Pennsylvania's Forbes Trail: Gateways and Getaways along the Legendary Route from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh [Paperback]

Burton K. Kummerow (Author), Christine H. O¹Toole (Author), R. Scott Stephenson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 23, 2008

The year: 1758. A global conflict known as the French and Indian War rages, with the British battling the French and their Indian allies for control of North America.
This spellbinding chapter in American history unfolds in a lively historic narrative, punctuated with rich, original illustrations. Join a headstrong young George Washington and British General John Forbes as they carve a trail through the Pennsylvania wilderness, capture Fort Duquesne and help set the stage for the birth of a nation.
Let history be your guide as you experience the Forbes Trail today. Start at one of seven gateways as you traverse 250 years of American history—and explore the authentic historic sites, natural wonders, restored houses and gardens, and extensive recreational opportunities that define the Forbes Trail.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Taylor Trade Publishing (May 23, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1589793889
• ISBN-13: 978-1589793880
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 9.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #405,043 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #49 in Books > Travel > United States > States > Pennsylvania

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Introducing A Part of Pennsylvania Everyone Should Know, June 19, 2008

By 

Gail Jones "books for all" (Pittsburgh, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pennsylvania's Forbes Trail: Gateways and Getaways along the Legendary Route from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh (Paperback)

This book explodes with information, history and suggestions. It was a daunting task, I'm sure, to collect all of the contents, but well worth it. The Forbes Trail is something all Pennsylvanians, and for that matter, all Americans, should explore and relish. It's such a vital part of who we are and how we arrived at where we are.

The suggestions in the book for places to stay, to see, where to eat, things to do, places to explore - all abound, which makes for a rich presentation. There are lots of things to do which are off the beaten path. With this book in hand, adventures beckon. I recommend it heartily.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very informative, enjoyable, easily read., September 7, 2008

By 

Moose "History Buff/Musician" (Appalachia, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Pennsylvania's Forbes Trail: Gateways and Getaways along the Legendary Route from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh (Paperback)

I bought this book due to my love and involvement in local living history. This book is extremely informative, and accurate. It is geared toward the beginning history buff, or traveling explorer. It outlines the perilous struggle between the British, and the French for control of North America. Most specifically the Forbes Trail which was hacked out of the "Wild frontier" that was Pennsylvania in 1758. Engineered just three years after the disasterous Braddock expedition, General John Forbes along with his newly arrived 1st Battalion of rugged Highland Scots spearheaded a route through the Ohio Country to capture Fort Duqesne (Pittsburgh). Along the way leaving a wake of forts, outposts, and settlements that would shape the very heritage of Pennsylvania, and history of our nation. Old bed and breakfasts, vacation spots, historical sites, outdoor recreation areas, and annual festivals are just some of the things brought about by the daring endeavor. This book parallels history with modern day recreation, geography, and heritage. It is highly recommended for all history buffs. It is also recommended for those with a daring spirit for adventure and travel. Those who like heritage, history, recreation, variety, and folklore. Enjoy

5.0 out of 5 stars Forbe's Trail, January 17, 2010

By 

Peter Westover (Russell, PA, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Pennsylvania's Forbes Trail: Gateways and Getaways along the Legendary Route from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh (Paperback)

Think this may be more of a regional book, fascinating to me because of its relationship to western Pennsylvania, USA: you can sit down with this book, read how it appeared then and relate that to that odd stone rest stop the national road it is today.

But it is more appealing than that. If you learned that thought General Braddock, Forbes and the British redcoats were dolts who left the real task of opening the frontier (then anything west of Winchester, Virginia and Carlisle, Pennsylvania) to the post revolutionary war Americans - think again. This is the story of of an undertaking in its time probably more monumental than landing on the moon. For all the heroic settlements hacked out of the vast forests, it was really this road that tamed the wilderness. A truly fascinating saga, with lots of illustrations for the visual learner.

The National Road without a single McDonald's: who could imagine?