Fort Hyndshaw facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Hyndshaw |
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| Route 209 in Middle Smithfield Township Near East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania in US |
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 Fort Hyndshaw
Location of the fort in northeast Pennsylvania
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| Coordinates | 41°05′10.3″N 75°00′27.2″W / 41.086194°N 75.007556°W |
| Type | Fort |
| Height | 70 feet (21 m) (at time of occupation) |
| Site information | |
| Owner | State of Pennsylvania |
| Open to the public |
Yes |
| Condition | Destroyed by nature |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1756 |
| In use | 1757 |
| Fate | Abandoned |
| Events | French and Indian War |
| Garrison information | |
| Past commanders |
Captain James Van Etten |
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Pennsylvania Historical Marker
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| Designated | January 7, 1949 |
Fort Hyndshaw was a fort built in Middle Smithfield Township, Monroe County, Pennsylvania between 1755 and 1756. It played a part in the French and Indian War, a big conflict that happened a long time ago.
Why Forts Were Needed
During the French and Indian War, there were many attacks in Pennsylvania. French soldiers were attacking in the western part of the state. Also, Native American groups were causing trouble closer to Philadelphia.
Because of these dangers, the Pennsylvania Legislature decided to build a line of forts. They put Benjamin Franklin and James Hamilton in charge of this important job. These forts were built along the Blue Mountain in an area called Minisink.
On January 12, 1756, Benjamin Franklin sent a letter to Captain James Van Etten. He ordered Captain Van Etten to gather a group of 30 strong men. Their mission was to protect the people living in Upper Smithfield. They were to help them harvest their corn safely and scout the areas outside their settlements.
How Fort Hyndshaw Got Its Name
Fort Hyndshaw was named after Lieutenant James Hyndshaw (1720-1770). He was born in Ulster County, New York. James Hyndshaw was married to Maria Dupui/Dupuy. She was the niece of Nicholas Dupuy, one of the first European settlers in Monroe County. Nicholas Dupuy's home also became a fort, called Fort Dupuy, around the same time as Fort Hyndshaw. Lieutenant Hyndshaw was the second-in-command to Captain Van Etten at the fort.
Fort Structure and History
Fort Hyndshaw was built around Lieutenant Hyndshaw's home. It was a 70-foot square blockade, meaning a strong fence or wall built to protect against attacks.
The fort was used for a little over a year. After that, it seems it was no longer needed and was left empty. Since the fort was made of wood, it slowly fell apart over time due to weather and nature.
In 2003, a new historical marker was put up by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. This marker helps people remember where Fort Hyndshaw once stood.
- Mary H. Overfield France-Rice Overfield History
- Robert Mack Wallace Ebenezer! Or, Memorial Discourse, Commemorative of the Founding and Progress of the First Presbyterian Church of Stroudsburg, Pa
