Secret Battlefield Linked to Young George Washington Unearthed in Pennsylvania After Centuries of Mystery
Around 13 men were killed, and dozens more were wounded, but the friendly fire incident was swiftly forgotten. It was, however, historically significant. It led to the capture of several French troops, who in turn revealed the weakness of nearby Fort Duquesne, allowing the British to overtake it. Washington also resigned shortly thereafter. He would not take up arms again until he fought against the British in the American Revolution.
As such, the friendly fire site near Fort Ligonier is a small but significant piece in the larger history of George Washington, the Revolutionary War, and the United States. Had Washington ridden his horse slightly differently on that night, he may have lost his own life to friendly fire — and never gone on to lead the young United States to military victory.
After reading about the discovery of the site of a friendly fire incident from early in George Washington’s military career, go inside the disturbing history behind Washington’s teeth. Or, see why George Washington’s death still mystifies historians to this day.
