Fort Shirley was an important colonial era frontier site erected by George Croghan as a trading post but later reconfigured as a provincial fort in October of 1755 to facilitate trade and to protect English colonists against the aggressions of the French and their Native American allies. The archaeological remains of the fort lie somewhere in the agricultural fields north of the town of Shirleysburg, Pennsylvania; however, its exact location had remained a mystery. Local historical accounts differ from period land surveys and maps. Much more than just an outpost, the site was a hub of activity for travelers, traders, and emissaries of the commonwealth and Native Americans; therefore it is mentioned often in historic accounts. A few early attempts to locate the fort have been made in the past based from journals and manuscripts, but modern scientific techniques been never been applied towards this goal. Our current research demonstrates how archaeology may be used to complement and even correct the historic record, as confounding historical references collide with archaeological inquiry to locate the traces of the fort. The historical record can be a paradox for researchers as it is often proven that the past was not necessarily as it was recorded.
Now in the third year of excavation, three palisade walls have been unearthed and we are closing in on the exact location and dimensions of the fort. Stay tuned as we continue to work this summer.
Interested in reading more about Fort Shirley? Check our our PAST publication here. Also, be sure to check out the latest issue of Common Ground magazine for more about the most recent field season at Fort Shirley!