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Fort Bedford
Sunday April 13, 2008
Old Fort Bedford was a British Stockade built in 1758 as part of the French
and Indian War campaign against the French at Fort Duquesne. After several
failed attempts in the early 1750's, the British launched a major offensive
against Fort Duquesne in 1758. Facing the formidable task of crossing the
Allegheny Mountains and the treat of attack, numerous stockades were built
along the way west. Fort Bedford was constructed as a key fortification
along the military path Forbes Road and served as the staging area for the
successful campaign. After the war Fort Bedford stood until the 1770's, used
as a British outpost on the frontier and as a refuge from Indian attack as
westward migration increased in the 18th century.
Travelers stopping in Bedford, Pa have enjoyed visiting historic and
educational Fort Bedford Museum. The blockhouse structure houses a large
scale model of the original fort depicts Forbes Road and the surrounding
area. The Fort Bedford Museum displays Native American artifacts collected
from the region. Thousands of household items dating back 100 to more than
200 years ago from flintlock rifles to early clothing to antique hand tools
that help to recreate the atmosphere of pioneer days on the frontier of
western Pennsylvania.
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