The first engagement of Pennsylvania Militia following Braddock's defeat in the French and Indian War.
Key Facts
- Date
- April 1756
- Attackers
- Pennsylvania Colonial Militia
- Defenders
- Lenape warriors
- Outcome
- Lenape repelled militia and escaped with captives
- Lenape destination
- Kittanning
- Prior incident
- Lenape had attacked Fort McCord
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
A band of Lenape warriors attacked Fort McCord and seized a number of Pennsylvania colonial settlers as captives. The warriors then began transporting the captives toward their base at Kittanning, prompting the Pennsylvania Colonial Militia to pursue and intercept them.
The militia ambushed the Lenape party at Sideling Hill in April 1756. However, Lenape reinforcements arrived during the engagement, enabling the warriors to fight off the militia attack. The Lenape successfully repelled the colonial force and continued their withdrawal with the captives.
The Lenape escaped with their captives, making the engagement a tactical defeat for the Pennsylvania Militia. Despite the outcome, the battle holds historical importance as the first action undertaken by Pennsylvania Militia in the broader conflict following General Braddock's defeat.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent