‘Pittsburgh’s Lost Outpost’ author to speak at Fort Ligonier

As part of Fort Ligonier’s six-part Speaker Series, author Jason Cherry will discuss his book, “Pittsburgh’s Lost Outpost: Captain Trent’s Fort,” in the fort’s history education center at 2 p.m. Feb. 16.

In 1754, before a young George Washington sets the world on fire in the glen, Ohio Company Factor and Indian Trader William Trent and his hired volunteers build an outpost at the Forks of the Ohio, according to a museum release.

That outpost lays the foundation for the Seven Year’s War conflict, as well as the early remnants of the city now known as Pittsburgh.

“I have re-enacted as a member of Captain William Trent’s Company for 30 years and it surprised me that for all of the avid history lovers I spoke to, most were unaware of William Trent’s role in building the first outpost for what we know is presently the city of Pittsburgh,” Cherry says in the release.

“After spending the last 10 years researching and uncovering new primary sources about William Trent and his outpost, I am excited to share my love for the history of this event and explain that the staging ground for the French and Indian War happened right here in the backyard of western Pennsylvania,” he adds.

Those events led to his choosing the book’s title, Cherry says, as it “was an overlooked moment in Pittsburgh’s history that played a pivotal role in shaping our nation.”

Additional speakers series dates include:

• Tea and Time Travel: Historic Connections in the UK, with Erica Nuckles, the fort’s director of history and collections, March 8

• Seven Years’ War Symposium: The Global Art of War, featuring top scholars on the French and Indian War from across the country and abroad, March 28-29

• Scott Stephenson, president and CEO, Museum of the American Revolution, April 24

• George Washington’s Friendly Fire Incident Commemoration, Nuckles, Nov. 12.

Cost for the Feb. 16 event is $15. Walk-ins welcome.

Details: 724-238-9701 or RSVP at cgross@fortligonier.org