French and Indian War 1754-1763 in the News

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Guide spotlights history, beauty of Central Pennsylvania
Travel writer Christine H. O'Toole wasn't surprised by all the historic locations she found in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh - the start and end points for the Forbes Trail, the route that British General John Forbes marched in 1758 to drive the French from Fort Duquesne. This campaign ended in the British taking control of the Forks of the Ohio and the naming of Pittsburgh. "The surprises for me were in the small towns, many of which have a well-defined sense of history. Carlisle and Bedford are 2 of my favorites." They are among the 7 "gateway" communities in "Pennsylvania's Forbes Trail" history and travel guide.
by post-gazette 2008-05-20 --- Battles and Battlefields

The 250th anniversary of the Battle of Carillon
The effects of the Battle of Carillon, fought between the French and British on that slip of land between Lake George and Lake Champlain on July 7 and 8, 1758, rocked the royal courts of Europe and gave the British military quite a jolt. In that battle, the French commander Louis-Joseph Marquis de Montcalm defeated British General James Abercrombie. Even though Montcalm was outnumbered 5 to 1, and Abercrombie led the largest force of British regulars gathered to that point in the French and Indian War. Military historians call it the bloodiest battle fought on American soil up to Antietam in the Civil War.
by timesunion 2008-05-17 --- Battles and Battlefields

Re-enactors, vendors gather for 18th Century Market Fair at Fort Frederick State Park
It was like going back to the 18th century: Re-enactors were dressed in clothing that would have been common during the French and Indian War during the first day of the 14th annual 18th Century Market Fair at Fort Frederick State Park. However, shoppers looking for uniforms, blankets, weapons and other items were talking about the price of gas. Lt. Angie Hummer, park manager of the Fort Frederick complex, said she expects 8,000 - 10,000 visitors throughout the 4-day event. Ruth Konrad - one of the 135 vendors - is selling linens, fabric and sewing materials. She sells mainly to re-enactors.
by herald-mail 2008-05-08 --- Re-enactment & Reenactors

250th anniversary of military rule book marked in Fort Edward
Dressed as an American Indian during the French and Indian War Joshua Cummings would be forgiven for shivering in the steady rain. But the die-hard re-enactor felt fine: "You toughen up. The more you do the hobby, you become accustomed to being uncomfortable. It beats collecting stamps." He was one of a dozen re-enactors who showed up for the 250th anniversary of the writing of "Rogers Rules". The rules, written during the French and Indian War by Robert Rogers, were guidelines for how to fight as a light infantry, fast-moving group of soldiers against a larger, better trained army. While the rules have evolved, they're still in use by the U.S. Special Forces.
by poststar 2007-11-05 --- Re-enactment & Reenactors

Historians re-enact the massacre at Sabbath Day Point
Serving in the military could be lucrative for young men from New Jersey who left their farms to spend a season fighting in the French and Indian War. 350 soldiers in 22 whale boats were traveling north on Lake George on an expedition on July 24, 1757 when they landed near Sabbath Day Point for some unknown reason. American Indians allied with the French ambushed soldiers as they landed. One theory is that American Indians drew the soldiers to shore by wearing red arm bands used to id American Indians allied with the British. 150 of the soldiers were killed, more casualties than in the Fort William Henry massacre a few weeks later.
by poststar 2007-08-01 --- Re-enactment & Reenactors

Washington's only surrender: Ceremony marks Fort Necessity battle
A group of 50 people showed up to mark the anniversary of the battle between George Washington's Virginians and the French force and their American Indian allies at the Fort Necessity Battlefield in Farmington. The battle was George Washington's only surrender. "This was a very ugly place on July 3, 1754, 253 years ago," said historic weapons supervisor and park ranger Brian Reedy. "33 men lost their lives here." Reedy, dressed in historic uniform, went on to talk about the events, as Washington and his men fought the French and American Indians on a very rainy day. After an 8-hour battle, Washington and Captain James Mackay agreed to the terms of surrender.
by heraldstandard 2007-07-07 --- Battles and Battlefields

Grave site identified as that of a Rogers' Ranger
The body of Obadiah Eastman lies beneath a tree near the corner of Atkinson and Haverhill roads. Until a few weeks ago, no living person knew that he was a captain in Rogers' Rangers, the famous militia that fought in the French and Indian War under Robert Rogers. Eastman's gravestone, along with 20 others, was unearthed as part of a Salem Historical Society project that began 2 months ago. The find of Eastman's grave has attracted the attention of people throughout the region, including historian Raymond Potvin, who is writing a book about Rogers' early life.
by eagletribune 2007-06-23 --- Generals and Commanders

General Braddock's crossing -- 252 years later
The Union Jack and Fleur-de-lis flags flanking the American flag on Memorial Bridge fly to honor Braddock's Crossing, a celebration of Connellsville's role in the War for Empire, aka the French and Indian War. France and Great Britain both wanted to command the North American continent. The French attempted to control the rivers, highways for fur trade with natives. In 1775, a British army unit under the command of Gen. Edward Braddock sought to drive the French out of the Ohio Valley. On the way to Fort Duquesne his army crossed the Youghiogheny at Stewart's Crossing, on June 29-30. The army spent 2 days here before unsuccessfully attacking the French.
by pittsburghlive 2007-06-23 --- Misc & Strange

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