Pittsburgh History Tour: Exploring Washington’s Hidden Past

This short holiday, I had a blast exploring Pittsburgh! I’d love to share some important historical battles tied to the city and recommend a few on-site visits～ Four key locations: 📍 Fort Pitt, Fort Duquesne (in Pittsburgh downtown, Ohio Valley) 📍 Fort Necessity, 📍 Jumonville Glen (both located in the suburbs and part of the National Historic Park) 🎖️ A Little History Lesson: The Seven Years' War between the British and French in North America somehow began with their rivalry over the Ohio Valley. The French had long maintained trade relations with Native Americans, but when British colonists arrived, both nations discovered the strategic and resource-rich Ohio Valley. As a result, the British built Fort Pitt, and the French built Fort Duquesne—each trying to dominate the area . During attempted “negotiations” or “communications,” a skirmish broke out between the two sides, the details of which remain unclear to this day. The French insisted that their commander, Jumonville, was merely delivering a message to the British colonists. On the other hand, the British, led by George Washington, claimed the French attacked first. This skirmish resulted in the deaths of 13 French soldiers, including Commander Jumonville, who was brutally killed by Tanaghrisson, an Iroquois leader. The site of Jumonville’s death, now known as Jumonville Glen, is a perfect spot for a relaxing hike Knowing he had stirred serious trouble, Washington quickly built Fort Necessity to prepare for a French “revenge” attack. However, the British then sent the stubborn General Braddock, who mishandled relations between the colonists and the Native Americans. Without the crucial support of their powerful Native allies, Washington suffered a major defeat by the French at the Battle of Fort Necessity, and Braddock lost his life. Image 10 shows the site of this defeat. Ultimately, though, the British emerged victorious in the war. Thanks to the strategic brilliance of General Pitt, the British gained naval supremacy in Europe and fostered a strong, united colonial militia in North America—though this indirectly paved the way for the colonists to later launch the 1776 Independence War 😂 I’m just skimming the surface here, but if you’re in Pittsburgh, don’t miss these historical sites and stories! #SevenYearsWar #NativeAmericans #Iroquois #AmericanRevolution #Pittsburgh #HistoricalStories #EuropeanAmericanHistory #AmericanHistory