Pennsylvania's Forbes Trail Celebrates 250th Anniversary in 2008; New Guide to Historic...

Pennsylvania's Forbes Trail Celebrates 250th Anniversary in 2008; New Guide to
Historic Philadelphia-Pittsburgh Route Released
- A vivid journey back in time to French and Indian War-era America

PITTSBURGH, May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the most dramatic turning points
in colonial American history is the inspiration for Pennsylvania's Forbes
Trail: Gateways and Getaways along the Legendary Route from Philadelphia to
Pittsburgh.
Beginning May 22, this beautifully illustrated 208-page guidebook can be
purchased at www.forbestrail.org, bookstores and gift shops. It is produced
by French and Indian War 250, Inc., (www.frenchandindianwar250.org) and made
possible by the Colcom Foundation.
"Pennsylvania's Forbes Trail explores this national treasure, then and
now," explains Laura Fisher, the book's editor. "Lively history and original
illustrations bring the dramatic story of the Forbes Expedition to life;
travel recommendations help modern-day explorers experience all there is to
see and do along the trail today."
A Turning Point in American History
British General John Forbes' objective was daunting: the defeat of French
Fort Duquesne on the western Pennsylvania frontier -- a location Forbes named
Pittsburgh. To reach the fort, Forbes and his force of 6,000, including young
Virginia Colonel George Washington, hacked a road across the Allegheny
Mountains, creating America's first road west. Their victory changed the
course of the French and Indian War and helped set events in motion that led
to the American Revolution.
Adventure Along Today's Forbes Trail
Today, the Forbes Trail is a gateway to one of the best collections of
historic sites, outdoor adventures and family attractions in the nation.
Pennsylvania's Forbes Trail uses seven towns -- Philadelphia, Lancaster,
Carlisle, Fort Loudoun, Bedford, Ligonier and Pittsburgh -- as gateways to
exploring historic, outdoor and family destinations, unique shops, inns and
restaurants. Detailed descriptions, maps, contact information and other tools
make it easy to plan a Forbes Trail adventure.
250th Anniversary Underway
Forbes Trail events include:
Pittsburgh 250 -- A year-long anniversary celebration includes cultural
and sporting events -- www.imaginepittsburgh.com
American Eagle Outfitters Tour of Pennsylvania Sponsored by Highmark
Healthy High 5 -- Tour de France-style cycling race parallels the Forbes
Trail, June 24-29-www.tourofpa.com
Ligonier, Carlisle, Fort Loudoun, Bedford and other communities host
events and re-enactments -- www.forbestrail.org (Events Calendar).
Interviews are available with the book's editor, authors and illustrators
(contact karenlightell@aol.com).
Visit the Pressroom at www.forbestrail.org for cover image, map, samples
illustrations, background.
SOURCE French and Indian War 250, Inc.

Karen Lightell, karenlightell@aol.com, +1-412-519-9059