Bushy Run Battlefield facts for kids
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Bushy Run Battlefield
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The Battle of Bushy Run Monument marks the site of the "flour bag fort" on Edge Hill
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, USA |
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| Nearest city | Harrison City, Pennsylvania |
| Area | 218 acres (88 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000696 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | October 9, 1960 |
Bushy Run Battlefield Park is a special historical park in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. It covers about 218 acres and is managed by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) and the Bushy Run Battlefield Heritage Society. This park is famous because it was the location of the Battle of Bushy Run. This important battle happened on August 5–6, 1763, during a conflict known as Pontiac's Rebellion.
The Battle of Bushy Run was a big win for the British. It helped them keep control of the Ohio River Valley, which was a very important area at the time. Bushy Run Battlefield Park became a Pennsylvania state park in 1927. Later, in 1960, it was named a National Historic Landmark. It is the only historical site that focuses entirely on Pontiac's Rebellion and is Pennsylvania's only recognized Native American battlefield. You can find the park near Harrison City and Jeannette.
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The Battle of Bushy Run
The Battle of Bushy Run was fought between British soldiers and a group of Native American warriors. The Native American tribes included the Delaware, Shawnee, Mingo, and Huron.
British Soldiers on the March
In July 1763, a group of 500 British soldiers was sent to help Fort Pitt. The fort was under attack by Native American forces. Colonel Henry Bouquet led these soldiers. They started their journey from Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
A Surprise Attack
On August 5, as the soldiers marched through what is now Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, they were suddenly attacked. A large group of Delaware, Shawnee, Mingo, and Huron warriors ambushed them. This happened about 25 miles east of Fort Pitt. The British soldiers fought hard and managed to hold their ground.
The Flour Bag Fort
After the sun set, the Native American warriors stopped their attack for the night. Colonel Bouquet quickly ordered his soldiers to build a small fort. They used sacks of flour to create a protective wall. This temporary fort was built on a place called Edge Hill. Inside, they kept their wounded soldiers and their animals safe. This became known as the "flour bag fort."
A Clever Plan and Victory
The next morning, August 6, the Native American tribes attacked again. But Colonel Bouquet had a clever plan. Some of his soldiers, who had been on guard duty, pretended to retreat. When the Native American warriors followed them, the British soldiers who had been resting suddenly attacked from the sides. This surprise attack caused the warriors to flee in a disorganized way.
Colonel Bouquet's troops chased the attackers away. Then, they quickly moved towards Bushy Run to get much-needed water. Even though most of the fighting happened on Edge Hill, the battle is named after Bushy Run. After the battle, Colonel Bouquet and his soldiers continued to Fort Pitt to help them. About 50 British soldiers died in the battle. The Native American tribes also had many casualties, including two important Delaware leaders.
History of the Park
Bushy Run Battlefield Park was officially created as a state park in 1927.
Keeping the Park Open
In August 2009, there was a problem with money for state museums in Pennsylvania. Several museums, including Bushy Run Battlefield, were going to close. But the Bushy Run Battlefield Heritage Society, a group of volunteers, stepped in to help. Because of their hard work, the museum stayed open. On May 5, 2010, the volunteers made an agreement with the PHMC to help run the museum.
Remembering the Battle
In 2013, the Bushy Run Battlefield Heritage Society placed a beautiful bronze monument at the park. This monument was made to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bushy Run. A talented sculptor named Wayne Hyde created it. The monument and a nearby memorial courtyard show where the first part of the battle happened on August 5, 1763.
Nature and Recent Events
In May 2024, the park was recognized for its very old trees and joined the Old-Growth Forest Network. Some of the oldest trees in the park are estimated to be between 170 and 210 years old. On June 26, 2024, the park experienced damage from an EF1 tornado. While the main buildings and some of the oldest trees were safe, many other trees fell. The park had to close for several months for cleanup.
What to Do at the Park
Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is open all year. Inside, you can explore museum exhibits, watch a film in the theater, and visit the gift shop.
Tours and Programs
The Bushy Run Battlefield Heritage Society offers many fun and educational activities. You can take guided tours of the battlefield. They also have programs like field trips, day camps, lectures, and nature walks. You can even see reenactors show what the battle was like. Battle reenactments happen every year on the first full weekend of August.
Trails and Grounds
The park has several trails that go through wooded areas and open fields. Along the trails, you'll find "wayside exhibits." These are signs that explain different parts of the Battle of Bushy Run. There's also a granite monument on Edge Hill. This monument marks the spot of Colonel Henry Bouquet's "flour bag fort," where soldiers used flour sacks for protection. Bronze plaques on the monument have quotes from Bouquet's letters about the battle. A bronze monument and memorial courtyard also show where the first fighting began on August 5, 1763.
See also
