Fort Loudoun (Virginia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Fort Loudoun Site
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Building of the fort site
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 Location in Virginia
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| Location | 419 North Loudoun Street, Winchester, Virginia |
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| Area | Less than one acre |
| Built | 1756–1757 |
| NRHP reference No. | 13000650 |
| Added to NRHP | June 26, 2014 |
Fort Loudoun was an important fort built during the French and Indian War. It was located in what is now Winchester, Virginia. The fort was constructed between 1756 and 1758. A young George Washington, who was a colonel in the Virginia militia, oversaw its building.
The fort was named after John Campbell, 4th Earl of Loudoun. He was a British commander in North America during the war. Washington and his soldiers used Fort Loudoun as their main base for two years. The fort was shaped like a rough square. It had strong, angled corners called bastions, and its walls were made of earth. Today, North Loudoun Street runs across where the fort once stood.
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Fort Loudoun: A Historic Site
The property at 419 North Loudoun Street holds the most important parts of the old fort. This area includes a well that was built when the fort was new. It also has a piece of the fort's northwest bastion. This special area is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as a very important historical site.
Who Owns Fort Loudoun Today?
The land where Fort Loudoun once stood is now owned by a group called the French and Indian War Foundation. This is a non-profit organization. They work to protect and share the history of the French and Indian War.
What Was the French and Indian War?
The French and Indian War was a big conflict. It took place between 1754 and 1763. It was fought mainly between Great Britain and France. Both countries wanted control over land in North America. Native American tribes often allied with one side or the other. This war was a major event leading up to the American Revolutionary War.
George Washington's Role
George Washington was a key figure in the early days of the war. He was a young military officer for the British Colony of Virginia. His experience at Fort Loudoun helped him learn important leadership skills. These skills later became very useful during the American Revolution.
