing Creek at a Delaware Indian village.

In October 1753, a 21-year old Washington volunteered for military service. Virginia’s lieutenant governor sent Washington to demand the withdrawal of French forces building forts in the Ohio Country.

According to John Ruch, president of Historic Harmony which operates the Harmony Museum, the French already had built Fort Venango at Franklin and several other forts further north in Pennsylvania. The Ohio Country included Butler County.

Washington’s demands did not stop the French.

“This was Washington’s first military experience,” said Ruch. “The mission led to the French and Indian War. The French and Indian War grew into the Seven Years’ War which was the first global war.”

“He nearly died twice on the mission,” said Ruch. “If he had died, American history, who knows, there may never have been a United States.”

During the hike this weekend, guides’ commentary will include readings from Washington’s journal. Hikers will visit an encampment where people in period costume will demonstrate colonial military life.

The 1753 attempted shooting of Washington by a Native American also will be reenacted.

The program will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Stewart Hall in the Harmony Museum, 218 Mercer St. Guided hikes will begin at 10 a.m. and continue every 45 minutes until 1 p.m. Hikers will travel about one mile on a well-maintained trail and sidewalks.

Participants are advised to wear appropriate footwear, as well as clothing suitable for the day’s weather.

For reservations, call the Harmony Museum at 724-452-7341. There is no charge for children age 5 and younger.