Fort Dupuy facts for kids
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Pennsylvania Historical Marker
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 Location in Pennsylvania
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| Location | Shawnee on Delaware, Pennsylvania |
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| Coordinates | 40°59′55″N 75°07′37″W / 40.9985°N 75.1270°W |
| Built/founded | c. 1756 |
Fort Depuy was an important fort built in Pennsylvania around 1756. It was located in a village called Shawnee on Delaware, which is part of Smithfield Township. This fort was one of many built during the French and Indian War to protect settlers.
Why Forts Were Needed
During the 1750s, Pennsylvania faced many attacks. French soldiers were attacking from the western part of the state. Native American groups, sometimes allied with the French, also attacked settlements closer to Philadelphia.
To protect the people, the government of Pennsylvania decided to build a line of forts. These forts would stretch along the Blue Mountain (Pennsylvania). Two important leaders, Benjamin Franklin and James Hamilton, were put in charge of this big project.
On January 12, 1756, Benjamin Franklin sent an order to Captain James Van Etten. He told Captain Van Etten to gather a group of 30 strong men. Their job was to protect the people in Upper Smithfield. They would help farmers harvest their corn safely. They also had to scout the areas outside the settlements to watch for danger.
How Fort Depuy Got Its Name
Fort Depuy was built on a farm owned by Nicholas Dupuy. He was the first European settler in that area, arriving in 1727. He bought a very large piece of land, about 3,000 acres.
In 1755, Benjamin Franklin saw that Dupuy's home was in a perfect spot. It was located right along the Delaware River. Because of its great location, Franklin decided that Dupuy's home should be used as a fort. This is how the fort got its name, "Fort Depuy," after the Dupuy family.
What Fort Depuy Looked Like
Fort Depuy was built in the shape of a square. It had guns placed at each corner to defend against attacks. Besides being a strong defense, the fort also served as a supply base. It stored food and other important items for the other forts nearby.
After the French and Indian War ended in 1763, the fort was no longer needed for defense. It was given back to the Dupuy family. The land then went back to being a working farm.
Today, if you visit the area, you can find The Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort. This resort is located on the very same land where Nicholas Dupuy's farm and the old Fort Depuy once stood.
