Ohio Land Company Established
The House of Burgesses grants one third of a million acres in the Ohio Valley to the Ohio Land Company. This land speculation company consisted of Northern Neck planters, including Lawrence Washington, George Washington’s older brother.
French Fort Building in the Ohio
The Marquis de Duquesne oversees the development of a series of French forts built in the Ohio at key strategic locations.
Dinwiddie orders Washington to deliver an ultimatum
Dinwiddie selects Washington as his emissary to the French forts. Washington leaves Williamsburg October 31, 1753
Washington hires Christopher Gist as a guide
Washington hired Christopher Gist, an experienced frontier surveyor, as a guide on his first expedition to the Ohio Country.
Washington reaches Fort LeBouef
Washington meets with Captain Jacques Legardeur de Saint-Pierre at Fort LeBouef and presents Dinwiddie’s letter ordering the French to leave the region.
Washington returns to Williamsburg, Virginia
Washington’s party leaves Fort LeBouef with St. Pierre’s response on December 16, 1753. St. Pierre says he will forward the letter to Duquesne. Washington and Gist embark on a dramatic journey back to Williamsburg.
Washington promoted to Lt. Colonel
Washington is promoted from major to Lt. Colonel and placed second in command. He is authorized to raise 200 men. His mission is to drive the French out of the Ohio Valley.
Surprise attack at Jumonville Glen
Washington and Tanacharison attack a party of French soldiers led by Joseph Coulon de Villiers, Sieur de Jumonville. The Indians kill the wounded including Jumonville. The surviving French claim to be on a diplomatic mission.
Washington Surrenders at Fort Necessity
At 11 a.m. the French forces surrounding Washington's position attack Fort Necessity under Captain Louis Coulon de Villiers, Jumonville’s older brother. By 8 pm the French offer terms. Washington and the other officers decide to surrender.
Braddock's March
Gen. Edward Braddock and a large force of British regulars set out from Alexandria, Virginia for the long march to Fort Duquesne. Washington volunteers as Braddock’s aide d’camp.
The Battle of the Monongahela
Braddocks' British forces, nearing their target of Fort Duquesne, are surprised and routed by a force of French and allied Native Americans. Braddock is mortally wounded. Washington steps in to help rally the remaining forces that subsequently retreat.
Washington is promoted to colonel
The Virginia House of Burgesses appropriates £50,000 for frontier defense. Washington is promoted to a full colonel and is authorized to recruit 1,500 men.
Gen. Forbes' British forces capture Fort Duquesne
The French blow up and abandon Fort Duquesne. British general John Forbes takes possession of the ground and begins building a new fort to be named Fort Pitt. Washington and his Virginians take part in the successful campaign.
Washington resigns his commission
Washington resigns his commission in Williamsburg and returns to Mount Vernon. On January 6, 1759 he marries Martha Dandridge Custis.