West Virginia’s Fort Pearsall, A French And Indian War Stockade Built In 1754, Has All But Disappeared

How far back does West Virginia's role in American history go? It's pretty clear that she played a significant role in the Civil War - that's when she became a state, after all. But did you know West Virginia's role goes all the way back to the war that predates the American Revolution?

The French and Indian War was fought from 1754 to 1763 as part of the larger Seven Years War to establish who had the right to lay claim to the new land of America: Britain or France. Obviously, Britain won.

And perched in what is now Indian Mound Cemetery in West Virginia was a fort built during this war: Fort Pearsall.

At least, historians think this is near where it was located. The actual fort has all but disappeared, lost to history.

Even the pile of rocks that used to rest at the base of the Fort Pearsall marker, which were rumored to be from the original Fort Pearsall structure, has disappeared.

Now all that's left is a sign that tells of the fort's place in the early days of the American nation. Established in 1753 as a stockaded cabin to protect settlers from hostile native tribes, the fort was appropriated and enlarged by the Virginia Colonial Militia in 1756 to house soldiers and guard a strategic route between George Washington's Headquarters at Winchester and Fort Cumberland in present day Maryland.

Next time you are in Romney with some time to spare, consider a visit to Indian Mound Cemetery to see the only remnant of the early American Fort Pearsall and learn a bit more about the war that paved the way for the American Revolution.

Did you know about West Virginia's role in the French and Indian War? What other little-known historical sites are located in your neck of the woods? If you'd like to see us feature your favorite, nominate it here. Another of our favorites from right here in West Virginia is the highest Union camp in the Civil War.