George Washington's first major military battle took him to southwestern Pennsylvania and a land called the Great Meadow. Losing 30 men and the first battle of the French and Indian War, the struggle between France and Great Britain to control North America would continue for seven more years. Washington agreed to surrender and in return, he and his forces would leave the battlefield with honors. Set among the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, Washington would returned 15 years later to buy 235 acres, calling the tract Mount Washington.
   Dying of a throat infection and excessive bloodletting, Washington never realized his dream of a National Road or the Great Meadow land he purchase near Fort Necessity.
   Authorized by Congress in 1806, the National Road connected the western frontier with the east. Started in 1811, the National Road passed by Washington's Great Meadow on the way to Cumberland, Maryland. It was customary for stage coach lines to stop at taverns along their journey, providing customers with a hot meal and sleeping rooms. Men and women slept in separate rooms, usually fully clothed. Stables provided fresh horses and the day's journey often started before dawn. Built by Nathaniel Ewing of Uniontown, the Mount Washington Tavern was one of the finest establishments along the National Road. Built around 1830, the tavern was sold to James Sampey in 1840. Sampey died, leaving eight children and his wife to run the tavern. The Sampeys continued to conduct a brisk business in the 11 room, two story brick Tavern. Rebecca Sampey earned plenty of praise from the Good Intent Stage Line passengers.

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