Was the chief point of communication between
Fort Pitt (now
Pittsburg) and
Fort Niagara.
It was on the site of
Erie, Pa., and in June, 1763, was garrisoned by twenty-four men. On the 20th it was attacked by
Indians, and, after defending it two days, the commander, paralyzed by terror, surrendered the post.
Several of the garrison were murdered, and the commander and a few others were carried to
Detroit.
Here was erected one of the chain of French forts in the wilderness which excited the alarm and jealousy of the
English colonists in
America and the government at home.
It was intended by the
French as an important entrepot of supplies for the interior forts.
