Fort Ligonier

Fort Ligonier was the last fort built on Forbes Road, under military engineers Colonel James Burd and Captain Henry Gordon. It was named for Sir John Ligonier, an advisor to British Prime Minister William Pitt. Fort Ligonier was fifty miles from Fort Duquesne, at present-day Point State Park.

Though Fort Ligonier was not at the pivitol point of the Forks of the Ohio, it was located on the Loyalhanna Creek, between Laurel Hill and Chestnut Ridge, the highest elevations on Forbes Road. This fort was almost built at Ninemile Run, closer to Fort Duquesne. Forbes wanted this last post to be a retreat for troops and a winter safehold, if necessary.

Grant's disastrous defeat on September 14, convinced Forbes a fort at Ligonier was the right choice. Forbes had not authorized Grant's rendezvous, in which Grant himself was taken prisoner and a third of the force was killed.

Fort Ligonier was attacked by Indians on October 22, 1758 (though some sources say October 12), but the fort itself withstood the attack and the people inside were prepared.

This fort was also pivotal in Pontiac's War, serving as a base for Bouquet's army on the way to relieve Fort Pitt.

The Fort Ligonier marker was dedicated on Tuesday, December 10, 1946. It reads: "Built here in 1758 as a base of Forbes expedition. Under Col. James Burd withstood French and Indian attack, Oct. 22, 1758. Only small fort in West not taken in Pontiac’s War, 1763, it made possible Bouquet’s rescue of Fort Pitt."

The time has come once again for you to take a literal walk through history by visiting Fort Ligonier and its museum. Walk through the fort to experience life in the 1700s. Talk with museum staff and ask questions about specific buildings, and even see a preserved section of Forbes Road.