Step back into the turbulent 18th century with Fort Cumberland, Lannie Dietle's masterful study of a fort that stood at the edge of empire and the dawn of America. Built in 1754 at the confluence of Wills Creek and the Potomac River, Fort Cumberland became the westernmost outpost of the British Empire in North America, and was a staging ground for campaigns that helped to shape the destiny of the continent. In this richly detailed two-volume work, Dietle traces the fort's construction, its role in 18th century warfare, and associated commercial and settlement activities.
Volume Overview:
What sets Fort Cumberland apart? It fills critical gaps in the history of Cumberland, revealing forgotten details like early roads, early commercial initiatives, settler massacres, George Washington's headquarters during the Whiskey Rebellion, and the vital supply role of the Turkey Foot Road during the Revolutionary War. Readers will also discover how the fort figured prominently in the early career of George Washington, served as General Braddock's headquarters, and became a symbol of frontier resilience.
This is more than military history — it is a sweeping narrative of exploration, conflict, and community. Dietle's incisive research illuminates the Allegheny region as a crossroads of cultures and ambitions. The result is a book that appeals equally to scholars, genealogists, and history enthusiasts eager to understand this early frontier stronghold.
Whether you are fascinated by the French and Indian War, intrigued by George Washington's formative experiences, or passionate about the roots of Cumberland, Maryland, Fort Cumberland offers a compelling, authoritative, and accessible journey into the past.
👉 Discover the fort that helped to set the stage for America's frontier story. Order your copy of Fort Cumberland today and uncover the missing chapters of America's past!
Available in print (two volumes) or a convenient single volume Kindle eBook that is readable on various devices using free apps. All proceeds support the Allegany County Historical Society.
