Fort Pitt

Fort Pitt, nestled at the confluence of the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers where the Ohio River begins, stands as a testament to the rich and tumultuous history of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This historic fort, built by British forces between 1759 and 1761 during the French and Indian War, played a vital role in the development of the region and remains a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.

The Strategic Location and Construction

The story of Fort Pitt begins with its predecessor, Fort Duquesne, a French colonial fort constructed in 1754. As tensions between Great Britain and France escalated, the French strategically chose this location to control the Ohio Valley. However, the British had other plans. In 1758, under the command of General John Forbes, British forces approached Fort Duquesne, prompting the French to destroy and abandon it. The British then built Fort Pitt, named in honor of William Pitt the Elder, at the same strategic location.

Fort Pitt was designed in a pentagram shape with bastions at each point, a popular architectural style for fortifications at the time. Captain Harry Gordon, a British engineer in the 60th Royal American Regiment, oversaw its construction. The fort's formidable structure and strategic location made it a key military outpost during the French and Indian War and beyond.

Pontiac's War: A Siege and a Siege

In 1763, following the conclusion of the French and Indian War, the region saw another conflict known as Pontiac's War. This uprising, led by Native American tribes including the Lenape and Shawnee, aimed to drive European settlers out of their territories. Fort Pitt found itself under siege by Native American forces on June 22, 1763. However, the fort's robust defenses proved too strong to be breached by force.

During the siege, a controversial incident occurred when Captain Simeon Ecuyer, the fort's commander, gave two Delaware emissaries blankets that had been exposed to smallpox. This act of biological warfare was intended to spread the disease among the Native American tribes. While the effectiveness of this tactic remains uncertain, it is known that smallpox epidemics devastated Native American populations in the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes regions during this period.

The siege was eventually lifted when Colonel Henry Bouquet's relief force arrived and defeated the Native American forces at the Battle of Bushy Run on August 10, 1763. Fort Pitt was saved, but the scars of the conflict and the ethical implications of the smallpox incident lingered.

Fort Pitt in the American Revolutionary War

As the American Revolutionary War unfolded, Fort Pitt once again found itself at the center of military activity. The fort served as the headquarters for the western theater of the war. In 1778, representatives from the United States Congress, including Sampson Mathews, George Clymer, and Samuel Washington, visited Fort Pitt to assess the security of the American frontier. Their reports led Congress to send 3,000 militiamen to defend the western border, including the renowned George Rogers Clark.

Fort Pitt played a crucial role in securing the American frontier and preventing British forces from gaining a foothold in the region. The fort's strategic importance during the Revolutionary War solidified its place in American history.

The Evolution of Fort Pitt

After the Revolutionary War, Fort Pitt continued to evolve. During the Northwest Indian War, General Anthony Wayne constructed Fort Lafayette (later known as Fort Fayette) adjacent to the original fort. This new fortification served as a staging point and supply depot for expeditions against British forts in the north during the War of 1812.

As the 19th century progressed, Fort Pitt's military significance waned, and the site became part of the growing city of Pittsburgh. However, its historical importance was not forgotten. In the 20th century, the city commissioned archaeological excavations of the fort's foundations, leading to the reconstruction of parts of the fort. Today, visitors can explore the Fort Pitt Museum, housed in the Monongahela Bastion, and gain a sense of the fort's size and significance.

The Blockhouse: A Surviving Relic

One of the most remarkable remnants of Fort Pitt is the Blockhouse, a small brick outbuilding constructed in 1764. This structure, located in Point State Park, is believed to be the oldest building still standing in Pittsburgh. Over the years, it served various purposes, including as a private residence. Today, it stands as a testament to the fort's enduring legacy and is preserved by the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Fort Pitt in Popular Culture

Fort Pitt's historical significance has not gone unnoticed in popular culture. It has been featured in films such as The Allegheny Uprising (1939) and Unconquered (1947), as well as in the video game Assassin's Creed III (2012). These portrayals have helped keep the memory of Fort Pitt alive and introduced its fascinating history to new generations.

In conclusion, Fort Pitt stands as a symbol of Pittsburgh's rich history and resilience. From its strategic construction during the French and Indian War to its role in the American Revolutionary War and beyond, Fort Pitt has played a pivotal role in shaping the region. Today, visitors can explore its reconstructed sections, visit the Fort Pitt Museum, and marvel at the enduring Blockhouse, gaining a deeper appreciation for this historic landmark.