![]() The French and Indian War is a sprawling history that equally sprawled across the globe with battles lighting-up countries and continents. Putting together the history of Donald Munro's service during this war has been a puzzle, with so many individual primary sources being like pieces scattered across a folding card table. However, using the historical thread of Donald Munro service in Montgomery's 77th Highland Regiment has been an indispensable guide in this research labyrinth. One unexpected outcome in constructing this narrative is that it creates a current foot tour of places and people he encountered. One gets to walk in his footsteps. Here are two historic paths that holds resonance. PHILADELPHIA, PA: The 77th's first campaign came in 1758 where they sailed from Charles Town, South Carolina to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The target was Fort Duquesne on the western edge of the Provence. When the 77th arrived in Philadelphia, the spires of Christ Church and its newly constructed State House, known today as Independence Hall, dominated the skyline. Both can be visited today. At Christ Church, British Brigadier General John Forbes (1707-1759) is interred in its chancel. Despite being terminally ill, Forbes oversaw the capture of Fort Duquesne to its success. LIGONIER (FORT LIGONIER), PA: Fort Ligonier is one of a handful of Pennsylvania historical sites that connects to the 77th and Forbes' campaign to capture Fort Duquesne. Forbes, in his westward push, constructed a new road and temporary forts (redoubts) that are still identified today by historical markers. Fort Ligonier was constructed as the most westward base. The 77th was posted here and also served as a haven for the companies that were routed in a failed attack on Duquesne led by Major James Grant. Today, Fort Ligonier is an active historical site with a reconstructed fort and museum.
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John A. StempienJohn A. Stempien maintains the blog and website, Family Munro and is the co-editor of The Liberty Hyde Bailey Gardener's Companion. He lives in west Michigan with his family. Archives
June 2024
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