1 – The Spark: The French & Indian War

Media Type

Audio

35 min 6 s

Season 1

RevolutionRevisited_S1E1_TheSpark_Transcript1.pdf340.38 KB

A skirmish in the backwoods of America set the world on fire.

In this inaugural episode of Revolution Revisited, host Maggie Creech, alongside experts Travis Henline and Michael Plumb, delves into the often overlooked French and Indian War, revealing its critical role in igniting the American Revolution.

Inside the Episode:

As conflicts between European powers Britain and France entangled indigenous nations and set the stage for the Declaration of Independence, notable figures like George Washington and indigenous leader Tanaghrisson emerge, highlighting their early contributions and ambitions. This episode explores key battles, alliances, and the contentious Proclamation Line of 1763, shedding light on the broader historical context that preceded America's fight for independence. Listeners will also discover items from the Virginia Museum of History & Culture's collection, including a letter Washington wrote to Governor Dinwiddie. Ultimately, the episode underscores the complex interplay of colonial ambitions, indigenous interests, and the evolving sense of American identity that emerged through the colonies' cooperation in the conflict.

Guests:

Michael Plumb: Vice President of Guest Engagement at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Plumb holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from Washington & Jefferson College and a Master of Arts in history from George Mason University. He has worked in the museum field for almost 15 years and was employed by George Washington’s Mount Vernon as Manager of Program Development and Digital Engagement before joining the VMHC in 2017.
Travis Henline: Curator of Indigenous History at the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation. Henline earned his MA in history from West Virginia University. He has spent a career in public history and museums, working for the National Park Service, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, and the WV Division of Culture and History. He currently serves as the Curator of Indigenous History and Culture for the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation in Williamsburg, VA.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Revolution Revisited
00:43 – The French and Indian War: Setting the Stage
04:00 – The Ohio River Valley: A Contested Territory
08:14 – George Washington's Early Military Exploits
14:37 – The First Skirmishes and Fort Necessity
21:46 – Indigenous Nations and Their Role
27:48 – The Treaty of Paris and Its Aftermath
29:19 – The Proclamation Line of 1763
33:17 – The Road to the American Revolution
33:55 – Conclusion and Credits

COLLECTION SPOTLIGHT:

The Celoron Plate, a small greyish brown rectangle with writing engraved into it.

VMHC Object Number 1849.1

Céloron Plate

This is the only intact example of the six plaques that French Captain Pierre Joseph Céloron de Blainville placed along tributaries of the Ohio River in 1749. By this act, France laid claim to the Ohio Valley. But the British had already claimed the region. In 1754, Virginia's governor sent soldiers—led by a 21-year-old George Washington—to confront the French in present-day western Pennsylvania. The skirmish that ensued helped spark a global conflict involving most European powers and their colonies. The Seven Years' War (1756-1763) ultimately expelled France from mainland North America.

VMHC Call Number Mss3 V8194 D6194 a 11

Letter, George Washington to Governor Dinwiddie, May 29, 1754

On May 29, 1754, Washington wrote a series of letters to both Governor Dinwiddie and his Commander Joshua Fry. In one letter to Governor Dinwiddie, Washington defends his opinions on the inadequacy and inequity of pay for militia officers. He also mentions that Tanacharison has told him of seeing a French scouting party in the vicinity. Washington found an encampment of approximately 36 men, which his forces attacked. Survivors claim they were on a peace mission, but evidence points to the contrary. In the skirmish Commander Joseph Coulon de Jumonville was killed.

VMHC Call Number Mss3 V8194 D6194 a 9

Letter, George Washington to Col. Joshua Fry, May 29, 1754

In this letter to his commander, George Washington asks Col. Fry to come reinforce his troops, as they expect a large detachment of French to attack momentarily following his skirmish where the French commander Ensign Joseph Coulon de Jumonville was killed.

1 – The Spark: The French & Indian War