The President of the United States, the Secretary of War, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the governors of four states were deadly serious: the Constitution itself was at stake! They mobilized an army almost as large as ever took the field in the Revolutionary War against the farmers of western Maryland and Pennsylvania.
They fielded thirteen thousand grenadiers, dragoons, foot soldiers, a train of artillery with six-pounders, mortars, and much more. They were determine to spare no effort in putting down the so-0called “Whiskey Rebellion”.
And despite all this, the much-vaunted forces became known as the “Watermelon Army”.
The army had insufficient provisions which led them to scavenge from local farms. A local newspaper derided them as “Water-melon Army” because of their thieving of ripe produce, and as well an uncomplimentary estimate of their military capabilities.
Support the Whiskey Rebels at the 2019 George Washington Whiskey Rebellion Fest, brought to you by the Community Trust Fund. We will feature more than a dozen distillers of whiskey and other spirits, and craft beer tastings.
Guests at the Fest will also enjoy continuous servings of canapes by Good Carma catering, an open beer and wine bar, the opportunity to mingle with a nationally-renown George Washington ‘living biographer’ and other reenactors including George’s wife. Tickets also include the opportunity to play Colonial games, win one or more unique luxury items in the silent auction, photos with President Washington, and a goody bag to take home. Sober rides are available.
This is the major annual fundraiser for Allegany Museum. All proceeds help to keep our lights on and our doors open!
Advance purchase tickets are only $50 – $75 at the door.
Tickets are available at the Book Center, Centre St Cumberland, Main Street Books in Frostburg, through the Whiskey Rebellion Cumberland Facebook page, or whiskeyrebellioncumberland.com
