Friendship Hill National Historic Site

08/12/2026

On this day...

August 12, 1849, Abraham Alfonse Albert de Gallatin dies in Astoria, New York at the age of 88. Gallatin is remembered as the fourth Secretary of the Treasury, finding the funding for the Louisiana Purchase, the Lewis and Clark expedition, and the National Road. He helped lower the national debt and served in local, state, national and international positions.

During the first meeting of the New York Historical Society following Gallatin’s death, the president of that organization, Luther Bradish says of Gallatin:

“The name of Mr. Gallatin is emphatically a name of history. Few men have lived in any age whose biographies have been so intimately connected with the history of the country. Living in one of the most interesting periods of the world, a period of great events, of the discussion of great principles and the settlement of great interests, almost the whole of his long and active life was passed in public service amidst the events and in those discussions...He has well been called, “Citizen of the World.”

Gallatin is buried at Trinity Church yard in lower town Manhattan next Hannah, his beloved wife of almost 56 years on August 15th. He and Hannah are in the Nicholson family plot. Friendship Hill National Historic Site preserves the home built by Gallatin to share his legacy. Visit www.nps.gov/frhi for more information.



Photos credits: https://www.archives.gov/nhprc/projects/catalog/albert-gallatin

07/17/2026

Unhealthy air quality levels are expected today at Friendship Hill National Historic Site and the surrounding areas due to smoke from wildfires in Canada. At this time, members of sensitive groups may experience health effects; the general public is less likely to be affected.

Track the air quality and find out what actions you can take to protect your health by visiting: www.airnow.gov

Image: View from the Pinnacles area near Shenandoah National Park. –NPS

07/01/2026

⚠️ Visitors, please be aware that a black bear with three cubs has been spotted in the park. This is an exciting sight, but also a reminder to use extra caution while enjoying the trails. Black bears have an acute sense of smell, but relatively poor vision.

Please remember:
• Give bears plenty of space. Never approach a bear or cubs.
• Keep pets leashed and close to you at all times.
• Stay alert, make noise while hiking, and avoid surprising wildlife.
• If you see the bear family, slowly back away and leave the area.
• If a bear sees you, back away slowly. Never run; running may trigger a chase response.
• If a bear approaches, hold your ground, wave your arms and yell “Hey Bear” until it leaves.

JULY AT A GLANCE:
By July, cubs born this year have grown to the size of a raccoon or a small dog with big ears. Yearling bears now on their own can be the size of medium dogs. Bears of both sexes mark trees and adult bears mate. Cubs smell their mother's breath to learn what's good to eat. Bears' great memories help them return to proven food sources.

How to Tell the Difference Between a Cub and a Yearling:

Yearling bears are about 18 months old in July and out on their own for the first time. Sometimes people mistake these young bears for abandoned cubs and think they need help. In July, cubs of the year are about the size of a raccoon or a small dog; yearlings are usually quite a bit bigger, closer to medium-sized dogs.

Thank you for helping us keep both wildlife and visitors safe!

06/29/2026

Please DO NOT touch, pick up, or feed the deer at Friendship Hill National Historic Site.

Handling or feeding deer human food can cause serious harm. One of the greatest risks is rumen acidosis, a potentially fatal digestive condition that can lead to rapid and sporadic deaths among wild ruminants such as deer, elk, and moose.

Feeding deer is also a federal violation under 36 CFR 2.2(a)(2). A person convicted of violating this regulation may be fined, imprisoned for up to six months, or both, and may also be required to pay all court costs associated with the proceedings.

If you witness someone feeding or handling deer, please helPennsylvania Game Commissioneporting the activity to park staff at 724-329-2501 or to the PennsNational Park Serviceon at 1-833-PGC-WILD.

The best thing you can do for all wildlife while visiting any National Park Service site is to observe them from a safe distance and leave them undisturbed. Let's keep wildlife wild by respecting these guidelines.

Thank you for helping us protect Friendship Hill's wildlife and preserve a safe, healthy environment for future generations to enjoy.

06/29/2026

ATTENTION VISITORS

On June 29, 2026, we are continuing the process of habitat restoration at Friendship Hill National Historic Site. Our meadows will be getting the second treatment in this process. Please look for these signs to identify the three meadows being sprayed. You may notice changes to familiar fields while visiting this park.

The recommendation is to avoid walking directly through the meadows for four hours after the treatment. There are buffer zones along the road and trails where herbicide will not be applied, so those are fine to walk.

The National Park Service is rebuilding and improving native grasslands across parks in the eastern United States in
partnership with the Southeastern Grasslands Institute.

Thank you for your patience as we care for these landscapes and support the species that depend on them. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to stop at the Visitor Center when the house is open, or call the Fort Necessity National Battlefield any day at 724-329-5805.

06/15/2026

The Gallatin House is now open seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm (grounds and trails are open sunrise to sunset). And summer programs have returned to Fort Necessity National Battlefield!

Summer programs have officially started! From now until August, we will have daily Fort Walks at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 2:30 pm. Then we will do a Soldier's Life with historic weapons demonstrations at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm! (As staffing and weather permit)

We have some special events coming up soon too, including our Juneteenth Encampment (June 19th & 20th) and our Anniversary Encampment (July 3rd, 4th, and 5th)!

The Visitor Center is open daily 9 am to 5 pm, with the battlfield and trails open sunrise to sunset. Hope to see you soon!

06/11/2026

⚠️ Visitor Advisory ⚠️

Due to severe weather and damaging winds that moved through the area at approximately 4:00pm, several trees have fallen within Friendship Hill National Historic Site and on Route 166 at the park entrance.

Visitors are advised to use caution when traveling to and from the park, as well as when walking on park trails. Downed trees, hanging limbs, debris, and other storm-related hazards may be present throughout the area.

Park staff are actively working alongside the Point Marion Volunteer Fire Department to assess conditions and safely clear fallen trees and other storm-related damage. Temporary closures or restricted access may be necessary as cleanup efforts continue.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to restore safe access to the park.

For the latest information on park conditions, safety alerts, and any closures, please visit nps.gov/frhi

❗️UPDATE: 6/11/26 4:50pm ❗️

Vehicle access to the park via Route 166 has been restored.

Park staff, working alongside the Point Marion Volunteer Fire Department, have cleared major storm-related obstructions from the roadway and entrance area.

Visitors should continue to use caution when traveling through the park and on park trails, as debris and other storm-related hazards may still be present. Cleanup efforts will continue tomorrow morning.

For the latest information on park conditions, safety alerts, and any closures, please visit nps.gov/frhi

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

05/28/2026

On this day...

The Marquis de Lafayette stayed overnight on May 27th at Friendship Hill following a large reception in nearby Uniontown, PA. Both the Gallatin's and the Marquis hoped for a quiet evening of conversation. Unfortunately, this did not occur as a large crowd was at Gallatin's residence with the hopes of seeing the famous revolutionary. The Gallatins being hospitable, opened their doors to their unexpected guests. The General will leave today May 28th and return to Uniontown.

05/27/2026

On this day...

May 27th, 1786, Gallatin having received his inheritance in January at the age of 25 will purchase land in southwestern Pennsylvania. Deeply involved in land speculation and surveying Gallatin will purchase 370 and ¾ acres in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. This landscape with its gently rolling hills and fertile soil reminded him of his native Geneva.