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This page will give you a background on the 2000 Expedition and the History behind the march. The following stories appeared in "On The Trail" magazine in 2000 and 2001. After the 2 stories is an inspiring piece presented by the Spangler (now Northern Cambria) VFW to the 2000 Expedition at "Hart's Sleeping Place" on our way to Kittanning. Please visit the Links page to see other journals about the 2000 Expedition.
The Path to Kittanning The spark of interest started in 1974 in my ninth grade history class. Mr. Kollar was teaching American History and somewhere in the middle of the French and Indian War, he started telling us about the Kittanning Trail and its connection to our local area during this period. The stories of John Hart and his trading spot only 5 miles from the school known by the marker on the township road as Harts Sleeping Place which was on the path. The stories of how the Indians used the path to raid the frontier homes and bring prisoners back to Kittanning made a few of us lose ourselves in the wilds of 1750’s Pennsylvania. Quite a few students had no interest in any of this, but I for one could not get enough. The fire was lit and it still burns today.
Many years went by imagining what life was like on the Pennsylvania
frontier. Not until recently did I finally take the final step and start to
become a Longhunter that I’ve read so much about. As I began researching about
the clothing and equipment of the 1750 period, I met Bill Wood on the Internet.
Bill and I hit it off right away. His interest paralleled mine and he has helped
me immensely with clothing, equipment, and lifestyle research on the
Pennsylvania Longhunter. Although I have shot flintlock rifles and entered
matches since high school, I had not considered dressing the part. Bill
introduced me to the “Coalition of Historical Trekkers” (C.O.H.T.) The
C.O.H.T. brings together many people interested in the pre 1840 lifestyle of our
great country. We have also joined the “Rangers of the Ohio Company”. The
Rangers are a great bunch of fellows who fight for King and County against the
French trespassers and their Indian allies.
I finally told Bill about an idea I had to recreate an important part of
Pennsylvania history. I wanted to retrace the steps taken by Lt. Colonel John
Armstrong and 300 men during his raid of the Indian town of Kittanning in 1756.
Being that we could accurately portray frontiersman, and knew of many
like-minded people, now would be a perfect time to start planning. In the past
year, we have contacted many people involved with living history and five county
historical societies. We now have a
set goal and time frame to attempt to recreate Lt. Col. Armstrong’s raid. Background
of the Raid
The beginning of
the French and Indian War basically was set off in the wilds of frontier
Pennsylvania in 1754. A young Virginian by the name of George Washington was
given an assignment by the Governor of Virginia, to expel the French trespassers
on the King’s lands. What took
place at a rocky glen would start a world war and eventually embroil
Pennsylvania in a bloody war with the once friendly Indians.
The following year General Braddock was given the task of destroying the
French Fort Duquesne, which is now the city of Pittsburgh PA.
Ambushed near the fort, Braddock lost almost a thousand men dead or
wounded. Braddock himself was fatally wounded in the battle.
The remnants of Braddock’s army retreated, leaving the General buried
on the trail. The French and Indians lost little time in taking advantage of
their victory. Death and bloodshed was unleashed on Pennsylvania. Countless
homes and lives were lost throughout the commonwealth. These raids basically
went unchecked until September 8th, 1756. Armstrong’s Raid
On August 1st, 1756 Captain Jacobs, a fierce Delaware chief
attacked Fort Granville (Lewistown. PA). The commander of the Fort was
Lieutenant Edward Armstrong. The Lieutenant was killed and about 50 people were
taken prisoner and taken back to Kittanning. Kittanning is located about 20
miles northeast of Pittsburgh. The Lieutenant was a brother of Lt. Col. John
Armstrong. The burning of Fort Granville was basically the “last straw”. The
Governor and the provincial council finally decided to act upon the Indians.
Orders were issued to Lt. Col. Armstrong to attack and destroy Kittanning. Lt.
Col. Armstrong and his men of the 2nd Battalion Pennsylvania Regiment
left Fort Shirley (Shirleysburg, PA) on August 28th, 1756. Upon
linking up with an advanced party at the Beaver Dams (Hollidaysburg, PA), he
proceeded over the Allegheny ridge towards Kittanning. On the morning of
September 8th the attack on Kittanning commenced. After 6 hours of
fighting, the town of Kittanning was in flames and many Indians lay dead or
wounded. Armstrong’s men did not get away unscathed though. The party lost
around 17 men dead, and many wounded, Col. Armstong being among the wounded. A
few white captives were also rescued. For a brief time the Indian raids ceased
in Pennsylvania. Col. Armstrong became a hero for his accomplishments. Although
a small occurrence in the overall story of the French & Indian War, it was a
very important part of Pennsylvania history. The Recreation
Our attempt to recreate Lt. Col. Armstrong’s march is not to glorify the battle or to show the conflict strictly from a white mans perspective. Along with Native American reenactors, we hope to show to the public a brief period of history that is all but forgotten in today’s history lessons. It was a clash of cultures with both sides knowing their cause was just. We want to present what it was like to be on the frontier of Pennsylvania in 1756. The event will start on the morning of Friday September 1st, 2000 at Fort Shirley (Shirleysburg, PA) with an opening ceremony and a speech by our commander Lt. Col. John Armstrong. The group will then depart for Standing Stone (Huntingdon, PA) where camp will be set and open to the public. The next few days will find the group walking the Frankstown Path to the Beaver Dams (Hollidaysburg, PA). Tuesday September 5th the camp will be open to the public. Wednesday morning we pick up the Kittanning path and cross the Allegheny ridge at Kittanning Gap which is now at the famous Horseshoe Curve railroad site. The next stop Wednesday Sept. 6th will be near Eckenrode’s Mills and the Gooderham farm. This site has located about 4 miles from Patton, PA, has a small section of the original Kittanning path preserved. Once belonging to the Gooderham family, it is now owned by the Cambria County Historical Society. The late Henry Gooderham was instrumental in locating the original route of the Kittanning path through Cambria County. Watering at the spring there, as Armstong may have done, we set off to Harts Sleeping Place (near Hastings, PA) to camp for the evening. Thursday morning Sept. 7th will find us marching to Forty Mile Lick (near Cookport PA) for our next camp. It was here that Lt. Col. Armstrong camped and sent scouts to reconnoiter Kittanning. Friday Sept. 8th will find the group passing by Shaver’s Spring (Indiana, PA) where Armstrong’s party filled their canteens prior to the attack. A speech by local historian Clarence Stephenson is planned. Mr. Stephenson is the author of a 5-volume work on the history of Indiana County. The evening camp will at Shaver’s Crossing a few miles further where Armstrong camped the last time before the attack on Kittanning. Saturday morning Sept. 9th we will head towards Blanket Hill were a small battle took place the same morning as the Kittanning battle. A small group of Indians were found camped on the path the night Armstrong was moving on Kittanning. Lt. Hogg and 11 men were ordered to wait until sunrise and attack the Indians. The main party skirted around the Indians and proceeded toward their goal. Orders were given to leave unnecessary equipment and all blankets here. At daybreak, at the same time Armstong was attacking Kittanning, Lt. Hogg attacked the small party of Indians. Instead of 3 or 4 Indians, Lt. Hogg discovered that there were 25 Indians camped there. The battle lasted about an hour with disastrous results for Hogg’s men. Lt. Hogg was later to die from 3 wounds and was buried by Armstrong somewhere along the Kittanning Path on the return trip. A battle reenactment is tentatively scheduled for the afternoon and our camp will be open to the public. Sunday morning Sept. 10th we descend on Kittanning. A battle reenactment is scheduled for the afternoon. During the entire week that we take to march the route, a pre 1800 Rendezvous will be going on at Kittanning. Armstrong County, where the town is located, is celebrating its bicentennial. Along with the Rendezvous, a gun show displaying original Pennsylvania longrifles from the regions first gunmakers will be held. A great many people are involved with this project. We hope that all those attend will have a fun and educational experience. References: The Pennsylvania Gazette Colonial Records VII Pennsylvania Archives, first series, II Victory at Kittanning - by William A. Hunter The Kittanning Path – by Henry M. Gooderham Indian Paths of Pennsylvania – by Paul Wallace
10
Days to Kittanning
It was hard to sleep the night of August 31st 2000. The next
morning would be our first day of a 126-mile trek recreating the route of Lt.
Col. John Armstrong and 307 men in 1756. Lt. Col. Armstrong was tasked with a
mission to raid and destroy the Delaware Indian town of Kittanning in
retaliation for the countless raids brought upon the colony of Pennsylvania.
After General Braddock's defeat near Ft. Duquesne in 1755, it did not
take the French and Indians long to send raiding parties on the frontier as well
as into more populated areas. Kittanning
was the base from which the majority of these raids were started.
The plans to strike at Kittanning were being laid out when Ft. Granville
(present day Lewistown, Pa.) was attacked and burned on August 1st
1756 by the Indians led by Capt. Jacobs, a fierce Delaware war chief.
Edward Armstrong, brother of John, was killed and the survivors taken to
Kittanning. Orders were forwarded
to the Lt. Col. and he began his march on Aug.28th from Ft. Shirley
(present day Shirleysburg, Pa.). Our
mission was to recreate the route of the march, and along the way, show people
what life was like during the 18th century.
We wore period clothing and carried period equipment and firearms. The
first night we camped 50 yards from the original Ft. Shirley.
Our Pennsylvania contingent consisted of Bill Wood, Mike Slease, Pete
Dobbs, Al Fine, Larry Zilch, and myself. From the Ohio country were Rich Hebrank
and Jim Polewchak. Bill and I, too
excited to sleep, stayed up until 4 a.m. Not
a wise move considering the 6 a.m. wake up, but the anticipation of the next 9
days kept us going. The morning came and we broke camp and prepared for the
day's march. No fire was lit and
all had a cold breakfast. When the packing was complete we walked over to the
monument marking Ft. Shirley and began taking photos.
While this was taking place, Joe Luciano, Bryan Nye, and Roger Kirwin
joined us. Mike Slease who
portrayed Lt. Col. Armstrong gave a rousing speech to the troops under rain
threatening skies. Good-byes were
given to the family members as Day 1 pilot Larry Zilch left the Fort.
We were on our way to Kittanning.
As I walked I recalled how just a few nights before some of the fellows
called at the last minute asking if it were too late to join the expedition.
You could hear it in their voice that this was something they really
wanted to do and could not miss it. It
would have been a crime to turn anyone away.
I also flashed back over the last 2 years that it took to organize the
trek. For those who have organized
an event you probably know what I mean. If
you haven't I urge you to do so. An
experience you will not soon forget and worth every minute.
The first 5 miles was spent getting to know everyone and discovering what
each did in the 21st Century. Most
of the first day's route was along modern roads.
Civilization and Technology has all but wiped away the original trail.
Cars passing would beep their horns and the people would wave at us.
Some folks working outside would offer us water and a chance to take a
short rest. One business stopped us
for pictures and insisted we stop in for a cold drink.
By then the sun was hot and the humidity high so were accepted their
hospitality. In today's world where
hardly anyone says "hello" to anyone, these people provided a welcome
boost that numbed our sore muscles and feet. We stopped at the 5-mile mark at
Larry Zilch’s cabin for a water re-supply and a bite to eat. The temperature
and humidity were climbing fast as well as our water intake.
In the days of the original Kittanning path, you most likely could have
drank from the majority of water sources found along the way.
Our water had to be transported by support vehicle or placed at stops
along the way. It gives you a real
awakening as to our polluted water situation in the 21st Century.
After re-supplying ourselves from Larry’s stores, we continued on our
way to Mount Union to cross the Juniata River.
A short walk along Rt. 22 brought us to the “Thousand Steps” trail
about 150 yards up on the right side of the pass through Jacks Mountain. Larry
filled us in on the local history of the area and how the trail was transformed
from the sandstone-mining railroad. Our
trip along the mountain was breathtaking. At one spot you could look over the
Juniata River and imagine what it must have been like for Armstrong.
By the time we reached our camp at Standing Stone (Hollidaysburg, PA) we
were exhausted. Some of us had sore
feet and blisters, some had rubbing problems in the sensitive areas, and some
just had a few sore muscles.
After day one we knew to readjust some of our
equipment and knew we had to re-supply water sooner than expected.
It’s a shame we can’t drink from most water sources like the
frontiersman or Indian could. Another
strike for “Civilization”. Although
camps were open to the public, we had few visitors at Standing Stone.
I began to wonder if anyone was interested in learning about French and
Indian War History right in their own back yard.
The evening meal was venison and vegetables.
Al Fine, Larry Zilch, and Joe Luciano parted company due to other
commitments. No 4 a.m. chat
sessions tonight! Day
2 (September 2nd)
We broke camp at 8 a.m. and headed to Hart's Log (Alexandria, PA).
Harts Log was named for the trader John Hart and his hollowed out log to
water his packhorses. It’s now
located under the Alexandria Library and Museum in the center of town. Sam Miller was our contact at Alexandria.
The route was only 8 miles but 3 of it were up Warriors Ridge and 3 miles
down with only 2 miles semi-level. Our
first water stop was just past the state penitentiary.
We loaded our rifles and muskets in the support vehicle while we marched
passed the prison. We were getting
strange looks as it was just from our clothing.
About 2 more miles we stopped at “Pulpit Rocks” for a rest.
The rocks were sacred ground to the Indians and looking at them one could
see why.
Temperatures are high 80’s and the humidity short
of stifling. Water stops are every
2 miles today. The venison jerky
and corn rations are lightly used but the dried fruit is hit hard.
As soon as water is taken in, it’s sweated out.
We arrive at Hart’s Log about 4 o’clock and set up camp.
Within 30 minutes some people start to wonder in to see the strange
looking campers. The question
“Were you guys at Gettysburg” brings smiles and laughter from the trekkers.
The teaching begins. Tonight
meal is venison stew. Jim Polewchak
has inherited the cooking slot and is a superb cook. Just after dark a local family brings us a hot raspberry pie.
It does ones heart good to meet such fine people.
Roger was already asleep when the other 7 lunged for the pie.
At least he’ll have pie for breakfast.
Tom and Will Lisak (PA) then joined us for the trek.
Day
3 (September 3rd)
We broke camp at 8 a.m. and my feet are hurting.
One thing I learned is that preparation for this march was not started
soon enough! Today’s route is
along the local “Rails to Trails” foot/horse/bike path 11 miles into
Williamsburg, PA. Its limited
access and the water re-supply is 5 miles.
Too far for the weather so I decided to travel with the support vehicle
to the 5-mile mark and walk back to the trail to re-supply the trekkers with
water. There were a lot of people biking the trail, which gave us a
chance to talk about the French and Indian War to quite a few people. Palmer Brown (Vice President of “Rails to
Trails”) and the staff of the borough of Williamsburg supplied us with water
at the 5-mile and 8 mile mark. The
sun was brutal today and toasted us well into the evening. Camp was established at the far end of the Williamsburg
Community Park. The chicken potpie
meal that evening was supplied by Tom Delozier of Williamsburg. Other local citizens brought in pies and 2 bottles of wine.
A true hardship being a 1750’s trekker!
Rich and Roger entertained the folks with fire making and musket drill
demonstrations. Roger also plays a
fiddle and entertained us throughout the evening.
Day
4 (September 4th)
We broke camp at 8 a.m. and sent the party off to the Beaver Dams
(Hollidaysburg) 16 miles distant. This part of the journey follows the
Frankstown Path along the Juniata River. I
repeated the reverse trip to supply water to the main body.
As I walked alone I started singing a tune about General Braddock’s
defeat in 1755. I then noticed a
few fellows off to the side working on a backhoe 2 miles from the main road. Both surprised I tipped my felt hat and said “Good
Morning” and kept on my way. I
wonder what they thought of our meeting? At
the next stop a few local kids came down to visit.
About 9 and 12 years old, they were full of questions.
Dad came down and took a few photos for the scrapbook.
We then continued the march and arrived at the Beaver
Dams about 6 o’clock. That
evening Jim and Helen Newell joined us. Jim
portrayed the Rev. Charles Beatty who was believed to have preached a sermon to
Col. Armstrong’s men, near our camp, during the original march of 1756.
Tom and Will Lisak parted company with us promising to return to the trek
at Kittanning. His parting gift was
a homemade bottle of mead. It was
used in a circle of toasts for the next 30 minutes.
Pete Dobbs, acting as a true scout, ran into camp yelling “Free
Food”. The neighbors at the
American Legion Park were throwing a Graduation Party for their Daughter and
asked if we would help thin out the food. Of
course we had to assist! Dave Hurst
of Westsylvania Magazine joined us this evening for the next days’ trek.
Day
5 (September 5th)
Wake up for Day 5 was 4 a.m. We
had miles to go and the beginning was crossing the Allegheny Front.
We were fortunate to have a cold front come through and drop the
temperatures into the 40’s the previous evening.
The skies were clear and the stars were brilliant.
We marched out towards the famous Horseshoe Curve and Crossed over the
rails at a “Right of Way” and worked our way towards Kittanning Point, named
in honor of the traders who crossed the mountains there.
The forest and scenery above Kittanning Point is breathtaking.
You can still see part of the original Kittanning Path. We found Indian sign on a stone just as we started to climb
the mountain. Nathan Kobuck
(Delaware Indian) and Mike Burke (Frenchman) of “Old Bedford Village” had
spent the previous night in the area in preparation to ambush our party. With rifles and muskets at the ready, we miraculously slipped
passed the ambush. Nathan and Mike
are very cunning and we considered the “Miss” a real victory for our
trekking abilities. The area we
were in was many miles from civilization and one could easily place himself in
the persona of a Longhunter, Indian, or Solider.
We re-supplied with water 2 miles further and
continued to our next camp at the “Cleared Fields” (Ashville, PA).
We camped near a small trout stream and prepared supper of venison and
roast corn. Our thanks go to John
Hanlon for allowing us to camp on his property.
The evening brought us a frost and all slid closer to the fire for the
night. Dave Hurst left the party to
return to civilization. Day
6 (September 6th)
Camp was struck at 7 a.m. and the main party headed off to our next camp
at “Harts Sleeping Place”, named for John Harts trading spot.
We stopped at Chest Springs for some photos with the local towns people
and proceeded 3 miles to Eckenrodes Mills.
At this spot a section of the original Kittanning Path has been
preserved. The efforts of the late
Henry Gooderham and the Cambria County Historical Society have saved this piece
of the trail for all to see. Knowing
that you are walking in the steps of Captain Jacob’s and Shingas, fierce
Delaware Chiefs, Lt. Col. Armstrong and his 307 men and the countless captives
taken to Kittanning leaves you with a sense of awe that is difficult to
describe. Not a word was spoken
until we came to the end of the path. We then crossed through potato and
cornfields until we came in sight of our camp area, located 50 yards from the
St. Joseph’s Mission Church. The
church was built in 1830 and blessed by Father Dimetreus Gallitzin, a former
Russian Prince.
We were greeted by a large group of local citizens that had been waiting
for us for a few hours. I swelled
with pride, as my hometown is only 3 miles away.
After filling up our canteens we immediately set camp and Pete Dobbs and
Nathan Kobuck entertained the crowd with a “Trade Scenario” and christened
my new pipe hawk. Following that,
the men demonstrated fire starting, char cloth making, musket drill, and lead
ball casting. Dave Huber supplied a
stew and firewood and some videotape was taken by Jack Bartock.
Both men were representing the Cambria County Historical Society.
My wife Deb, who had been supporting us since day one, shuttled the party
2 at a time to the homestead for a much-needed shower and foot repair session.
This camp was attended by the largest crowd since we started and would
hold the record until we reached Kittanning.
Finally at 3:45 a.m. when Bill and I finished the shower run, we returned
to camp to catch what sleep we could. Day
7 (September 7th)
We broke camp at 8 a.m. and sent the party towards “40 Mile Lick”
(Cookport, PA). One of the support
vehicles had mechanical problems and I asked my local garage to slip it in their
schedule. I had already walked this
area many times over so I didn’t feel bad about missing a few miles.
Bill Wood led the trekkers until we reached the crossing of the West
Branch of the Susquehanna near Emeigh, PA.
John Moore (aka. Susquehanna Jack) of the Harrisburg Patriot Newspaper
stopped us to take photos of our crossing.
The West Branch is but 15 feet wide at this location.
Hard to imagine it turns into the great river that flows into the
Chesapeake Bay.
The camp that evening was at the Cookport Fairgrounds, Cookport, PA.
We passed the real “40 Mile Lick” spot where Armstrong camped and
where Indians were known to stop and shave the heads of captives prior to going
to Kittanning. A film crew from the
Indiana University of Pennsylvania, lead by Bob Millward, filmed us for a
documentary he is preparing for educational purposes. This was a great opportunity for the men to do their first
person impressions. A sizeable
crowd came to visit and helped eat our dinner of venison and beefsteak,
potatoes, roast corn, and coffee. One
little girl of 12 stayed for over 2 hours asking questions about our time
period. It was worth the whole trip
just for that. Another crystal
clear night and a chill in the air. The
fire was tended all night.
Day
8 (September 8th)
Found us out of camp and on our way to Shavers Spring (Indiana, PA).
On the road a local woman slowed down to chat with us awhile.
She had stories and articles about the first settlers of the area.
We invited her to come see our camp in Indiana that evening.
Lead scouts Rich Hebrank and Bryan Nye stepped up the pace among the
threats of round balls and hawks if they continued to do so.
A flock of turkey and some deer were seen during the morning.
We reached our camp in the late afternoon and set up immediately.
Went to visit the site of Shavers Spring, which is now under the Student
Union Building of IUP. Again, a
strike against civilization. Not
many people showed up at the camp despite the advertising and being in the most
populated area of our whole trip. The
woman we met earlier brought her family to see us.
By then it was dark, and Pete Dobbs laid out some deer hides for the
family to sit on. The kids listened
attentively while Pete read them stories of the Pennsylvania Frontier by the
fire.
Day
9 (September 9th)
Was a long haul to Blanket Hill. Blanket
Hill was a site of a battle the same day Kittanning was attacked by Col.
Armstrong. The night before
Kittanning was attacked, one of Armstrong’s scouts found 3 Indians by a fire
right on the trail. Col. Armstrong
left Lt. Hogg and 12 men, with all of the extra equipment and blankets (hence
the name), behind to attack these Indians while he and the rest of the men
attacked Kittanning. In the
morning, Lt. Hogg started the attack only to find the 3 Indians numbered 25.
After an hours battle, Lt. Hogg received 2 wounds and a number of men
killed. The survivors fled leaving
Hogg to his chances. Hiding in a
bush, Lt. Hogg escaped detection. Trying
to reach Armstrong, Hogg met up with some of his men.
Being surprised once again by some Indians. Hogg was wounded a 3rd time in the stomach.
The men fled and Hogg later died of his wounds.
Our party of Trekkers, having reached the battle site, initiated a
private ceremony. Mike Slease
presented an unforgettable speech in honor of Lt. Hogg and the original
Kittanning Expedition. We each
raised a cup of coffee and said a toast in our own words.
Roger Kirwin was last and after he drank, poured the remaining coffee
onto the ground asking the fallen Lt. Hogg to share a drink with us.
Not one eye was dry after that. To
see 8 trek-hardened men go silent and hearing the crows in the distance will
always be etched in my memories. On
a lighter note, just before we continued onto Kittanning, Mike and Rich
ceremoniously buried a pair of shoes worn out by Rich.
With laughter we continued to Kittanning.
Some of the men who left us during the trek, returned to march with us
into the Indian Village Site at the Armstrong County Hunting and Fishing Club.
It was a happy reunion with Al Fine, Tom Lisak, and Will Lisak.
Also joining us was Rich Schall who organized the Long rifle Gun Show on
site. We were greeted by a war
Halloo by the Indians and a musket salute by some of the 3rd Bat.
Augusta Regiment, PA Provincials. A
roar from the crowd and the photo session began.
I for one was as proud as can be. These
fellows traveled over 126 miles in period clothing and equipment without major
difficulty, helped educate the public about the French and Indian War, and got
along like we were all family.
Greg Rearick and John Kocon constructed the Indian Village.
Greg works for the State and is an Indian reenactor, and John is a
photographer as well as a plant specialist.
The reenactors totaled about 45 for the battle reenactment the next day.
Supper for the evening was pot luck and roast corn.
Deb and my daughter Leslie surprised us with the makings for “smores”
and everyone had a grand time around the fire.
The word was put out that a sneak attack on the Indians at day break was
planned, just as Col. Armstrong did. All
were roused at the 5 a.m. in preparation for the attack.
The force moved quietly through the cornfield and on the flanks of the
village. Already primed and loaded,
we waited in the pale moonlight for Col. Armstrong’s command.
As daylight broke on the horizon, the calling “Battalion make ready”
echoed across the battlefield. Soon
the command “Fire” came. Flashes
of pans and charges exploded all around the Indian village. Chaos erupted within the village. We had caught them totally by surprise. I noticed goosebumps on my arms and I tried to imagine if
this was what it was like during the original battle even though I knew I was
safe from harm.
After our private battle we returned to camp for breakfast and to await the public. During the morning we answered questions people had about the Kittanning raid and life during the 18th century. At 2 p.m. we held the battle reenactment for the visitors. We focused on the burning of Captain Jacob’s cabin. The smoke and explosive effects provided by Andy Wanto were spectacular and the highlight of the battle. After more questions from our visitors, we all packed up and got ready to return home.
Many hugs and handshakes were exchanged between the trekking party.
I have met many people in my travels and have made many friends.
This group that trekked the Kittanning Expedition are the finest people I
have ever met. To hand pick a group like this would be extremely difficult
and a challenge for anyone. Many
sincere thanks to the trekkers, their families, all of the people who helped
along the way, and especially to my wife Deb, and daughters Jessie and Leslie
for helping my dream come true.
Our trek would not fit in to the scenarios described by John Curry or
Mark Baker in their wonderful articles. The
grand plans to completely melt into an 18th century mindset with
locations far from modern man could not be realized the full 126 miles.
Being a relative newcomer to our hobby, I was concerned that the veteran
trekkers along would think that the Kittanning trek would fall short of my
perceived notions of what they expected. My
worries were for nothing, as I would discover later in the march. The joy of
having visitors to the camps and talking to the people about the 18th
century more than made up for the atmosphere of a true period trek scenario.
Those treks are still in my mind but I would not trade any of them for
our experiences on the march to Kittanning.
To John Curry and Mark Baker, who’s stories I have thoroughly enjoyed
and helped inspire me, to Chuck Casada, Tim Shaw, and all the other 18th
century people who helped me with my numerous questions, I thank you with all my
heart. May we meet on the trail
someday soon.
The Speech given to the 2000 Expedition by the Spangler VFW Lt. Col. Armstrong, men of the KITTANNING EXPEDITION 2000. The local Veterans of this area welcome you as Brother Veterans. As Provincial Troops, you are protecting your homelands and loved ones. We support you as you carry out your endeavor. We thank you for the important role you will play in helping create this new country. Twenty years after your actions at Kittanning, an important document will be signed at Philadelphia. This document will declare to the world that the thirteen colonies are to be an independent country. Your actions, and the contribution you have made, will insure the safety of Western Pennsylvanians. In the years following the Kittanning campaign, the colonies will obtain their independence from England. There will be new lands opened to settlers and these lands will become states. In all, there will be 50 states. Your fellow countrymen will be involved in wars fought here and in foreign lands. Citizens of this nation, which will become known as the United States of America, will enjoy freedoms such as no citizen in the history of the world has ever known. As brother veterans who have bled for this land, we present to you, and your men, Lt. Col. Armstrong, the flag which we have fought for and carried on the traditions set forth by you and the men of the original Kittanning Expedition.
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