Fort Roberdeau, the “Lead Mine Fort,” as it was called in the 18th century, was built during the spring and summer of 1778. The Fort was built to protect settlers in the region as well as the newly founded lead mining operation. General Daniel Roberdeau, who financed and directed the work, was a wealthy merchant, a member of Congress, and a Brigadier General elected by the Associators of Philadelphia. He arrived in late April with the intention of establishing a lead smelting operation and constructing a stockade.
Unlike many frontier forts built of logs placed vertically, this one was constructed using horizontal logs. The limestone of the valley is so close to the surface that it prevented the normal procedure of digging the post holes for the vertical logs and then backfilling around the logs.
The Fort was only in operation for a few years. Once France entered the war our lead supply problems were greatly answered. Locals continued to use the Fort for protection after the lead mining operations ceased.
The Fort Roberdeau Association is a not-for-profit organization that helps to support the activities at Fort Roberdeau. The Association has a two fold mission to:
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Preserve the site of the original 1778 fort and
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To educate the public about the history of the fort and the surrounding area during the Revolutionary War period.