PA Historic Places

Exploring the Fort Loudoun Historic Site in Franklin County

Exploring Fort Loudoun in Franklin County Pennsylvania.

If you’re looking for information about visiting the Fort Loudoun Historic Site in Franklin County, you’re in the right place!

View along a rugged wooden palisade at Fort Loudoun in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Behind the fence are historical wooden structures, visitors in colonial attire, and a mist-covered mountain in the distance under a cloudy sky. — View along a rugged wooden palisade at Fort Loudoun.

The 207-acre Fort Loudoun Historic Site is home to a modern reproduction of a fort originally built on the same site in 1756, during the French and Indian War.

View of the historic Fort Loudoun in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, featuring a wooden palisade, log buildings, a central flagpole, and a gravel path leading towards the entrance, with overcast skies above and lush greenery in the distance. — Fort Loudoun in the summer of 2021.

In addition to the rebuilt fort (dedicated in June 1993), the site also features a Visitor Center and museum, located in the James Patton House (built in 1780).

Rustic sign reading 'Visitor Center' on the grounds of Fort Loudoun in Franklin County Pennsylvania, with an American flag flying above it, set against the backdrop of a yellow two-story building, wooden fences, and lush green fields under a cloudy sky. — The Visitor Center is located in the James Patton House, built in 1780.

The grounds of the historic site are open daily from dawn until dusk; the interior of the fort and Visitor Center are open during special events held throughout the year (more on that at the end of this article).

Wooden signpost at the Fort Loudoun State Historic Site in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, displaying rules and information such as 'Area Closed After Dark', 'Metal Detecting Strictly Prohibited', and 'Hunting By Permission Only', along with an address and a separate sign instructing that all pets must be on a leash and cleaned up after. — Some of the rules and regulations at Fort Loudoun State Historic Site.

Fort Loudoun Historic Site is located just off of Route 30 in Franklin County at 1720 Brooklyn Rd N, Fort Loudon, PA 17224.

Look for this boldly-painted entrance sign along Route 30 as a landmark.

Signage for 'Historic Fort Loudoun' dated 1756, displayed on a wooden plaque with gold lettering, mounted between stone pillars, set against a backdrop of green grass and trees. — Signage for ‘Historic Fort Loudoun’ along Route 30.

A Brief History of PA’s Fort Loudoun

The original Fort Loudoun in Pennsylvania was erected in 1756 during the French and Indian War, where it served as a crucial British stronghold along Forbes Road during General John Forbes’ campaign to drive the French out of Fort Duquesne (now Pittsburgh).

Historical information panel titled 'War on the Conococheague and the building of Fort Loudoun' with detailed text on events related to General Edward Braddock's defeat, the Battle of Monongahela, and the significance of Fort Loudoun. The panel features illustrations of key figures, a fort, and settlers, alongside an excerpt on the fort's establishment and its relevance during Pontiac's Rebellion in 1763. — Historical information panel on display at Fort Loudoun.

The fort was named after John Campbell, the fourth Earl of Loudoun, who became Commander of British forces in North America in July 1756.

Historical marker for 'Fort Loudoun' detailing its construction in 1756 and key events. The plaque is mounted on a post beside a road, with an emblem at the top and information about the Pennsylvania State Society and Daughters of the American Colonists. In the background, there's a road, trees, and a cloudy sky. — Historical marker for ‘Fort Loudoun’ detailing its construction in 1756 and key events.

There were at least two other Fort Loudouns built in this time period – one in Virginia and one in Tennessee.

Ornate gold-framed portrait of John Campbell, 4th Earl of Loudoun (1705-1782), displayed against a rustic white wall. The man in the portrait wears a red military coat with decorative buttons and white ruffled shirt. Beneath the painting, a placard reads 'John Campbell, 4th Earl of Loudoun (1705-1782) Commander-in-Chief of British Forces in North America, 1756-1757. There were forts named after Lord Loudoun located in Pennsylvania, Virginia, & Tennessee.' Displayed at Fort Loudoun in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. — Portrait of John Campbell, 4th Earl of Loudoun (1705-1782) and namesake of the fort.

Pennsylvania’s Fort Loudoun served as a stopping-off point for both men and supplies going westward during the French and Indian War (1754–1763) as well as the subsequent Native American uprising known as Pontiac’s Rebellion (1763-1765).

Informational display titled 'Fort Loudoun the Supply Depot' detailing the history of the fort as a supply depot in 1757. The text describes logistics and supply methods of the era. Accompanying the text are two illustrations: one of a horse-drawn cart and another of a historic map labeled 'Nichols Scull Map 1759, Library of Congress'. Display set against a rustic wooden background at Fort Loudoun in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. — Informational display detailing the history of the fort as a supply depot in 1757.

Fort Loudoun and the Black Boys Rebellion

One of the most interesting chapters in Fort Loudoun’s 9-year history occurred during the final year of its existence.

Entrance view of Fort Loudoun in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, with a wooden barrier in the foreground, rustic wooden structures and palisades in the background, set against lush greenery and a cloudy sky. — Entrance view of Fort Loudoun in August 2021.

It was in 1765 that the fort played a central role in the Black Boys Rebellion (AKA the Allegheny Uprising), a 9-month armed uprising between citizens of the Colony of Pennsylvania and the British Army.

Granite monument with a bronze plaque that reads 'Dedicated to James Smith's Rangers. Known as the Black Boys of 1765, they protected our local settlers of the Conococheague against the Indian attacks. This monument erected by the Fort Loudon Men of the Mountain Club 2006.' — Monument dedicated to James Smith’s Rangers.

This rebellion was led by James Smith, a notable local figure and frontiersman who as a teenager had been captured by Native Americans and forced to live amongst them for 5 years, before escaping in 1760.

Ornate gold-framed portrait of James Smith (1757-1813) displayed at Fort Loudoun, Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Smith is depicted as an older man with white hair, wearing an 18th-century coat with a fur collar. Below the portrait, an informational plaque describes his significance: 'Leader of the "Black Boys" 1765-1766, Indian Captive 1755-1760. Organized the "Black Boys", defended the valley from attacks during Pontiac's War, and led the "Black Boys Rebellion".' The text further highlights Smith's leadership at Fort Loudoun and his role in early acts of rebellion that led to the American War of Independence. — Portrait of James Smith, leader of the “Black Boys Rebellion”.

Smith and other local citizens were angered by the “unofficial” British policy of looking the other way and allowing politically-connected merchants to sell items such as guns, gunpowder, lead, hatchets and knives to Native Americans , supplies that could be used against settlers, and a practice that was officially forbidden by provincial law.

Interior of a museum room at Fort Loudoun in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. The room features a display case filled with historical artifacts such as weapons, tools, and a model of a fort. On the walls, there are framed paintings, one of a Native American man in traditional attire and another of a serene landscape with a flying bird. Multiple informative placards are affixed to the walls, detailing the history and significance of the items and personalities associated with the fort. An old-fashioned wooden chair and a wooden pole lean against the left wall. — A display case filled with historical artifacts at the Visitor Center.

Disillusioned by this injustice, Smith and his band of colonists, known as the “Black Boys” (because they their blackened faces with charcoal for disguise) intercepted and destroyed a convoy carrying these “war-like goods” that they believed would end up in Native American hands.

Vintage movie poster titled 'Allegheny Uprising' featuring actors Claire Trevor and John Wayne, displayed alongside a sign reading 'A Soldier's Life', historical artifacts, wooden crates, and barrels in an exhibit at Fort Loudoun in Franklin County, Pennsylvania — The ‘Allegheny Uprising’ was the subject of a 1939 film featuring actors Claire Trevor and John Wayne.

Months of tension and violence followed, reaching its zenith at Fort Loudoun that November, where Smith and his men engaged in a 2-day armed siege of the British troops inside the fort.

Welcome to Fort Loudoun sign.

Ultimately, the outmanned and outgunned British troops inside the fort were allowed to leave, withdrawing to Fort Bedford.

Fort Bedford Museum in downtown Bedford Pennsylvania. — Fort Bedford along the original Forbes Road in downtown Bedford, PA.

Some historians credit that siege with being the first act of rebellion in what would become the American Revolution.

Informational display titled 'Legacy of Fort Loudoun & the Black Boys Rebellion'. The left side, under 'Timing is Everything', describes a hypothetical situation involving Ensign Herring and his highlanders arriving at Fort Loudoun and the possible consequences that could have unfolded. The right side touches on the first acts of rebellion against British Troops, emphasizing the significant role Pennsylvania played, and mentions James Smith's contribution to the Pennsylvania Constitution in 1776. The board provides historical context about the events leading up to the American Revolution. Displayed at Fort Loudoun in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. — Historical context about Fort Loudoun’s role in the events leading up to the American Revolution.

Fort Loudoun Historic Site Today

Today, the meticulously reconstructed fort offers visitors an authentic glimpse into 18th-century military life.

Rustic wooden buildings and elevated platforms inside Fort Loudoun in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Visitors in period clothing explore the fort, with a misty mountain backdrop and a cloudy sky overhead — The view from a bastion inside Fort Loudoun on a misty June afternoon.

Entering through its gates is like stepping into a different epoch, where you can feel a tangible connection to the dramatic events that unfolded here more than 250 years ago.

Guard dressed in historical colonial attire, with a green coat and tricorn hat, holding a long musket, standing at the entrance to Fort Loudoun in Franklin County, Pennsylvania — Guard at the entrance to the fort.

Events like the annual Fort Loudoun Market Fair offer a deep-dive into what life was like for soldiers and citizens alike during this colonial period in American history.

Entrance to the Fort Loudoun Market Fair in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, marked by a wooden barricade displaying banners thanking sponsors and welcoming visitors, with white canvas tents set up in the background on a cloudy day. — Entrance to the Fort Loudoun Market Fair.

During special events like this, reenactors breathe life into history through demonstrations of everyday skills and trades of that time period.

Reenactor in colonial attire tending to a campfire and cooking pot under a canvas tent, surrounded by historical cooking utensils and wooden crates, at Fort Loudoun in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. — Reenactor in colonial attire tending to a campfire and cooking pot outside the fort’s walls.

During my most recent visit, I had the chance to witness a blacksmithing demonstration, which was both educational and entertaining.

A man in period attire works at the forge inside Fort Loudoun in Franklin County Pennsylvania. — A man in period attire works at the forge inside the fort.

The passion and knowledge of the reenactors is commendable, making history accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages.

Reenactor in 18th-century attire conversing with two young visitors near a guard shack at Fort Loudoun.

One of the highlights of my visit was exploring the reconstructed soldiers’ barracks.

Log cabin with a shingled roof and adjacent wooden structures inside Fort Loudoun, Franklin County, Pennsylvania, with a grassy foreground and a person in the distance. — Soldier barracks.

The attention to detail in the restoration work allows you to visualize the daily lives of the soldiers stationed here.

Interior view of a barracks room at Fort Loudoun in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Features wooden bunk beds with white linens, rustic lanterns placed on a plank floor, and a chandelier-style lamp hanging from the ceiling. — Interior view of the soldiers’ barracks.

The site’s serene setting also makes it a perfect spot for a peaceful stroll.

Stone-built storage shed with a wooden roof, situated by the edge of a tranquil stream surrounded by dense greenery and trees, at Fort Loudoun in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. — Scene along Conococheague Creek behind the fort.

Numerous hiking trails crisscross the property, and the Conococheague Creek flows through the historic site and behind the fort.

Rustic wooden signpost at Fort Loudoun in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, bearing the text 'Co-no-co-cheague,' with a subtext reading 'Indeed a long way.' The sign is surrounded by lush green foliage and dense trees in the background. — Name of the creek passing behind Fort Loudoun, and its Native American meaning.

Final Thoughts

For anyone interested in colonial or military history, Fort Loudoun is a must-visit.

Reconstructed wooden fortifications and buildings of Fort Loudoun in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, with people dressed in period clothing gathering and interacting, set against a backdrop of lush trees on an overcast day. — Fort Loudoun on an overcast June afternoon.

It’s a great destination for families, offering a unique educational experience that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Three musicians dressed in colonial-era attire performing at Fort Loudoun in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. They are seated under a canopy, playing traditional instruments: a lute, a violin, and a hammered dulcimer. A sign in front of them reads '1760, Forbes Road Folke: Music & Entertainment!'. — Three musicians dressed in colonial-era attire playing traditional instruments.

You can check out the fort’s upcoming special events on the historic site’s OFFICIAL WEBSITE.

Market Days event at Fort Loudoun in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, featuring people in period costumes interacting amidst white canvas tents set up on a grassy field, with misty mountains and an American flag in the background — Market Days vendors at Fort Loudon.

The fort is more than a historical site; it’s a portal to understanding the tenacity and resilience of those who came before us.

Reenactor in period attire firing a cannon at Fort Loudoun, Franklin County, Pennsylvania, with fellow reenactors and smoke in the background. — Reenactor in period attire firing a cannon at Fort Loudoun.

For those looking to connect with history in a meaningful way, a visit to Fort Loudoun Historic Site in Franklin County is an unforgettable journey through time.

Man in period clothing playing a fiddle while seated at a wooden table displaying various historical artifacts, including a metal container and bell, amidst tents at Fort Loudoun in Franklin County, Pennsylvania — Musician at Fort Loudoun.

Nearby Attractions

10 Must-See Attractions in Franklin County is your guide to even more great things to see and do near the Fort Loudoun Historic Site.

The best things to do in Franklin County Pennslvania. — Scenes from Franklin County, PA.

Fort Ligonier in Westmoreland County is a historically accurate reproduction of a British fort originally constructed in 1758 during the French and Indian War.

The museum at Fort Ligonier contains one of the most complete collections of French and Indian War artifacts in existence, many excavated from the ruins of the original Fort Ligonier itself.

Weaponry on display inside Fort Ligonier museum.

The Fort Bedford Museum in Bedford County interprets the history of another French and Indian War-era fort along Forbes Road in western PA.

Entrance to the Fort Bedford Museum in downtown Bedford Pennsylvania. — Entrance to the Fort Bedford Museum in downtown Bedford, Pennsylvania.

Bushy Run Battlefield Park in Westmoreland County is the only historic site in PA that deals exclusively with Pontiac’s War (which Fort Loudoun played a role in).

Exploring Bushy Run Battlefield in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania. — Scenes from Bushy Run Battlefield Park and museum.

The Fort Pitt Museum at Point State Park is housed in a recreated bastion of Fort Pitt, the original having been built in 1758 by the British.

The Fort Pitt Museum at Point State Park is housed in a recreated bastion of Fort Pitt, originally built in 1758 by the British. — The Fort Pitt Museum is housed in a recreated bastion of Fort Pitt, originally built in 1758 by the British.

The primary focus of the Fort Pitt Museum is explaining the role that the fort played during the French and Indian War.

The primary focus of the Fort Pitt Museum at Point State Park is explaining the role that the fort played during the French and Indian War. — The primary focus of the Fort Pitt Museum is explaining the role that the fort played during the French and Indian War.

Fort Necessity in Fayette County is the site of the first battle in the French and Indian War, a global struggle for empire between the two superpowers of that time, France and England.

The modern-day replica of Fort Necessity at the National Battlefield in Fayette County PA — Fort Necessity in Fayette County.

Like the abovementioned historic sites, Fort Necessity is home to both a reproduction of the original fort, as well as an excellent museum.

Interpretive display inside the Fort Necessity museum.

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