Fort Elder Historical Marker

This historical marker from the Derry Area Historical Society shares the history of Fort Elder which was created near this site in 1783. The blockhouse style fortification was built by Robert Elder leading to its name, and was used to store supplies and munition including cannon, firearms, and many rounds of ammunition. The fort was intended to solidify settler's claims from area Native American tribes and other would-be settlers of European origin as well as provide a place of refuge in times of conflict. The construction of this fort was inspired by the violence spanning a series of battles for control of the area. The fort was seldom used after its initial construction and was demolished sometime around the mid-1800s.

There is no record of any battle around Fort Elder which was constructed by Robert Elder to become a place to store munitions and a place of safe haven for the people of Derry Township during any possible attack from area Native Americans other would-be settlers or raiders. The fort had a practical peacetime purpose, providing shelter at night for area settlers as they cleared fields and awaited the completion of their own homes.

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Wintermantel, Mike. “Fort Elder Historical Marker.” Historical Marker, 24 May 2019, https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=134222. Accessed 15, Dec. 2022

Sawyer, Shawn. “Lord Dunmore & the Forts That Never Fired.” Cacique International, Cacique International, 14 July 2017, https://www.caciqueinternational.com/blog/2017/6/15/discover-cacique-the-forts-that-never-fired. Accessed 15, Dec. 2022

“Lord Dunmore.” American Battlefield Trust, 14 July 2015, https://www.battlefields.org/learn/biographies/lord-dunmore. Accessed 15, Dec. 2022