Washington visited Cumberland very early in his military career as a volunteer aide-de-camp to General Braddock.
Washington had been Colonel in Lieutenant Governor Robert Dinwiddie’s colonial forces, but suffered a defeat where he was forced to surrender. This defeat embarrassed Washington and he resigned his commission in 1753.
Despite his resignation, he wanted to fight against the French, so in 1755 he joined General Braddock, who was embarking on a major effort in the Ohio Country from Cumberland, the westernmost outpost of the British Empire in America.
Washington refused to serve as an officer because, as a member of the provincial forces, he would be outranked by even junior officers in the British regular army. So he volunteered as aide-de-camp.
When Braddock was killed, Washington led the troops back to Fort Cumberland.
In the historic downtown district of Cumberland, MD, at 38 Greene Street, you can visit the cabin that Washington used as his headquarters. The cabin was originally built between 1755 and 1758 for George Washington’s use during his service in the French and Indian War.
Washington closed his military career when his visited Cumberland in October 16 1794 as Commander in Chief and sitting President, in order to review the troops gathered to put down the Whiskey Rebellion.
Celebrate George at this year’s Whiskey Rebellion Fest, Friday June 7, 6-10pm Allegany Museum. Click here to order your tickets