Waterford in Erie County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Fort Sur La Rivière Aux Boeufs
Gateway to Ohio Country
Fort le Boeuf Timeline1759 — French abandon and burn the fort.
1759 — Fort Niagara falls to the British, leaving Fort le Boeuf vulnerable.
1758 — Fort Duquesne falls to the British
1756 — Completion of Fort Machault takes some pressure off Fort le Beouf.
1755 — Support from Fort le Boeuf helps in repelling Braddock's threat against Fort Duquesne.
1753 — December 11, George Washington visits the fort to demand French withdrawal.
1753 — Fort construction begins in summer and is completed in fall
1749 — Céloron conducts expedition into the Ohio River Basin.
A Critical Link
The construction of Fort sur la Rivière aux Boeufs (Fort le Boeuf) was the second in a chain of four forts intended to connect Lake Erie to the Ohio River. Men and materials portaged to French Creek, where bateaux were used to transport them to French settlements in Louisiana.
George Washington states that the bastions contained "... a Guard-House, Chapel, Doctor's lodging, and Commander's private store, 'round which are laid platforms for
this page online
In December of 1753, George Washington paid a visit to the fort to inform the French commandant, Captain Jacques Legardeur de St. Pierre, that the British considered the French occupation of the territory to be an encroachment on British soil, and he demanded that the French leave. St. Pierre's refusal to withdraw led to armed hostilities between the parties the following spring.
Erected by Seaway Trial, Inc. (Marker Number 3.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, French and Indian. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list. A significant historical date for this entry is December 11, 1759.
Location. 41° 56.407′ N, 79° 58.975′ W. Marker is in Waterford, Pennsylvania, in Erie County. Marker is on High Street (Pennsylvania Route 97) south of 1st Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 32 High Street, Waterford PA 16441, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fort Le Boeuf (here, next to this marker); George Washington (a few steps from this marker); Near This Site (a few steps from this marker); Site of Fort Le Boeuf (a few steps from this marker); Fort Le Boeuf Memorial
Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 17, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 220 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 17, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
