The Story of Fort Roberdeau In the spring of 1778, the struggle for independence appeared to be over. The British occupied the rebel's capital city, Philadelphia. George Washington's army was destitute at Valley Forge. Tories across the Commonwealth were beginning to take a stand against their rebel neighbors. Supplies for the army were in short supply. They lacked the basics of food and clothing as well as most of the material they needed to wage war. In particular, there was little lead for bullets and musket balls. Daniel Roberdeau, a member of the Continental Congress meeting in York since the capture of Philadelphia, became aware of lead mines in central Pennsylvania. He volunteered to organize an expedition to the mines to see if it was possible to obtain a supply of lead.
The original Fort Roberdeau was constructed during the American Revolution. It was built to protect the workers who were trying to open a lead mine and operate a smelter in Central Pennsylvania. The fort was built in 1778 under the direction of General Daniel Roberdeau, one of Pennsylvania's representatives to the Second Continental Congress. Also known as the Lead Mine Fort, the lead produced here was made into ammunition for the Continental Army. The construction of the fort also helped to stabilize the frontier. It gave the farmers a secure place to flee to when British Rangers, local Tories, and their Indian allies threatened. It also provided a base for local militia units and rangers. Ordnance and other supplies intended for Bedford County were also stored at the fort.
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