8Christopher Gist is a great American hero who has often gone unnoticed. Recognized for giving colonists the first detailed description of the Ohio Country, Gist was a close friend of George Washington, whom he met through their affiliation with the Ohio Company. In 1753, the two went on an arduous trek through the western Pennsylvania wilderness in the dead of winter to deliver a message to the French commander on the upper Allegheny River. Gist had a profound impact on Washington and saved the future president's life on at least two occasions during their mission. Despite Gist's impressive achievements, historians have largely overlooked him. This book extensively details his remarkable accomplishments in frontier exploration and military service.