Moorhead's Fort
Marker Text:
About 1781, Fergus Moorhead, pioneer settler, built a fort near the buildings about 200 yards south, to protect his family and neighbors from hostile Indians. It was the first permanent settlement in this vicinity.
In May, 1772, Fergus Moorhead, wife, 3 children, and others left Franklin County for "Indiana Country." He took tools, oxen, cows, sheep, hogs, and fowl. They took the military road from Cumberland to Fort Pitt. Four weeks later they came to the present Indiana area. Fergus had decided on this area while on an excursion into the vicinity in 1770. They then built their cabin and planted corn and potatoes. When that was done, two of his sons left to return to their prior home. There were lots of snakes, animals and Indians. He lived here until 1776.
Fergus helped his brother command a unit of militia at Kittanning. On their way back home, they were ambushed on "Blanket Hill." Fergus was taken prisoner. He was taken to Quebec by his captors and sold to the British and kept in confinement for 11 months. He was then exchanged and sent to New York with the Americans once again and then went back to Franklin County. The family later returned to their home in "Indiana Country" in 1781. This next sentences are taken directly from the text because of its importance, "The first thing that was accomplished was the erection of a fort or blockhouse near Moorhead's cabin (near the present site of the stone house), large enough to contain all the families and their effects. Here they remained at night and also during the ensuing winter, considering it unsafe to sleep in their cabins."
--------------------------
Directions
to the Moorhead's Fort Historic Marker
Start at Indiana Courthouse (On Philadelphia Street between 8th and 9th).
Travel West on Philadelphia Street for 1.3 miles. Sign is on the left side of the road. Located across from Liebs Appliances and on corner of Heritage Run and Philadelphia Street.
--------------------------
Return to Historic Markers Home Page