Waterford, Pennsylvania

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Waterford, in Erie County, in the northwest corner of the state, played a significant part in the history of our country. It was here, to Fort Le Boeuf that young George Washington came in 1753, to tell the French that this was British territory and that they must leave. When they didn’t, this was the spark that kindled the French and Indian War.

After the French were forced to leave, the British built a fort, which was subsequently burned by the Indians during Pontiac’s Rebellion, and after the Revolutionary War, an American fort was built to protect incoming settlers from possible Indian attacks.

The forts are gone now, but vestiges of our rich historical past remain.

The Eagle Hotel, a handsome stone building was built in 1826. It has been operated as a restaurant nearly continuously, and now houses the Sugar ‘n Spice, an Amish style restaurant, as well as museum rooms on the second and third floors.

Across from the Eagle is the Judson House, built sometime after 1800. This stately home is furnished in the style of the period, and is open for tours. Part of the second floor houses our library and extensive geneology collection, as well as a model of the original Fort Le Boeuf, as described in the journal of George Washington.

Next to the Judson House is the Fort Le Boeuf Museum, administered by Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Built on the site of the original French fort, this modern building includes numerous exhibits on the Indians who lived here, the French and British fur trade, and archeological excavations of the site, conducted by Edinboro University.

Just south of the Eagle Hotel is the only known statue of George Washington in a British uniform. This statue, dedicated in 1921, depicts the 21 year old Washington giving the message to the French commandant, ordering them to leave the area.

About a mile and a half from town, Brotherton’s Bridge, one of the three remaining covered bridges in Erie County crosses Le Boeuf Creek

The Waterford Cemetery, contains the graves and markers of many of the prominent figures in our local history, including those of more that twenty Revolutionary War soldiers.

These are just a few of the highlights our small town has to offer the history buff. Come visit us, won’t you!