The Battle of Fort Ligonier — October 12, 1758

During the French and Indian War, French soldiers and their Native American allies attacked Fort Ligonier in western Pennsylvania, hoping to disrupt the British advance toward Fort Duquesne (present-day Pittsburgh). The attack began when French forces struck British troops guarding livestock outside the unfinished fort. After several hours of fierce fighting, British defenders under Colonel James Burd used artillery to repel the attackers. The French withdrew, and the British retained control of this critical military outpost. The victory helped secure the British supply route and contributed to the French abandonment of Fort Duquesne the following month, paving the way for the founding of Pittsburgh.Read more