Fort Dinwiddie facts for kids
Fort Dinwiddie was an important fort in Virginia. It was used by the Virginia Militia from 1755 to 1789. This was during two big wars: the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War. The fort was built near the Jackson River. Today, you can find its location in Bath County, Virginia.
Contents
History of Fort Dinwiddie
Building the Fort
Fort Dinwiddie was first built in 1755. It was made around the home of William Warwick. This happened during the French and Indian War. The fort was named after Robert Dinwiddie. He was the lieutenant governor of Virginia at that time.
Early Commanders and Visitors
Captain Andrew Lewis first led the fort. Later, Captain Peter Hog took command in September 1755. A famous leader, Colonel George Washington, visited the fort soon after. He came on September 24, 1755.
Life at the Fort
In 1756, about 60 to 100 soldiers lived at the fort. It had a special design. A covered path made of logs led from a strong corner building (a blockhouse) to a spring inside the fort. This helped protect the soldiers when they needed water.
Part of a Fort Chain
Fort Dinwiddie was part of a chain of forts. These forts were built 15 to 30 miles apart. They were set up in the mid-1700s. Their job was to protect the Virginia frontier. They guarded against attacks from Native American groups. These groups lived in the Ohio River Valley.
Colonel George Washington was in charge of building these forts. In July 1756, he wrote to Captain Hog. He said the Virginia Assembly wanted more forts. He ordered militia from Augusta to help build them. These new forts would extend south from Fort Dinwiddie.
Later Visits and Attacks
George Washington visited the fort again in October 1756. At that time, Lieutenant Bullet was temporarily in charge.
The fort was mostly used as a meeting point for soldiers. However, it was attacked in June 1764. A group of Delaware and Shawnee warriors surrounded the fort. The siege lasted for six hours.
End of the Fort
Fort Dinwiddie was no longer used after 1789. In April 1971, archaeologists found the exact site. They were from the Virginia State Library.
Fort Dinwiddie was also known by other names. People sometimes called it Warwick's Fort, Hogg's Fort, or Byrd's Fort.
Today, a historical marker stands for the fort. You can find it at the intersection of Highway 39 and Dinwiddie Trail. This is in Bath County, Virginia.
