This bill directs a feasibility study for designating the 500-mile route of George Washington's 1753 diplomatic mission from Williamsburg, Virginia, to Fort LeBoeuf, Pennsylvania, as a National Historic Trail.
Mike Kelly
Representative
PA-16
This bill establishes a feasibility study for designating the route of George Washington's 1753 diplomatic mission as the Washingtons Trail1753 National Historic Trail. The proposed 500-mile trail would stretch from Williamsburg, Virginia, to Fort LeBoeuf, Pennsylvania. The study will examine the historical significance of this path, which predates the French and Indian War.
New Bill Launches Study for 500-Mile 'Washington's Trail' National Historic Route
The Washingtons Trail1753 National Historic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2025 is short, sweet, and focused entirely on history and logistics. This bill doesn't create a new trail today; it commissions a study to figure out if creating one makes sense.
What’s the Plan? A 500-Mile Historical Road Trip
This legislation directs federal agencies to conduct a feasibility study for designating a new National Historic Trail, specifically tracing the route George Washington took in 1753. This historical journey, which occurred right before the French and Indian War, stretched about 500 miles. The proposed trail runs from Williamsburg, Virginia, up to Fort LeBoeuf in Pennsylvania. Think of it as mapping out a very early, very important diplomatic mission.
The Real-World Impact: History Meets Hiking
For most people, a feasibility study sounds like bureaucratic paperwork, and it is. But the results of this study could lead to a significant new National Historic Trail designation down the line. If the study gives the green light, this 500-mile route could become a major new destination for heritage tourism, hiking, and historical education.
For folks living along the proposed route in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, this could mean an influx of tourists, potentially boosting local economies, small businesses, and historical sites. If you run a bed and breakfast or a coffee shop near this path, this study might be the first step toward a noticeable change in your business traffic. The study, as mandated by Section 2, will examine the historical significance and the practicality of establishing this route under the guidelines of the National Trails System Act.
Why Study It First?
Designating a National Historic Trail isn't just about drawing a line on a map; it requires careful planning regarding land use, signage, public access, and maintenance. The study ensures that the historical route is verifiable and that creating and maintaining the trail is actually feasible. It's the government's way of doing its homework before committing to a massive, multi-state project. For now, this bill is simply setting the stage for historians, planners, and land managers to figure out if Washington's 1753 route is ready for its close-up as a major national trail.