History

The French & Indian Era

For 28 years the educational and living history activities of Penn's Colony have remembered the pivotal era of the French and Indian War (1754-1760) beginning with a young George Washington's trek to the western Pennsylvania frontier as a volunteer for the Virginia Colony (and British Crown) to report on the settlement activities of the French.

The focus? The point of land called the Forks of the Ohio (Pittsburgh) because whoever controlled this point and its waterways would control the frontier.

Events from Washington's first, and subsequent visits to this region, led to the sparking of the French and Indian War which changed the course of history for America, and the world.

On the weekends, the living history encampment presents re-enactors from the British, Colonial, Scottish, French and Native groups which made their mark on this region.

Be a trekker, just like George Washington! Print out the "Trekking with George" pamphlet which contains a classroom group study reading and continues with a fieldtrip worksheet that you bring with you to Penn's Colony Festival.

Continue your trek through the French & Indian Era with a visit to the many historic sites of the war Pennsylvania including Fort Necessity National Battlefield; Braddock's Field, Fort Ligonier, Fort Pitt and Bushy Run Battlefield.