Last month, four representatives from the National Park Service toured several Butler County sites along Washington's Trail 1753 to determine the trail's historical significance.

To qualify as a National Historic Trail, there are criteria that must be met.

These are: It must be established by historic use and be historically significant due to its use; it must be of national significance and there should be documented proof that the trail had a direct affect on American history; and it must have potential for recreational use to promote public awareness and appreciation.

The representatives were escorted by Jack Cohen, Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau president. They toured historical sites from Fayette County on the Maryland border north to Erie, according to a tourism news release.

The National Park Service will review the information gathered, and, if found worthy, a second study will be done.

Following that study, Congress would vote on the national designation. The process could take up to five years to complete.

Cohen said in a release, “Washington's Trail is a huge part of the rich history of Butler County. We were thrilled to host the folks from the National Park Service and look forward to continuing to work with them during this process that will hopefully result in a national designation for the trail.”

In 1753, during the French and Indian War, a 21-year-old George Washington went on an expedition to get land back from the French. His journey was along what is known today as Washington's Trail 1753, which was created by Butler County's Washington 1753 Commemoration Committee in 2000.

To create public awareness of Washington's journey and mission, the committee has placed circular blue markers along Washington's route.