Washington County, erected out of Westmoreland on March 28, 1781, eight years before George Washington became President of the United States of America, was the first Pennsylvania county formed after the Declaration of Indepence and the only one organized during the Revolutionary War. At the time of its formation the struggle for independence already showed signs of ending in victory. George Washington, as commander-in-chief of the Revolutionary forces, was at the height of his military fame. He was recognized as the leader and the founder of the young republic, and was without a doubt the most popular man in America. For nearly thirty years, ever since he had set out on his memorable journey over the rough trails and through the vast wilderness of Pennsylvania in the autumn of 1753, George Washington, as explorer, Indian-fighter, and general, had linked his name forever with the history of Pennsylvania. It was on the soil of Pennsylvania that he had served his aprenticeship as a soldier in the French and Indian War. It was also this state, as commander-in-chief of the Revolutionary army, he had conducted a courageious campaign against disheartening odds. The choice of names for the new Pennsylvania county was the most appropriate that could then have been made.