I just read an article called A History Of The Howardsville Turnpike in the Crozet (VA) Gazette. The Howardsville Turnpike was a privately built road that connected the Shenandoah Valley over the Blue Ridge mountains to Howardsville, a stop on the James River. It was a toll-road built in the mid-1800s known for its fine construction yet "During severe weather, only a few miles a day could be made in the heavy wagons, sometimes taking up to two weeks to complete the trip. The road was narrow and during rainy periods, filled with muddy ruts that took off many a wagon wheel. Also, people had to be on the lookout for robbers who frequented the highways." and "Whiskey was a likely cargo, since Augusta County produced 90,000 gallons of spirits in 56 distilleries, according to an 1840 census report." (I suspect that figure is understated). I realize this is Virginia, not Pennsylvania, but their history was closely linked for some time. As stated, Whiskey was a way of concentrating corn into a smaller cargo that lasted longer.

Nothing else to talk about with Washington... hmmmm... 6'2" in a 5'4" mans world? Red Head? Bullet Proof?... he was a crazy character in history that gets overlooked for WHY he was so intimidating. As for the Whisky Rebellion, GREAT VIDEO!