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Native Americans were the first to inhabit the area of Fort Ashby. Shawnee warriors were the Native Americans to claim the land. They settled here because of the close proximity to the waters of Patterson Creek. This creek supplied them with a water and food source. There are two trails the Native Americans used to reach Fort Ashby-one being Dan’s Run over Valley Ridge. Also another trail that was used was the North Branch Potomac River and George Washington later on used the mountain of Short Gap. Fort Ashby is home to many Native American graves, that are from small battles the Shawnee Indians had fought. When walking around in the old Native American parts of Fort Ashby, you can see and pick up old arrowheads and darts around the property.In 1755, George Washington gave out orders for a fort to be built on the eastern side of Patterson Creek. Captain Charles Lewis took command of the fort on Christmas day in 1775. Lewis and his twenty one men who occupied the fort were commanded by George Washington to keep quiet and hold the fort down as long as possible. However, if Lewis was unable to keep the fort from being conquered, he was to burn it rather than letting another army take control of the fort. Washington kept the fort in working order by supplying the soldiers there with food from Fort Cumberland, which was just a short distance away.By late 1756, most settlers in the area of the fort had either been killed in skirmishes with Native Americans, or fled east to safer locations. Once all the settlers left, there was no need for the fort, so it was abandoned in the fall of 1757. However in 1794, the fort began being used again by George Washington during the Whiskey Rebellion. General Morgan and his 1500 soldiers camped here while en-route to Western Pennsylvania. One striking feature of the fort is the double fireplace which is 14 feet wide and 4 feet thick.

Artifacts found on the grounds around Fort Ashby.

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National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form

Located in Mineral County, West Virginia near Patterson Creek is a small fort called Fort Ashby. Fort Ashby dates back many years; its first settlers were Native Americans. There are two distinctive Native American trails leading into Fort Ashby. Fort Ashby is most famous for the association with George Washington, who completed the fort in the eighteenth century. However, Fort Ashby did not get its name until years later in 1932. Before it received its name, the area was then called Frankfort and the local post office was named Alaska. The fort opened to the public in 1939. In 1970, Fort Ashby was listed on The National Register of Historic Places.

Fort Ashby 

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Located in Mineral County, West Virginia near Patterson
creek sets a small for called Fort Ashby. Fort Ashby dates back many years its
first settlers were Native Americans. There are two very distinctive Native
American trails leading into Fort Ashby. When we hear the name Fort Ashby we
usually associate it with George Washington the late president and former army
general who complete the fort back in 18th century. Though Fort
Ashby did not get its name until years later in 19322. Before it received its
name that was then called Frankfort and the local post office was named Alaska.
The fort became open to the public in 1939. Fort Ashby is a wonderful historic
site to visit with it being open every day except for Mondays from Decoration
Day until late August. &nbsp;On December 12th
1970 Fort Ashby was listed on The National Register of Historic Places.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Native
Americas were the first to come across Fort Ashby. Shawnee warriors were the
Native Americans to claim the land. They settled here because of the close
proximity to the waters of Patterson creek, this creek supplied them with a
water and food source. There are two trails the Native Americans used to reach
Fort Ashby one being Dan’s run over Valley Ridge. Also another trail that was
used was North Branch Potomac River and George Washington later on used trough
the mountain of Short Gap, this same route. Fort Ashby is home to many Native
American graves these are from small battles the Shawnee Indians had fought.
When walking around in the old Native American parts of Fort Ashby you can see
and pick up old arrow heads and darts around the property. 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In
177g George Washington gave out orders for a fort to be built on the eastern
side of Patterson creek. Which later became Fort Ashby. Captain Charles Lewis
took command of the fort on Christmas day in 1775. Him and his twenty one men
took the fort and was commanded by George Washington to keep quite and hold the
fort down as long as possible. Tough if he was unable to keep the fort from
being conquered he was to burn it rather than another army taking control of
the fort. George Washington kept the in working order by supplying the soldiers
there with food from Fort Cumberland that was just a short distance away.

Located in Mineral County, West Virginia near Patterson creek sets a small for called Fort Ashby. Fort Ashby dates back many years its first settlers were Native Americans. There are two very distinctive Native American trails leading into Fort Ashby. When we hear the name Fort Ashby we usually associate it with George Washington the late president and former army general who complete the fort back in 18th century. Though Fort Ashby did not get its name until years later in 19322. Before it received its name that was then called Frankfort and the local post office was named Alaska. The fort became open to the public in 1939. Fort Ashby is a wonderful historic site to visit with it being open every day except for Mondays from Decoration Day until late August.  On December 12th 1970 Fort Ashby was listed on The National Register of Historic Places.