Student Resource
What Was It Like Traveling with Washington?
George Washington did not make a list of what he took with him on his trip to the French forts in 1753. However, by reading his journal and the journal of Christopher Gist historians can get a hint of what they might have taken.
Transportation
Washington and Gist rode horses or traveled in canoes most of the trip. For three day Washington walked, so that his horse could be used to carry supplies. When that was going too slowly Washington and Gist set out ahead. They walking with packs on their back for 5 days, between December 26th and December 30th.
Throughout the trip packhorses or canoes carried the heavy supplies (which they called baggage).
Shelter
Washington brought a big tent with him. It was probably big enough to stand up in. He probably also brought a small folding chair and table. Most of the time he would have slept in the tent. However, when he was at the French fort he may have stayed in one of the rooms in the fort.
When Washington and Gist went ahead with only backpacks they would not have had a tent. They would have to find or build shelter each night
Several nights the travelers spent at trader’s cabins.
Food
The travelers would have brought some food such as dried meat and hard bread. They got food from the Indians and the French. They also hunted for food.
They would have had a variety of cooking pots and serving plates and cups.
Clothing
Washington probably had some very nice clothes to wear when he was making his formal presentation at Fort LeBoeuf. Washington also wrote that he put on "Indian Walking clothes." This was probably a pair of moccasins, leggings and a heavy blanket jacket, called a matchcoat.
Indian Presents
Washington wrote he gave out presents of tobacco and clothing to the Lenape and Seneca. He also presented wampum at a meeting with the Lenape. He probably had other Indian gift with him too.
Compass
A compass was necessary for finding their way.
Flint and Steel
They would have brought flint and steel for starting a fire.
Guns
The traveler would have had guns, gunpowder, and musket balls. The guns were for protection and for hunting.
Writing supplies
Both Washington and Gist kept journals of their trip. They wrote as they traveled and would have had writing supplies.