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Fort Shirley
40.2969° N, -77.8747° E
About
Fort Shirley (initially known as Croghan's Fort) was a military fort located in present-day Shirleysburg, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1755 by George Croghan and later maintained by the Province of Pennsylvania during the French and Indian War. Fort Shirley was part of a defensive line of forts built in Pennsylvania during 1755 and 1756, at the start of hostilities with the French and their allied Native Americans. Although two French and Native American war parties were sent to capture it, Fort Shirley was never attacked. The fort served as the launching site for the Kittanning Expedition in September 1756, after which it was abandoned.
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history
Kittanning Expedition launched
8 September 1756
Evacuation ordered
15 October 1756
Historical marker placed
29 May 1926
Trading post established
1753
Government takeover
December 1755
Fortifications begun
September 1755
Renamed Fort Shirley
January 1756
Fort abandoned and destroyed
Late October 1756
Metal detector survey
2009
Major artifact assemblage recovered
2010-2012
Field school finds
2011
Foundation outline identified
2012
Later excavations
2013-2014
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Storage Structures
Defensive Structures
Military Installations
Miscellaneous Features
Industrial and Craft Structures
Agricultural and Land Use Features
Domestic and Habitation Structures
Environmental and Natural Features
Food Production and Processing Features
Transportation and Communication Structures
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit
Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information
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