History & local legend
Herr’s Island in Pittsburgh, now called Washington’s Landing, has a tradition of George Washington appearing at its eastern end, sometimes on horseback. The story draws on his dangerous Allegheny River crossing in December 1753.
Washington and Christopher Gist built a raft to cross the ice-choked river. When the current drove the raft against his pole, Washington was thrown into about ten feet of water. He grabbed a log, and the two men reached an island, where they spent a freezing night. By morning, ice allowed them to walk to shore.
Local historians identify that refuge as Wainwright’s Island. The ghost story, however, places Washington’s returning figure on Herr’s Island, the riverfront neighborhood that later adopted his name.
Sources
- Pennsylvania Tourism Office, eastern end of Washington’s Landing
- The Shadowlands, Pittsburgh, Washington’s Landing, horseback tradition
- George Washington’s own account, expeditions to disputed Ohio territory, Bill of Rights Institute
- Patricia Lowry, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 2013, identifies Wainwright’s Island
- City of Pittsburgh, Washington’s Landing Park, 1000 Waterfront Drive
