April 7, 1786, Washington County, PA. — A riot breaks out near Cross Creek in protest of Pennsylvania state liquor excise collector William Graham, who had recently been assigned to collecting excise tax in the western counties. In what Boyd Crumrine described as "the first actual violence committed in resistance to the execution of the excise laws in Western Pennsylvania," a dozen disgruntled farmers attacked and humiliated William and Richard Graham before parading them back to the Monongahela River. The mob, which had grown to 100 rioters, threatened death on the Grahams should they ever set foot back in Washington County.

In observance of our nation's 250th anniversary, Pennsylvania History and Museum Commission (PHMC) has approved the installation of a Pennsylvania state historic marker later this year in the vicinity of Mount Pleasant Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania. Of the 47 historic markers approved by PHMC for 2026, only six are being dedicated for America 250. Out of these six, the 1786 Whiskey Riot marker is the only one planned west of Lancaster County.

To celebrate, Historic Fort Cherry is planning to host a dedication ceremony in collaboration with PHMC, and we need your help! We are currently raising funds to cover the costs incurred by sign installation and event planning. Further information about the event, such as date, time, and location will be announced at a later date.

One of the 12 men arrested and fined for their part in the 1786 Whiskey Riot was Aaron Lyle, who later went on to serve in the Pennsylvania Senate.

Read more about the new PHMC markers here:

https://pahistoricpreservation.com/marking-more-history-2025/

Read more about Historic Fort Cherry here:

https://www.historicfortcherry.org/

1786 Whiskey Riot Pennsylvania State Historic Marker Dedication