George Washington visited the town of Waterford on official business of the Governor of Virgina in December 1753. His mission was to tell the French residents of the area and the French soldiers at Fort Leboeuf that they were trespassing on lands claimed by England. His visit was ignored by the French who remained on the land and in the fort for another six years.

George Washington's Waterford trip was his first official mission. The statue in this park is unique in that it is the only statue of George Washington in Pennsylvania that depicts him in his British uniform.