Eighth Grade

Early American History

Whiskey Rebellion Field Trip 

Background

In January 1791, President George Washington's Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, proposed a seemingly harmless tax “upon spirits distilled within the United States, and for appropriating the same." What Congress failed to predict was the passionate rejection of this tax by Americans living on the frontier of Western Pennsylvania. By 1794, the Whiskey Rebellion threatened the stability of the growing United States and forced President Washington to personally lead the United States militia westward to stop the rebels. This moment showcased the strength of newly formed Federal government and proved that the U.S. government was willing and able to suppress violent opposition with military force. The events during this rebellion also played a significant role in the development of political parties.

The Goals of Our Trip

Because many of these events took place in and around Chartiers Valley, it is necessary and responsible for us to visit some of these wonderful resources to gain historical perspective and appreciate our local, state, and national history. At the end of May, our 8th grade class will visit a prominent site involved in the Whiskey Rebellion: Woodville Plantation (right at the corner of Thoms Run). Students will tour historically significant structures and participate in various stations aimed at helping students understand, through experiential learning, about the daily lives of early Americans. Topics of interest include: 

• African American Folktales

• Seeing a working forgery 

• Textiles and fashion

• Native American cultural traditions

• Roles of men, women, and children

• Cooking and leisure

• Tools and weaponry 

• Specific events during the Whiskey Rebellion