Fort Dobbs

Fort Dobbs is the only historic site in North Carolina from the French and Indian War time period. Built in the Piedmont, just to the east of the Blue Ridge near Statesville today, the area was considered part of the western frontier at the time. Leaders felt the state's unprotected frontier settlements risked attacks from those Indians who sided with France.

In 1755, Governor Arthur Dobbs convinced the colonial assembly to fund a fort on the western frontier. Construction began in the spring of 1756, and the fort was named for the governor. Its solid wooden construction was unusual for the South and more resembled some of the ones to the north. Of course, until danger came, other structures were used around the fort. As it turned out, Fort Dobbs was the only permanent frontier colonial fort in North Carolina.

About fifty men served at the fort, and it became a safe place for settlers. By the end of 1761, however, the number of soldiers had dwindled to thirty. As the war wound down, and the settlement inched farther west, the area around the fort became more civilized, and the fortification no longer seemed necessary. It was abandoned, and by 1766, the deserted fort had begun to fall into ruin. 

Today Fort Dobbs is a state historic site, which holds tours and reenactments. It's well worth a visit.

Fort Dobbs
438 Fort Dobbs Road, Statesville, NC
704-873-5882
Open 9:00 - 5:00, Tuesday - Saturday
Admission: Free

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