Gov. Dobbs on Hugh Waddell "every way qualified for such a command, as he is young, active and resolute."
Most Americans from elementary school on have at least been more or less introduced to the Vietnam War, World Wars 1 & 2, the American Civil War, the Mexican-American conflict and earlier Revolution. The French and Indian War, in its way, was just as important to the country, for if the French had won that war, those of us east of the Appalachians may be the only English speakers within a small number of states and/or nation, if those.
There are only about a dozen or so sites in the U.S. park service dedicated to this most important mid-1700s engagement that was in its wider implications called The Seven Years' War in some parts of the world. The contest lasted from 1754 to 1763. This article on the Once Upon a History pages of the Carolinian's Archives will largely concentrate on Fort Dobbs history during this conflict and its present reenactors just north of the city of Statesville in the western Piedmont region of NC. It is a very interesting and mostly neglected history.
There are only about a dozen or so sites in the U.S. park service dedicated to this most important mid-1700s engagement that was in its wider implications called The Seven Years' War in some parts of the world. The contest lasted from 1754 to 1763. This article on the Once Upon a History pages of the Carolinian's Archives will largely concentrate on Fort Dobbs history during this conflict and its present reenactors just north of the city of Statesville in the western Piedmont region of NC. It is a very interesting and mostly neglected history.
For those readers unfamiliar with the French and Indian War, or, as said, the Seven Years' War in Europe and elsewhere, we'll start out with why it came about and its connection to Fort Dobbs. Now, when some of us think of American forts, the Wild West often comes to mind. But in the mid-18th century that frontier was in the backcountry of the Atlantic Eastern Seaboard, which included the fort's area of North Carolina here.
The war began in 1754 between Great Britain and France for several reasons, with one being who was going to be boss past the Appalachians in America, to put it succinctly. Spain came on to France's side in 1761, but much too late to affect any difference. After the peace treaty of 1763 that saw a British victory, the English Crown tried to do its best to honor the dividing line between the Indian and settler partition, which was basically through the middle of the Eastern-most mountains; but this proved a very difficult boundary for them to enforce effectively.
The war began in 1754 between Great Britain and France for several reasons, with one being who was going to be boss past the Appalachians in America, to put it succinctly. Spain came on to France's side in 1761, but much too late to affect any difference. After the peace treaty of 1763 that saw a British victory, the English Crown tried to do its best to honor the dividing line between the Indian and settler partition, which was basically through the middle of the Eastern-most mountains; but this proved a very difficult boundary for them to enforce effectively.
Replica of fort inside museum
THE BEGINNIGS AND CAUSES OF THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR IN NC
This article won't go through a lot about this international war unless it is more relevant to Fort Dobbs. And believe me, there is more than enough there at that park to keep one interested and informed. North Carolina's royal authorities didn't really start to get too worried until after Braddock's Defeat in Pennsylvania in 1755. He made a major error by dividing his force some ways from his objective of French held Fort Pitt (Pittsburgh today). Close to the fort, his part of the army was ambushed mostly by French-Canadians and their native allies. It was a debacle with Braddock killed and with future president George Washington somehow miraculously surviving the horrid ambush, despite his uniform being absolutely riddled by musket balls.
It wasn't long after this that there was enough concern to start building stockades on the western front to protect against French regulars, their allies, and, increasingly, Cherokee warriors. The trouble with the latter tribe, was that despite a long-standing peace treaty between the two countries of the Cherokee confederation of villages
and Britain, power plays over goods to the tribes between France and England, and settler intrusions onto their hunting grounds, had started to rankle the tribe.
And then came problems with tragic consequences: Cherokee fighters returning from the north in service to the Brits against the French in 1757 and 1758, took the opportunity while passing through the southern mountains of Appalachia in Virginia, to appropriate to their tired and hungry selves some German backwoodsmens' cattle and horses. The settlers retaliated at times by slaying several dozen of these Native Americans. Who, by the way, were highly dissatisfied with their treatment while in action in the north, with its deficit of booty and bounties promised them by the English.
This was about the time several forts were constructed in the backcountry and coast of the Carolinas. Fort Dobbs being one of those begun in 1756 on the frontier line in N.C.. Below are special constructions made by the man who made the model fort which is inside the museum. He also kindly gave us permission to go into a locked building at the parking area and take photos of his other painstakingly built replica of Ft. Dobbs, where it opens up and folks can look inside. Some local school groups are shown this model fort too on occasion.
It wasn't long after this that there was enough concern to start building stockades on the western front to protect against French regulars, their allies, and, increasingly, Cherokee warriors. The trouble with the latter tribe, was that despite a long-standing peace treaty between the two countries of the Cherokee confederation of villages
and Britain, power plays over goods to the tribes between France and England, and settler intrusions onto their hunting grounds, had started to rankle the tribe.
And then came problems with tragic consequences: Cherokee fighters returning from the north in service to the Brits against the French in 1757 and 1758, took the opportunity while passing through the southern mountains of Appalachia in Virginia, to appropriate to their tired and hungry selves some German backwoodsmens' cattle and horses. The settlers retaliated at times by slaying several dozen of these Native Americans. Who, by the way, were highly dissatisfied with their treatment while in action in the north, with its deficit of booty and bounties promised them by the English.
This was about the time several forts were constructed in the backcountry and coast of the Carolinas. Fort Dobbs being one of those begun in 1756 on the frontier line in N.C.. Below are special constructions made by the man who made the model fort which is inside the museum. He also kindly gave us permission to go into a locked building at the parking area and take photos of his other painstakingly built replica of Ft. Dobbs, where it opens up and folks can look inside. Some local school groups are shown this model fort too on occasion.
Oft produced painting of NC militia outside the completed fort
reenactor outside re-constructed soldier' barracks THE STORY OF FORT DOBBS
There are only 13 historic places in America dedicated to the French and Indian War. North Carolina has one of those in the state historic site of Fort Dobbs. The dearth of these spots is sad due to the fact that the conflict was a global one for empire, primarily between Great Britain and France. The historic site is just north of Statesville off I-40 and is well worth visiting, especially on reenactor days, despite the situation that it has yet to have a reconstructed fort built because of the lack of funds to do so; but the perimeters of the former structure are clearly visible thanks to archeological work.
The war had been raging many years before it become of serious concern to the frontier people of the Carolinas. In 1756, the governor of the province, Dobbs, and his commander of the frontier units, Colonel Hugh Waddell, ordered several forts built in the state to protect settlers and friendly Native Americans from attacks and allow militia forces a place to stay, patrol, and defend their areas of influence.
After Braddock's defeat, the NC militia, which hadn't participated due to the General dividing his forces, retired to Fort Cumberland in Maryland with their numbers well below 200 now. In 1758 the garrison's company was decreased to about a hundred men. Hard currency was scare to come by in North Carolina at the time, for one thing, and the state's soldiers, thin and ill-clothed, were often the butt of jokes and pity by the soldiers of the northward parts of America. By the way, the soldier in the far left pic had many different kinds of muskets and picked just the right one to pose in for the correct era the war was in. That's dedication in reenacting for sure.
There are only 13 historic places in America dedicated to the French and Indian War. North Carolina has one of those in the state historic site of Fort Dobbs. The dearth of these spots is sad due to the fact that the conflict was a global one for empire, primarily between Great Britain and France. The historic site is just north of Statesville off I-40 and is well worth visiting, especially on reenactor days, despite the situation that it has yet to have a reconstructed fort built because of the lack of funds to do so; but the perimeters of the former structure are clearly visible thanks to archeological work.
The war had been raging many years before it become of serious concern to the frontier people of the Carolinas. In 1756, the governor of the province, Dobbs, and his commander of the frontier units, Colonel Hugh Waddell, ordered several forts built in the state to protect settlers and friendly Native Americans from attacks and allow militia forces a place to stay, patrol, and defend their areas of influence.
After Braddock's defeat, the NC militia, which hadn't participated due to the General dividing his forces, retired to Fort Cumberland in Maryland with their numbers well below 200 now. In 1758 the garrison's company was decreased to about a hundred men. Hard currency was scare to come by in North Carolina at the time, for one thing, and the state's soldiers, thin and ill-clothed, were often the butt of jokes and pity by the soldiers of the northward parts of America. By the way, the soldier in the far left pic had many different kinds of muskets and picked just the right one to pose in for the correct era the war was in. That's dedication in reenacting for sure.
THE ANGLO-CHEROKEE WAR IN NORTH CAROLINA
Fort Dobbs Wiki Commons As the attacks really started in earnest, they were devastating, especially in South Carolina. Most pioneers that could fled east or holed up in places like Dobbs and smaller stockades, if they could be reached in time. Many whites were killed or taken away by Overhill warriors that ranged into N.C. Two particular areas this happened at were cabins and farms on the Yadkin and Catawba rivers.
The Catawba Indians themselves sided with the frontier folk but had just been hit by a smallpox epidemic that reduced their numbers by more than half. Still, the warriors from the tribe did important fighting and service. They have their own 15 square mile land just below Charlotte in SC and have long been an integral part of the community thereabouts.
The Catawba Indians themselves sided with the frontier folk but had just been hit by a smallpox epidemic that reduced their numbers by more than half. Still, the warriors from the tribe did important fighting and service. They have their own 15 square mile land just below Charlotte in SC and have long been an integral part of the community thereabouts.
REENACTOR DAY
Riding down I-40 this past April of 2015 on a Saturday afternoon, we came to Statesville (about 50 miles above Charlotte) and saw the sign for historic Fort Dobbs. To our delight it was a reenactor day, unfortunately, without the Native American reenactors who participate in the reenactments on occasion.
Nevertheless we had an enjoyable time seeing the place, its museum, and talking with the reenactors who were there. Some were even going to stay overnight in the soldiers' barracks. Below are gallery's of them including a pivot cannon upon which a demonstration was given to all the curious visitors standing around.
Nevertheless we had an enjoyable time seeing the place, its museum, and talking with the reenactors who were there. Some were even going to stay overnight in the soldiers' barracks. Below are gallery's of them including a pivot cannon upon which a demonstration was given to all the curious visitors standing around.
Above are the cannon, well, and part of the fort's archaeologically excavated perimeter. No reconstructed fort yet but there may be plans to build one someday. The site mostly runs on donations and sponsorship with a little help from the state ( basically enough to turn on the lights according to one unnamed source). Which is a bit of a shame, really, considering the historical importance to North Carolina and the underrepresented French and Indian War in the U.S as a whole..
As a final interesting fact about the fort, early in 1760 the place was attacked by a Cherokee war band. Moderate casualties erupted between both sides - with the Cherokee incurring far more fatalities and wounds. It began one night when the garrison was alerted to something in the woods by their dogs barking. Hugh Waddell then took a group of men outside a-ways to investigate. They were ambushed, returned fire, and then retreated back
to the fort. They suffered several casualties, including one lad that almost made it into the fort but was caught and scalped near the well.
Thus began the Cherokee's attack and siege. As too strong a fortress, however, the warriors later went on to other targets. Bethabara (part of old Salem, Winston-Salem in total now) was only spared a major assault because of its ringing church bells and chimes. For some particular reason this dissuaded the Cherokee fighters from attacking the Moravian settlement.
Fort Dobbs is a great place to visit and well worth the time. There is the building open to visitors that holds many interesting things and is overseen by the knowledgeable and friendly Mike Lampart. Mike also made the fort replicas in the museum and locked building. The Author would also like to thank the helpful historic site manager Scott Douglas, and all the reenactors, including Patrick the soldier and Tim the Anglican minister.
Here are some pictures from the day with a man and his children, the cannon going-off, an attractive pioneer Lass or Frau with her family and dog, and, as just mentioned, there are a good many interesting items and artifacts to look at inside the museum. In addition there is also a short but very nice walking trail at the site.
For more detailed info concerning the place here is an official link:http://www.fortdobbs.org/
As a final interesting fact about the fort, early in 1760 the place was attacked by a Cherokee war band. Moderate casualties erupted between both sides - with the Cherokee incurring far more fatalities and wounds. It began one night when the garrison was alerted to something in the woods by their dogs barking. Hugh Waddell then took a group of men outside a-ways to investigate. They were ambushed, returned fire, and then retreated back
to the fort. They suffered several casualties, including one lad that almost made it into the fort but was caught and scalped near the well.
Thus began the Cherokee's attack and siege. As too strong a fortress, however, the warriors later went on to other targets. Bethabara (part of old Salem, Winston-Salem in total now) was only spared a major assault because of its ringing church bells and chimes. For some particular reason this dissuaded the Cherokee fighters from attacking the Moravian settlement.
Fort Dobbs is a great place to visit and well worth the time. There is the building open to visitors that holds many interesting things and is overseen by the knowledgeable and friendly Mike Lampart. Mike also made the fort replicas in the museum and locked building. The Author would also like to thank the helpful historic site manager Scott Douglas, and all the reenactors, including Patrick the soldier and Tim the Anglican minister.
Here are some pictures from the day with a man and his children, the cannon going-off, an attractive pioneer Lass or Frau with her family and dog, and, as just mentioned, there are a good many interesting items and artifacts to look at inside the museum. In addition there is also a short but very nice walking trail at the site.
For more detailed info concerning the place here is an official link:http://www.fortdobbs.org/
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