Trail History

Just five days after the September 11th attacks, David Brickley proposed a 'continuously linked multi-purpose, non-motorized trail' to honor the victims and connect the three attack sites.

The September 11th National Patriot Trail Alliance was officially established with the goal of developing a 1,100-mile trail connecting the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Flight 93 crash site.

Brickley begins refining the concept of a national trail, working with planner Doug Pickford on initial mapping.

Continued refinement of the trail concept and route planning with Doug Pickford.

The original route is established at approximately 940 miles.

Ben Swecker and Brickley refine the mapping of the general route to include Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia, Virginia and the District of Columbia.

The organization was renamed to the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance, reflecting its evolving mission to create a permanent national memorial trail.

The Virginia General Assembly passes Senate Joint Resolution 498 'Commending the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance.' Sponsored by Senator Charles J. Colgan of Prince William County, who served alongside Delegate David Brickley in the Virginia General Assembly from 1975 and together from 1996 to 1998, before Brickley moved to the state's Department of Conservation and Recreation.

David Brickley contacted governors of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and New York requesting support. Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell's chief of staff indicated 'Rendell wholeheartedly supports the proposal,' noting it would become 'Pennsylvania's longest connected trail.'

Pennsylvania's acting DCNR secretary expressed interest in partnership, stating the concept 'is in keeping with the pivotal role that Pennsylvania played' in America's founding. The Pittsburgh-Harrisburg Mainline Canal Greenway was identified as a significant trail component.

Somerset County Commissioners endorsed the project, recognizing the Great Allegheny Passage connection to Flight 93 Memorial as 'an important piece.'

National Park Service Acting Associate Director Rich Weideman committed the Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance program to supporting the Alliance.

Pentagon Memorial Fund senior executive C. Andrew Ammerman signaled the fund's support for the trail project.

IRS approved tax-exempt status for the Alliance.

New York/New Jersey Trail Conference adopted the Lenape Trail in Essex County, NJ. The 150-mile Liberty WaterGap Trail was assembled from multiple existing trails.

Alliance presented to Flight 93 Advisory Commission Chairman John Reynolds and members. Somerset County hosted a planning charrette connecting the Great Allegheny Passage to Flight 93 Memorial.

Flight 93 Advisory Commission chair formally resolved to support the Alliance's efforts.

Morris County Park Commission held a public meeting; Executive Director David Helmer and Trails Supervisor Russ Nee became partners.

First expanded board of directors meeting convened.

National Park Service approved RTCA support for the Alliance.

First annual meeting held at Bob Thomas's Philadelphia home. DCNR grant application for Pennsylvania feasibility study was submitted.

First bike ride organized between Flight 93 National Memorial and Rockwood, PA, with support from Laurel Highlands On-and Off Road Bicycle Association.

Campbell Thomas and Company began feasibility study for Liberty Water Gap Trail, linking Portland, PA, with Columbia, NJ.

Pennsylvania DCNR awarded $50,000 matching grant to Somerset County for feasibility study. Deborah Borza, Flight 93 hero's mother and cyclist, joined the Board.

Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. wrote supporting letter to Governor O'Malley. Dominion Foundation granted $10,000 for Pentagon Memorial brochure work.

DCNR staff member Kent Taylor unveiled prototype 9/11 Trail Map Tour on ESRI platform.

Board meeting held at Morris County Park Commission headquarters in Morristown, NJ.

Community Foundation for the Alleghenies granted $3,500.

Great Allegheny Passage completion celebrated south of Pittsburgh, crediting Linda McKenna Boxx's vision and leadership.

National Park Service approved additional year of RTCA assistance.

Memorandum of Agreement executed between Somerset County and Alliance, signed by county commissioners and Alliance President David Brickley.

Pennsylvania DCNR approved grant funding planned corridor across Pennsylvania. Robert Thomas of Campbell Thomas & Company received award; Somerset County Manager Brett Hollern oversaw grant administration.

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel's office stated: 'We appreciate the efforts...to honor and recognize those who perished,' noting consistency with Pentagon Memorial purposes.

Thomas, Hollern, and Brickley developed timetable to open Garrett-to-Flight 93 trail section by September 11, 2016.

New Jersey DOT agreed to fund feasibility study of cycling/walking routes from Pennsylvania to New York City.

CSX offered to sell Somerset County corridor to Alliance for $205,000. Brickley accepted on behalf of the Alliance, with funding determination pending.

Somerset County submitted Federal Land Access Program grant request with Alliance support. Additional $10,000 approved for detailed feasibility analysis.

Congressman Bill Shuster wrote supporting FLAP funding application to Federal Highway Administration.

Multiple senators issued support letters. Alliance Board formalized bike ride plans across Pennsylvania by September 11. Stakeholders met in Morristown, NJ, for New Jersey DOT study.

Flight 93 Memorial Assistant Superintendent Keith Newlin announced initial $500,000 Federal Lands Access Program Grant for Pennsylvania trail development.

'Northern Pilgrimage through Pennsylvania Trail Alignment Study' formally presented.

New Jersey 9/11 Memorial Trail Corridor Feasibility Study released.

Capital Trails Coalition formed in Washington D.C., with September 11th National Memorial Trail as member.

Army Corps of Engineers visit identified nearly half-acre of wetlands requiring mitigation.

Brothers Valley Township held public hearing on proposed bike route using township roads. Supervisors didn't support on-road alignment but supported CSX corridor use. Annual meeting held at Heritage Discovery Center in Johnstown, PA.

Senate Resolution 267, sponsored by Senators Pat Toomey (PA), Mark Warner (VA), and Bob Casey (PA), passed unanimously, 'Recognizing the September 11th National Memorial Trail as an important trail and greenway.'

Brickley and Hamilton met with National Park Service and Department of Interior senior officials regarding National Trails status.

Somerset County added 6.7 acres for additional trail section development near Berlin.

Launched 9/11 National Memorial Trail Challenge, virtual tour encouraging walking, running, and biking during COVID-19.

Brickley testified before House Committee on Natural Resources regarding H.R. 2278. House Natural Resources Committee approved the bill for full House vote.

U.S. House unanimously passed H.R. 2278 (423-0 vote).

3rd Annual Tour de Trail held, 24-mile ride from Berlin, PA, to Flight 93 National Memorial.

Senate unanimously passed H.R. 2278.

Pennsylvania DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced official designation as Statewide Major Greenway at Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve.

First 9/11 National Memorial Trail Tour commenced—27-day, 1,200-mile ride with 20+ cyclists, 'the largest group to ever ride the entirety of the alignment.'

Partnership formed with Warrior Expeditions. U.S. Army Veteran Kevin Wilson and service dog Calvin completed 'first-ever Warrior Hike of the 1,500-mile September 11th National Memorial Trail.'

4th Annual Tour de Trail held.

First-ever Let's Roll Endurance Trial event at Dominion Raceway, Virginia, featured speakers including retired FDNY first responder Tim Brown and retired firefighter Bill Gleason.

Two-week Pennsylvania Statewide Tour beginning Pittsburgh (June 19), ending Philadelphia (July 3). Annual meeting held in Washington, D.C.

5th Annual Tour de Trail held.