Fort Ligonier program looks at Gen. John Forbes’ place in history
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Fort Ligonier will commemorate the anniversary of the death of Gen. John Forbes with a special program at 6:30 p.m. Friday in the Center for History Education at the historical complex at routes 30 and 711 in Ligonier.
“This new event is meant to shine some light on the man who is often forgotten in our history books when it comes to the French and Indian War,” said Matt Gault, the fort’s director of education, who will speak.
Forbes died at age 51 on March 11, 1759. The previous fall, Forbes led the final British expedition to capture Fort Duquesne with about 6,000 men under his command, including George Washington.
“The campaign Fort Ligonier, and the creation of Pittsburgh, wouldn’t have happened without General Forbes who is often overshadowed by other military leaders, such as George Washington,” Gault said.
Circumstances conspired to relegate Forbes to a lesser place in history, compared to his contemporaries, Gault said.
“His premature death in 1759, only months after his greatest accomplishment, has led many to forget him on the grand stage of history,” he added. “In Western Pennsylvania, he is remembered only briefly when those walking through Oakland look up to see the avenue that bears his name.”
Gault’s remarks will cover Forbes’ family, early life and what shaped him as an 18th-century leader who raised and supplied an army and built a road and fortifications across the rugged Pennsylvania wilderness to capture the French fort at the Forks of the Ohio River.
“Gen. John Forbes tends to be remembered in the naming of streets or buildings, but his accomplishments played such a critical role in the creation of Pittsburgh and this period in history,” Gault said. “His life – even before making his way to Pennsylvania – was filled with navigating financial difficulties, the inner workings of the military and war. The campaign he orchestrated through the backwoods and difficult terrain of western Pennsylvania could have been met with devastation at any turn.
“Forbes’ logistical genius established the road that would bear his name and effectively took Fort Duquesne from the French, which would lead to the establishment of Pittsburgh.”
Following the lecture, historical interpreters Wade Stoner of Ligonier and Bill Koker of Greensburg will recreate elements of Forbes’ funeral service. That portion of the program will include a memorial procession, the reading of Forbes’ obituary and other readings from 1759.
Richard Horne of Latrobe will supply bagpipe music.
A reception with light refreshments will follow. Attendees will be encouraged to take note of the stained glass window depicting Forbes installed above the entrance to the education center. The window was created by Mandy Sirofchuck, co-owner of Main Exhibit Gallery in Ligonier, and installed for the center’s opening in spring 2017.
Fee is $25, or $20 for fort members. To register, call 724-238-9701 or visit fortligonier.org.