What was the Battle of Fort Duquesne?

Constructed by the French in 1754 at the heart of the Ohio River Valley, Fort Duquesne was an important landmark during the Seven Years' War (1756-1763). read more

The Battle of Fort Duquesne was a British assault on the eponymous French fort (later the site of Pittsburgh) that was repulsed with heavy losses on 14 September 1758, during the French and Indian War. read more

The Battle of Fort Duquesne As the French and Indian War escalated, the British began to see Fort Duquesne as crucial to regaining control of the Ohio River Valley. In 1758, the British Prime Minister William Pitt sent General John Forbes with 6,000 troops to capture the fort, with the goal of driving the French back into Canada. read more

The British again attempted to take Fort Duquesne in 1755, but were defeated by the French at the Battle of Monogahela. The French occupied Fort Duquesne until 1758. In September 1758, Pennsylvania and Virginia militia, under the command of James Grant, were annihilated by French forces after storming the fort. read more

The capture of Fort Duquesne coincided with the fall of Fort Frontenac and the fortress at Louisbourg. Considered together, they marked a great turning point in the war. The lesson was not lost on the Indian allies, many of whom deserted the French cause at this time. read more