American history is often taught in the interest of time – in large chunks broken down into chapters of textbooks, details glossed over in the name of neat units. What we often neglect are the small stories, locally significant yet nationally forgotten over time.
The 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence aims to shine a light on some of those forgotten stories, reminding Americans that every county and municipality is part of the fabric of our nation and has a story to tell as we celebrate this milestone — showing that the place they call home plays a pivotal role in both honoring the past and forging America’s future.
Washington County is no exception. Founded in 1781 by the Pennsylvania General Assembly just five years after that landmark day in Philadelphia, the county’s powerful history begins with its equally powerful namesake: General George Washington, who once led an army west to squash the nation’s first rebellion in the newly-formed county during the Whiskey Rebellion of 1791–94.
Fittingly, Washington’s portrait is what most notice first on “The American Spirit,” Washington County’s installation in the “Bells Across PA” statewide art series, which has placed replica liberty bells across all 67 counties in the Commonwealth in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary. The bell was commissioned by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Promotion Agency not only to celebrate the milestone but to serve as a lasting symbol of Washington County’s role in it.
“The American Spirit” was designed and painted by renowned Canonsburg-based artist James Sulkowski, whose Classical Realism works have been displayed in the White House, the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City and other historic institutions. His work appears in many public and private collections, including those of President George H.W. Bush, Carnegie Mellon University and the Abdul Azziz Museum in Saudi Arabia.
“The rich history, heritage and people of Washington County made the design concept for the bell both challenging and exciting,” Sulkowski said during the bell’s unveiling ceremony in August 2025 at the historic LeMoyne House Garden. “I was honored to be chosen to create something so important and momentous for the 250th anniversary of our country.”
The bell includes depictions of iconic Washington County events and landmarks such as the PONY League World Series, Meadowcroft Rockshelter & Historic Village, the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, the county’s strong ties to agriculture and industry, the Whiskey Rebellion and more, with the centerpiece being a large depiction of George Washington atop the Washington County Courthouse.
Two other Canonsburg residents also played a role in bringing the project from concept to reality. Sulkowski’s original paintings were digitized by Mike Melone of Melone Advertising Group and placed onto the bell as vinyl overlays by John Dziak’s Printscape Imaging & Graphics. Washington-based MacBracey Corporation designed the permanent wooden base for the project, making it a true community effort reflecting Washington County’s storied past and bright future ahead.
“The Chamber was proud to sponsor the America250PA Bells Across PA program in Washington County and commemorate this important milestone in our country’s history with this lasting symbol that highlights Washington County’s contributions to 250 years of American history. This bell symbolizes the county’s contributions to the development of our nation by featuring iconic highlights of our heritage and landmarks, representing our past, present, and future — all through the eyes of a renowned artist who calls Washington County home,” said Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency president Jeff Kotula.
Following the unveiling, the Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency donated “The American Spirit” to the Washington County Historical Society, where it is now on permanent display for the public at 49 E. Maiden St., in Washington, Pa.
