History of Laurel Highlands Pennsylvania's Jumonville Cross

The Laurel highlands, also known as the Ohio Valley, in Western Pennsylvania has a hidden treasure that many local residents admire and attracts visitors from anywhere. Jumonville draws attention mainly for it's cross located on the top of Dunbar Knob. The cross can be seen for 14 miles around. The cross stands sixty feet high. Jumonville not only has the attraction of the cross, but also has numerous walking trails throughout the area.

Some lead you to beautiful lakes and ponds, while others lead through the wooded areas. Jumonville also has a bit of history to it, being a place of one of General Braddock's camps and was named after a Frenchman who was assassinated. In the summer Jumonville is the host to several summer camps, and offers jobs for those who want to teach young children and help them have a wonderful summer.

While entering into Jumonville one will see four different flags, the French flag, American flag, Christian flag, and the British flag to represent the four areas of history that surround the area. In May of 1754, George Washington, who was joined with the Indians, led an attack on the French camped at Jumonville. Remember the French and English were not at war, there seemed to be no reason for the attack, but the Indian Chief "The Half King" urged the attack. The skirmish at Jumonville has been the source of controversy mainly because of the assignation of Ensign Coulon de Jumonvile. Washington signed a document admitting to the assignation. The French then said Washington assassinated Jumonville who was on a diplomatic mission.

The British flag is to represent Washington being at Braddock's side as he was wounded and the area being the possible location for Braddock's camp. The American flag represents the efforts during the civil war. As for the Christian flag it represents that the land was donated by a United Methodist lay minister: Harry Whyel. Jumonville is also host to summer camps, and is open to children of all faiths. They have basketball courts, swimming pool, baseball court and more so children have a wide range of activities during the summer months.