RAISE A GLASS TO REBELLION HISTORY, SPIRITS AND LIVE MUSIC TAKE OVER DOWNTOWN WASHINGTON
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RAISE A GLASS TO REBELLION HISTORY, SPIRITS AND LIVE MUSIC TAKE OVER DOWNTOWN WASHINGTON
Washington County’ s rebellious past comes to life this summer during the Whiskey Rebellion Festival, returning to downtown Washington on Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12. This annual celebration invites both visitors and locals alike to embrace the spirit of resistance as they explore the county’ s unique place in early American history and lasting legacy in whiskeymaking.
The festival commemorates the Whiskey Rebellion of 1791-1794, in which Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton proposed an excise tax on whiskey produced in the United States to pay off debt from the Revolutionary War and to create a source of revenue for the newly independent nation. Farmers, particularly in Western Pennsylvania, believed this tax to be wrongly targeting those who relied on sales of liquor, which was easier to ship and more profitable than the rye, corn and wheat they farmed.
With many farmers’ livelihoods at stake, they revolted against this nationwide tax in the form of the nation’ s very first rebellion against the government. With the rebellion growing by the thousands and spreading to other states, President George Washington himself led 13,000 federal troops – more than he had ever commanded during the Revolutionary War- across western Pennsylvania into Washington County at the urging of the still fledgling government.
By the time the force reached the Monongahela River, however, the rebellion largely collapsed and most of the rebels fled. One such fleeing rebel was David Bradford, an attorney and prominent leader of the rebellion.
Though he was later pardoned for his involvement, his now-restored 18th century residence now stands as the Bradford House Museum and the focal point of the Whiskey Rebellion Festival. During the festival, visitors can tour the home as it was when Bradford lived there, explore period artifacts and learn more about life in the 1700s.
While rooted in history, the Whiskey Rebellion Festival is also a celebration of heritage, community, and, of course— craft spirits. The festivities kick off Friday evening with the Whiskey & Spirits Walk, where guests 21 and older can stroll through downtown Washington sampling handcrafted cocktails and signature pours from distilleries such as Bones Distillery, Red Pump Spirits, Heist Spirits and more.
Saturday and Sunday’ s festivities include various historical reenactments in the form of street theatre, period exhibits and demonstrations, food & drink vendors, kids’ activities and plenty of libations.
In addition to all the family fun, the festival boasts a full lineup of live entertainment over the course of Friday and Saturday. The Washington Symphony Orchestra open things up Friday night alongside popular food trucks and the opening of the Blue Eagle Tavern. On Saturday, music lovers can enjoy sets from acts including the MVAA Fife & Drum Band, Dan Baker, Wolf Tones, Knob Road, and Amanda Fish, before the evening closes with a high-energy performance by Pittsburgh soul-rock powerhouse The Commonheart.
The 2025 Whiskey Rebellion Festival is July 11-12 in downtown Washington. Visit GoWashCo. com for more information.