How did the town and university get the name Slippery Rock? 

In 1779, Colonel Daniel Brodhead was in command of Fort Pitt in present day Pittsburgh. Colonel Brodhead begged General George Washington to allow him to lead an expedition into the wilderness and Washington agreed. The troops, marching near a creek about 50 miles north of Fort Pitt, encountered a local tribe of Seneca Indians. The soldiers crossed the creek at a place where the streambed was comprised of large, smooth rocks. Wearing heavy boots, the soldiers crossed safely, whereas the pursuing Seneca, wearing moccasins, slipped and fell on the rocks. The Seneca Indians called the stream "Wechachochapohka," which means "slippery rock. "

Of course, the details of the legend vary depending upon who tells the tale.  Another version has the militia in hot pursuit of the Seneca, with the boot-wearing soldiers losing their balance on the rocks.

When asked which version is correct, resident expert and fourth generation alumnus, Dr. Robert Watson, Vice President for Student Affairs, is likely to offer a wry smile and say, “Now the Seneca lived in the area for hundreds of years, and the militia were the newcomers. Who do you think was more likely to slip?”