Fort Duquesne Travel Guide

Fort Duquesne, originally established by the French in 1754, stands as a testament to Pittsburgh's pivotal role in the French and Indian War. Situated at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers, where they form the Ohio River, its location was key to controlling the Ohio Country for settlement and trade.The French constructed Fort Duquesne to solidify their control over the Ohio Valley and protect their trade routes and alliances with Native American tribes. The British, recognizing the fort's strategic importance, made several attempts to capture it. In 1755, General Edward Braddock's expedition failed disastrously. However, in 1758, General John Forbes led a successful campaign, leading the French to destroy and abandon the fort.The British then built Fort Pitt on the same site between 1759 and 1761. Today, Point State Park marks the location of both Fort Duquesne and Fort Pitt, with brick outlines indicating the forts' former walls. Visitors can explore the park, enjoy scenic river views, and visit the Fort Pitt Museum to delve deeper into the area's history.