A view of the Albert Gallatin House from the south lawn. 

NPS Photo

Over Labor Day weekend, visitors to Friendship Hill National Historic Site can hear the shots of cannons and muskets and learn about the Whiskey Rebellion, the first major tax protest faced by the fledgling United States government, which took place 1791-1794.

On Saturday and Sunday, September 3 and 4, the park will host an encampment located next to the Gallatin mansion. Volunteers, staff and living historians will set up camps and portray both the frontier “whiskey rebels” and the so called “watermelon army,” the federalized militia army which eventually quelled the insurrection. The camps will be open to the public each day from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Formal programs will be offered on both days:

• At 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. house tours of the Gallatin mansion will be offered by park rangers.

• At 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. there will be weapons firing demonstrations featuring both muskets and artillery by park staff and volunteers.

The programs will take place rain or shine. Visitors are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather. Admission to the park is free, as are the programs. For more information on this and other programs at Friendship Hill, please call 724-329-2501 or visit the park’s web site at www.nps.gov/frhi.

About Friendship Hill National Historic Site: Albert Gallatin is best remembered for his thirteen-year tenure as Secretary of the Treasury during the Jefferson and Madison administrations. In that time, he reduced the national debt, purchased the Louisiana Territory and funded the Lewis & Clark exploration. Gallatin's accomplishments and contributions are highlighted at Friendship Hill, his restored country estate. For additional park information call 724-329-2501 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/frhi.