Jumonville cross still a beacon for retreat center

In the trees on Dunbar's Knob is the cross at Jumonville, a massive, steel symbol of faith visited each year by thousands.

"People come from all over the world to see the cross," said Jaye Beatty, administrative assistant for the Jumonville Christian Camp and Retreat Center. "Even in harsh weather when the road is closed that leads up to it, people will park and walk to the cross."

Peter Morgan and John Case, of Cumberland, Md., walked up the access road.

"We work in Uniontown three days a week and we passed the turn-off for Jumonville for years," Case said. "We said last fall that we would make an effort to come here, and after we did, we've been back three times."

"The cross is breathtaking, but the history of the area is also impressive," Morgan said. "We learn something new every time we stop."

Sitting as a beacon gleaming in the sky, the 60-foot cross was erected in 1950. A vision of the Rev. Will Hogg, the cross was funded by a committee that generated $9,000 for the project.

Erected to withstand winds of up to 100 mph, the arms of the cross, which are welded into place, reach out 33 feet.

The cross is only one facet of Jumonville, however.

The 280-acre facility is open year-round and is the setting for retreats, conferences and weekend programs.

"There is someone here every weekend," Beatty said.

Although the facilities and cross were constructed by members of the Methodist church, all are welcome at Jumonville.

"Approximately half (the visitors) are Methodists and the other half is made up of other denominations," Beatty said. "We welcome everyone here, and about 80 percent of our retreat groups are return visitors."

An outdoor area provides adults and youth the opportunity to take in the wonders of Mother Nature as they work on faith and faith-building exercises. A newly constructed adventure center features two rooms of climbing walls, with a degree of difficulty ranging from beginner to expert.

"Groups that come here to the adventure center can work on team building, problem-solving and cooperation," Beatty said. "They can focus on these skills and others."

The warmer months draw youth from across the country to summer camp opportunities, complete with sports, adventure, creative and sampler camps.

Steeped in history

Jumonville is also an area rich in history, once being the site of an orphanage and the famous skirmish at Jumonville Glen.

In 1754, when the country was still in its infancy and divided into areas claimed by Spain, France and Great Britain, George Washington, a young major, accompanied by an army of only 40, joined Seneca Chief Tanacharison to attack a small French force camped at Jumonville Glen.

Although England and France were not at war at that time, Tanacharison urged Washington to attack the French troops led by Ensign Coulan de Jumonville, claiming the French had planned an ambush on Washington's troops.

Taken by surprise, the French surrendered after a 15-minute skirmish.

Jumonville, along with nine of his men, were killed in the battle. More than 20 were captured.

However, one French soldier escaped and fled to Fort Duquesne, reporting the skirmish and the slaying of Jumonville and his men.

In retaliation of the fighting at Jumonville Glen, French forces led by Jumonville's half-brother attacked and defeated Washington and his troops, who were stationed at Fort Necessity.

"George Washington was here when he was only 21," Beatty said, "and they attacked the French at Jumonville Glen by surprise when they were at breakfast."

Washington and his troops were permitted to return to Virginia, but only after signing a surrender document.

"Unfortunately, the surrender document was written in French and Washington did not read French," Beatty said. "He did not realize that we was admitting to the murder of Jumonville."

Still a controversy to this day, the skirmish at Jumonville Glen is a subject that keeps historians in heated debates.

The French claim that Jumonville's troops were on a diplomatic mission, stressing Washington's "admission to murder." However, the English question why, if they were only on a diplomatic mission, were the French troops hiding in the glen at Jumonville, suggesting instead a military mission.

"It is referred to by many as the "spark that sets off the war," Beatty said.

The following year, in spring 1755, Maj. Gen. Edward Braddock, bringing with him more than 2,000 British soldiers, marched through the area erecting a road as they passed, with their final destination being Fort Duquesne. The troops were stopped only a few short miles of their objective, running directly into a fierce and strong French front.

Braddock was mortally wounded and was brought back to the Jumonville area to the camp of Col. Thomas Dunbar.

Before Braddock perished from his wounds, he ordered the destruction of tons of supplies and wagons.

Washington held a brief funeral service the following day at a site near Orchard Camp, and buried Braddock in the middle of the road to prevent the Indians from locating his body.

"This area is extremely rich in history," Beatty said.

Site of orphanage

More than a century later, in 1875, the Uniontown Soldier's Orphan School was transferred from the old Madison College site in Uniontown to Dunbar's camp at Jumonville. The school was a state-sponsored facility erected to house and educate children whose fathers had been killed or disabled in the Civil War.

"Orphans and children were brought from all over the state," Beatty said, "and they stayed here until they were 16. Then they graduated."

The Uniontown Soldier's Orphan School was not an unpleasant ending for children who were victims of their circumstances, but a great adventure in culture and education.

"Many of the children who came here were proud to be orphans," Beatty said, "and they were not only well educated but they learned how to take care of themselves."

Many of the buildings located at the Jumonville center are the original structures. Plaques are affixed to the buildings, explaining their heritage and distinction.

The Rindfuss Museum, located in the Ann Murphy Lodge, houses many artifacts and documentation from the wars, skirmishers and orphanage.

"We have quite a nice display of artifacts from the war," Beatty said. "We have many of the actual items that were used."

Beatty also said that anyone with artifacts from the orphanage or who may have had relatives housed at the facility are welcome to visit the museum and donate items.

The museum is open by appointment only, but the center and camp areas are open to the public.

"Everyone is welcome to come and look around if they like," Beatty said. "Here at Jumonville, there is something to see and appreciate at every turn."