Today in Wheeling History: June 9--The Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage docked overnight in Wheeling near the Wharf Parking Garage, where Wheeling’s vice-mayor William Muegge presented scrolls signed by residents to the wagon master, and locals enthusiastically welcomed the wagons and participants during their journey from the West Coast to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania (1976).
In 1976, the Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage celebrated America's 200th birthday with a unique cross-country journey. Organized by the Bicentennial Commission of Pennsylvania, the pilgrimage included a wagon from each state, retracing in reverse the routes of early westward pioneers. The wagon trains departed from the West Coast in June 1975, traveling historic trails before converging at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, on July 4, 1976, for a festive encampment.
Along the way, the pilgrimage passed through Wheeling, West Virginia, a key city in the westward expansion due to its location on the Ohio River and National Road. The wagons arrived in Wheeling on barges via the Ohio River and docked overnight on June 9, 1976 near the Wharf Parking Garage (now known as Heritage Port). Local officials, including the vice-mayor of Wheeling, William Muegge, greeted the wagon master and presented scrolls signed by Wheeling residents. The wagons were a fascinating sight for locals, and many came down to see them up close and learn about the journey. Shirley Peterson, who traveled with her family all the way from Alaska to represent their state, remarked on the enthusiasm, patriotism, and warm welcome they received from even the smallest towns along the route. After the overnight stop, the wagons departed Wheeling on June 10th to continue their trek towards Valley Forge.
Throughout the pilgrimage, Americans of all ages were invited to reaffirm their commitment to the nation's founding principles by signing "Rededication Scrolls" that accompanied the wagons to Valley Forge. The Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage left a lasting impression on the thousands of people who participated in or witnessed this historic journey, including the residents of Wheeling.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/bdz7hcw6) (https://tinyurl.com/yn76k3wc) (https://tinyurl.com/4e7upwpk) (https://tinyurl.com/yzwdnbp3) (https://tinyurl.com/2xdxsw9u) (https://tinyurl.com/nhamnb6d)
Photo credits: Weelunk, Wheeling Intelligencer, Wheeling News-Register, Bicentennial Wagon train Pilgrimage to Pennsylvania 1975-1976 Official Souvenir Program
In 1976, the Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage celebrated America's 200th birthday with a unique cross-country journey. Organized by the Bicentennial Commission of Pennsylvania, the pilgrimage included a wagon from each state, retracing in reverse the routes of early westward pioneers. The wagon trains departed from the West Coast in June 1975, traveling historic trails before converging at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, on July 4, 1976, for a festive encampment.
Along the way, the pilgrimage passed through Wheeling, West Virginia, a key city in the westward expansion due to its location on the Ohio River and National Road. The wagons arrived in Wheeling on barges via the Ohio River and docked overnight on June 9, 1976 near the Wharf Parking Garage (now known as Heritage Port). Local officials, including the vice-mayor of Wheeling, William Muegge, greeted the wagon master and presented scrolls signed by Wheeling residents. The wagons were a fascinating sight for locals, and many came down to see them up close and learn about the journey. Shirley Peterson, who traveled with her family all the way from Alaska to represent their state, remarked on the enthusiasm, patriotism, and warm welcome they received from even the smallest towns along the route. After the overnight stop, the wagons departed Wheeling on June 10th to continue their trek towards Valley Forge.
Throughout the pilgrimage, Americans of all ages were invited to reaffirm their commitment to the nation's founding principles by signing "Rededication Scrolls" that accompanied the wagons to Valley Forge. The Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage left a lasting impression on the thousands of people who participated in or witnessed this historic journey, including the residents of Wheeling.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/bdz7hcw6) (https://tinyurl.com/yn76k3wc) (https://tinyurl.com/4e7upwpk) (https://tinyurl.com/yzwdnbp3) (https://tinyurl.com/2xdxsw9u) (https://tinyurl.com/nhamnb6d)
Photo credits: Weelunk, Wheeling Intelligencer, Wheeling News-Register, Bicentennial Wagon train Pilgrimage to Pennsylvania 1975-1976 Official Souvenir Program
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