Historic Fort Loudoun

The French and Indian War pitted European colonial powers against one another for the control of North America. In the southern colony of South Carolina, the British government relied on Native allies as a buffer against the French. In 1756, South Carolina sent an expedition to the Overhill towns of the Cherokee to construct a fort to foster diplomatic relations. This party included member of the Independent Company of South Carolina, a provincial construction crew, and the various tradesmen necessary to supply a community. Completed in 1757, Fort Loudoun served as a diplomatic outpost to the Cherokee and military deterrent to the French. However, by 1759 the relationship between the Cherokee and colonial government soured, leading the Cherokee to besiege and capture the fort in 1760. The story of Fort Loudoun illustrates the nature of Cherokee/British relations during the 18th century.