Fort Bedford, 1755 – 1781: An Important Frontier Fort (Soft Cover)

This volume follows Fort bedford's history from 1755 until the ending of the American Revolution 1781.
During the French and Indian War (Seven Years War) Colonel Bouquet and General Forbes used Fort Bedford as their headquarters for portions of the campaign against Fort Duquesne, most of the army moved westward. At the peak, the fort was garrisoned by about eight hundred men. The fort saw little action during the Seven Years War and was used mainly as a supply base.Fort Bedford became the key supply base as well as a vital link in communications for Forbes' army. Bedford had been laid out on ground purchased by the Penn family from George Croghan. The ground had been occupied by Garret Pendergrass, tavern keeper. Bedford County was erected and the town made the county seat of all of Pennsylvania west of Ray's Hill,in 1771.
The various fortifications built by Forbes were intended to fulfill three principal functions: (1) to serve as protection against enemy attacks during the period while the army was advancing troops and supplies in order to consolidate a forward position; (2) to protect wagon trains and other military units engaged in transporting supplies and (3) to afford one or more rallying points in case the army should suffer a reverse which might necessitate a retreat. The actual experience of the Forbes campaign afforded ample proof of Forbes' wisdom in providing these fortifications. There are three reasons for building forts which have long been taught. First, they serve as shelter for soldiers. More importantly, they are shelter for threatened settlers. Third, they were used as points of trade and diplomatic contacts with the native aborigine. Forts were deliberately placed beyond the settlement line so that hostile warriors would be drawn to them, thereby sparing the settled communities from the violence.
The sage of Fort Bedford goes beyond it's origins and examines the various people who made this history in their own words. The quotes retain original spelling and abbreviations then in common use.