George Washington Stopped Here.

In an effort to improve tourism in the Mohawk Valley, Upstream will be featuring local events from time to time. With the price of gas being what it is, staying close to home for vacations is not a bad idea.

The first event we have chosen to feature takes place on June 11 at 1:00 p.m. at Fort Johnson, about one mile west of the City of Amsterdam on Route 5. The event celebrates Sir William Johnson’s Privy, the most important outhouse in the Mohawk Valley, and one of the top five outhouses in the United States. It is believed that George Washington sat here during his trip through the valley.

The celebration of outhouses is a celebration of democracy. Whether you were Sir William or one of his slaves you could not avoid the necessity of using the necessary house.

The event is free, however, donations are accepted. I assume the donations are to be monetary in nature.

Read more about this famous privy.