Presentation

March 22nd 7:00pm

Robert Jacob

How George Washington Started the Seven Years War 

George Washington is among the most iconic and important figures in the history of the United States. While most of us are well-versed in his political and military accomplishments throughout the American Revolution and afterwards, few of us are aware of the vital roles he played during his earlier career.

For seven years, between 1756 and 1763, Europe was engulfed in one of the largest wars of the 18th century, known in America as the French & Indian War. This monumental conflict was sparked in the backwoods of what became Western Pennsylvania by a young officer in the Virginia Regiment named George Washington. Although Washington certainly didn’t cause this war, he was definitely a pivotal figure during its inception.

Learn the truth about Washington’s involvement, his service to the Governor of Virginia and the loss of his first command at Fort Necessity, his courageous service with General Braddock at his defeat, his promotion to commanding officer of all the Virginia forces, and his participation and final victory over the French at Fort Duquesne with General Forbes.

Course topics include:

• Early Exploration of the Ohio Country

• Native American Tribes in the Ohio Country

• European Politics in North America

• Washington’s early exploration of the Ohio Country

• Attack of Jumonville and the disaster at Fort Necessity

• Braddock’s March and Defeat

• Washington’s Command at Fort Loudoun

• General Forbes’ Campaign to the Ohio Country

Biography

With a lifelong passion for history, Robert Jacob has been heavily involved in living history interpretation and reenacting for over 40 years.

Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in education from Duquesne University and a Master’s Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and served in the United States Marine Corps for 31 years.

The author of two books, “A Pirate’s Life in the Golden Age of Piracy” and “Pirates of the Florida Coast,” Robert is still a living historian. He is also a lecturer and a public speaker who has appeared on the History Channel. 

Seminole exists because of the dreams and actions of those who came before us. Did you know that in early 1860's individual settlers with names like Archer, Campbell, Cobb, Duhme, Grable, Meares, Moody, O'Quinn, Sartorius, Thevenet and Tyler were the pioneer settlers in the Seminole area? They were followed by more pioneers with names such as Johnson, Leach, Longley, Repetto, Thurston, and Whittle. 

These early settlers found tall pines suitable for building their homes, ample land to raise their cattle, and plentiful wildlife such as turkey, deer, quail to feed their families. 

In 1910, the Seminole area was comprised of just 75 people. The 1920 Census shows names of orange grove owners and farmers living side by side next to each other on one very long road. We know it as Duhme Rd, or 113' Street, or Ridge Road. These families were, O'Quinn, Hinckle, Meares, Johnson, Leach, Brumby, Duhme, and Thevenet. 

The Seminole Historical Museum is a gathering place for the dreams of the past and the rich history of our community. The museum is a place for telling stories of those who are no longer here to tell them for themselves.

We welcome you to our website and invite you to visit our beautiful museum to learn about the stories of those "dreamers" from our past who have helped create our present and future.