According to the official website of George Washington’s estate, Mount Vernon, our first president had “an enlightened, modern attitude toward the consumption of alcohol” and particularly enjoyed port and Madeira wines, along with a drop or two of rum punch, porter and whiskey.
So it was entirely fitting that Fort Ligonier hosted a Feb. 21 History Happy Hour celebrating the father of his country on the eve of the 288th anniversary of his birth.
Washington, of course, spent time in the vicinity of the fort. The infamous “friendly fire incident” in which he was reported to have run between two groups of Virginian troops to keep them from firing on each other took place just a musket shot away in 1758 during the French and Indian War.
His presence is chronicled in the fort’s Washington Gallery, where reside artifacts including handwritten documents and the saddle pistols gifted to Washington by the renowned Marquis de Lafayette.
Matt Gault, assistant director of education, portrayed Washington for the festivities.
Henry Scully, recently appointed the fort’s executive director after serving in an interim capacity, was on hand to mingle with guests.
There to raise a toast and have a piece of cake: Linda Boxx, Steve and Helen Patricia, Dr. Bill Choby, Joe and Sue Soltis, Rich Lopretto and Phyllis Bertok, Jim and Jo Rossi, Don and Kim Kramer, Amy Salay, Terri Hayden, Josh and Leah Freeman and Ligonier Mayor Butch and Candy Bellas.
