Frontier Forts

Frontier Forts. . , Frontier forts played an important role in helping to open the vast territory west of the Allegheny Mountains to settlement, particularly in the 40 years between 1754, when Capt. William Trent first attempted to fortify the Forks of the Ohio River (now Pittsburgh), and 1794, when the Indians were defeated by Major-General Anthony Wayne at Fallen Timbers., Scattered across the frontier, these forts were havens of refuge for the early settlers who were subject to periodic Indian attacks. These frontier fortifications could be divided into two major types: 1) those built to house large military units and supplies, such as Fort Pitt and Fort Ligonier; and 2) blockhouses, with a few portholes, built by one family, but also used by neighboring families who could gather there when under attack., In a letter to George Washington, dated May 4, 1774, Gilbert Simpson, Washington's grist mill partner, wrote the following:, "This communication is to let you know that the country is at this time in great confusion due to the Indians declaring war against us... at least 500 families have gone off within one week past... There has been two or three skirmishes with white people and Indians...I do believe it has been the white peoples fault altogether. I intend, with the help of neighbors, to build a fort next week where I live...I declare to stand as long as I can see the least hope and go on with your mill, Sr.", "Fort Trial" is a replica of the blockhouse type of fort most likely built by Mr. Simpson here on Washington's "Bottom". It derives its name from several letters written by Mr. Simpson to Washington in which he lamented how life on the frontier was a great trial. By September 24, 1774, Simpson writes to inform Washington that his (Simpson's) son has "returned safe with the money" to continue building the mill. Simpson goes on to ask Washington to write to him "how or what manner you would cause to let out your mill when she is ready to be let." , The letter is signed , Gilbt. Simpson , Youghahalay , Fort Triall . This historical marker is in Perryopolis in Fayette County Pennsylvania