Plaque

Object number1778

Mediumlead (?)

Credit LineGift of Fleming Nevin

DescriptionRectangular metal plate with imprinted text.Dimensions11 x 0.125 x 7.5 in. (27.9 x 0.3 x 19.1 cm)
InscriptionsText on front in French.
Historical NotesReplicated plate buried to show French ownership of property along the Ohio River near the point.Label TextIn 1749, Captain Pierre Joseph Celeron de Blainbille led an expedition to buy six engraved lead plates that claimed this land for the French. Celeron’s visit, and these plates, drew British attention and anger. In 1753, the Virginia governor asked for a volunteer to deliver a letter of eviction to the French. George Washington volunteered to undertake this dangerous mission and set forth to Western Pennsylvania.

Terms

On View

On view